He has long been hailed as the “prolific ghost” of the Kenyan underground, but today, Virusi Mbaya is stepping into the blinding light of mainstream success.
The rapper, whose real name is Peter Waweru, has officially declared his latest single, ‘Have Mercy,’ as the “hottest song of the year” after it stormed the YouTube trending charts, peaking at an impressive Number 3.
The track, a gritty, soul-searching collaboration with Scar Mkadinali, has become a runaway success, proving that the raw sounds of Nairobi’s streets are currently dominating the digital landscape.
Speaking exclusively about his chart-topping success, the Wasted Gang CEO remained defiant and hungry for more.
Despite the year winding down, the Kibera-raised star insists he is just getting started.
The hottest song this year… but mwaka haijaisha tunawapea ingine soonest [the year isn’t over, we are giving you another one soon],”
Virusi Mbaya told this site, signaling that his relentless work ethic shows no signs of slowing down.
For a man who has spent over a decade building his reputation as one of Kenya’s most gifted yet “underrated” lyricists, the success of ‘Have Mercy’ feels like a long-overdue coronation.
Virusi Mbaya’s rise to the top of the charts in December follows an almost superhuman output of music throughout 2025.
While most artists struggle to release a single album, Virusi Mbaya has flooded the market with four distinct projects this year: Souled Out, Waste Cost, Wasted Rongly, and the emotionally charged Broke And Hurt With A Broken Heart.
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His music, which often blends traditional hip-hop with the harsh realities of slum life, mental health struggles, and political corruption, has clearly struck a chord with a generation tired of “bubblegum” pop.
The success of ‘Have Mercy’ has been bolstered by the presence of Scar Mkadinali, one-third of the powerhouse group Wakadinali.
The collaboration has bridged the gap between the underground and the mainstream, with Scar himself acknowledging that reaching the Number 3 spot marks one of the most significant milestones in his storied career.
From the muddy alleys of Kibera to the summit of the digital charts, Virusi Mbaya is proving that “wasted” is just a brand, but his talent is anything but.
As fans eagerly await his next move before the New Year’s Eve countdown, one thing is certain: the “Gwangi Of All Time” is finally getting his flowers.
