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In recent years, the Kenyan entertainment industry has witnessed an unprecedented surge in international recognition and success. From Grammy Award-winning musicians to reality TV stars and influential designers, Kenyan talent is breaking barriers and leaving a mark in global entertainment landscape. We look at some of them.
KayCyy: A Grammy Award-Winning Trailblazer
Leading the charge for Kenyan musicians is the immensely talented KayCyy. Born and raised in Keroka, Kisii County, KayCyy is signed to internationally renowned label, Columbia Records.
His distinctive style, blending Trap, Afrobeat and contemporary R&B, has garnered him widespread acclaim, with songwriting credits cutting from Travis Scott and Justin Beiber to Kanye West and Alicia Keys.
In a historic moment for Kenyan music, KayCyy secured a Grammy Award in 2022, solidifying his status as a legend in the making.
"The plan is to represent Kenya at the highest level. I haven't been back home in over 10 years, and I always dream of coming home and chilling in Mombasa, but right now is the time to build and put Kenya on the map," he sayss.
Trina Njoroge: Love Island Contestant and Model
Trina Njoroge, a familiar face to fans of reality television, made waves as a contestant on the US edition of Love Island Season 3.
Beyond her captivating on-screen presence, Trina is also a successful model, gracing international runways and collaborating with renowned fast fashion brands SavagexFenty and Fashion Nova.
Her journey from Nairobi to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood reality TV showcases the diverse talents that Kenyan entertainers bring to the world stage.
Cherie Mwangi: Norway-Based Rapper Breaking Barriers
In the world of hip-hop, Cherie Mwangi has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Based in Norway, she has carved a niche for herself with her thought-provoking lyrics and dynamic performances.
Taking after her sister and now manager, Stella Mwangi, Cherie's music reflects her Kenyan roots, providing a unique blend of cultural influences.
Signed to global music behemoth Universal Music Norge, her success demonstrates that Kenyan artistes can thrive in unexpected corners of the globe, transcending geographical boundaries through the power of music.
Zeddie Loky: Blkburdgenes Designer Setting Trends
Fashion plays a pivotal role in entertainment, and Zeddie Loky, the creative mind behind Blkburdgenes and Narok NY, is making significant strides in the industry.
Loky's designs have caught the attention of fashion enthusiasts worldwide, with his avant-garde approach.
His creations embody the spirit of contemporary African fashion, specifically, Kenyan ethnic and cultural reference points.
Showbiz vikings Jay-Z and Miami Heat All-star Jimmy Buttler are some of the personalities who have been photographed wearing his designs.
Elsa Majimbo: Comedy Sensation
Elsa Majimbo has become a sensation, capturing hearts and funny bones across the globe.
Her comedic style, characterised by witty one-liners and infectious laughter, has garnered her a massive following on social media.
Having collaborated with luxury houses such as Valentino, publications such as Forbes have celebrated her as a mover and shaker in pop cultural.
Javan Okelo: Promoter Behind International Collaborations
Behind the scenes, Javan Okelo has played a crucial role in fostering international collaborations and bringing Kenyan talent to a global audience.
As a promoter, Okelo has orchestrated successful events and partnerships, bridging the gap between local artistes and international platforms through his North American touring giant, Madaraka Festival.
His efforts contribute to the growing recognition of Kenyan entertainment on the global stage.
"We want to make the touring circuit way bigger, incorporate more artists and locations next year. We have signed a deal with Live Nation, and this is the beginning of scaling up the festival to a much bigger audience and have an international standard," Javan says.
Fully Focus: DJ Extraordinaire
Music is a universal language, and DJ Fully Focus has become a maestro in speaking it.
Based in Atlanta, US, he is a global citizen.
His company PXP Presents has been able to pitch tent in numerous countries including Australia, Dubai and South Africa.
Fully Focus has been instrumental in introducing not only Kenyan, but many African stars, including Wizkid, who he has worked with in pushing the African sound and influence to newer markets.
His ability to seamlessly blend different musical genres has made him a sought-after DJ at events around the world, further elevating the visibility of Kenyan music on the global scene.
Cedric Nzaka: Snapping shots for the best
Photographer and visual savant Cedric Nzaka is a Johannesburg based artiste who hails from the humble slums of Kibera.
Diversifying the black voice in boardrooms of brands such as Netflix, Adidas and FIAT, Nzaka has also shot covers for magazines such as Cosmopolitan, The Native and GQ.
He captures portrait images that encapsulate beauty, attitude and personality with unbridled warmth and colouring that has emboldened his signature identity.
A fashion icon, Nzaka wavesthe Kenyan flag proudly.
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