The past month in Kenya has been quite eventful, especially with the anti-government protests organized by the Kenyan youth, grouped under one umbrella, Gen Zs. Despite the young people being enraged on grounds of over-taxation, failed government systems, and the slain murder of protestors, the streets were not ” boring”. This was after different artists released music that ended up being “maandamano” anthems, or as they say ‘tracks for the road’.
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” Anguka Nayo” by Wadagliz Ke, is a club banger that was not specifically curated for the protests but ended up being a track for the road. During Tuesdays, “the government shall…” Protests, the young protestors were spotted singing and dancing to the “Anguka Nayo” challenge on the streets.
The legendary Bien and Talented Breeder Lw, released a song which they titled “Maandamano”, a Swahili word for ‘Protests’. In the song, the two highlight the failing systems across different sectors of government. They also encourage the youth to keep showing up for the protests so as to trigger change in Kenya. Speaking at his Listening party on Wednesday, Bien applauded the gen Z for saving Kenya from the shackles of bad governance.
The beautiful and talented Nadia Mukami was also not left behind. Nadia released a track titled “Wake Up” which she says was inspired by the protests dabbed #reject the finance bill of 2024. The track starts with a prayer, as in the national anthem but then proceeds to call out politicians with selfish intention. In what she terms as a journey towards total liberation, Nadia calls on Kenyans not to shy away standing up for their rights that should be stewarded by a revolutionary leadership.
On his side, Musician Iyanii released two tracks; “freedom” and “Sauti ya wanyonge”. These tracks also drew inspiration from the protests and the push for a change and revolution in the Kenyan political and leadership arena.
Legendary musician Juliani’s “Utawala” also Resurfaced during this season as many Kenyans resonated with the lyrics.