TheOnlyRosa real name Rosalie Akinyi is a Kenyan based singer/songwriter who is taking the music scene with such authority that can only inspire.
From an early age, she had an affinity for music and at 14, her passion for music led her to the guitar and drums which she learned how to play comfortably. Five years later, the budding artiste recorded her first song with the popular producer; Big Soul.
In 2013, her career took off as she was one of the opening acts during Naija Night on a list that featured Burna Boy and other celebrated names in the music industry across Africa. This soulful sound opened this thrilling chapter with Flag42.
She dropped her first hit single, ‘Niguse’ which topped download charts in the country and was featured in multiple international music blogs including those in the U.K and Nigeria.
Her music is a sensual blend of Pop and R&B with a dash of dancehall.
With a husky voice and looks to kill, the multi-talented artiste has a unique act who’s versatile sound flows seamlessly across genres.
In 2014, she released her first music video for her highly anticipated single dubbed ‘Chunyi’, followed by ‘Zungusha’ as produced by Robert Kamanzi (RKay) in 2015.
Rosa ruled the airwaves following her amazing rendition of Sauti Sol’s ‘Nishike’ in 2016 before releasing her debut 12-track album ‘Original Copy’ which showcased her growth in vocal capability and style diversity.
2018 saw her solidify her brand as the most sought after Urban-pop artiste in Kenya after multiple celebrated performances and the release of ‘InSide’ featuring Naiboi and later ‘Ride’.
The year marked her performances alongside Nasty C at the Kaya event and then at the all-female concert, Colour Purple, and later received a public request from Mr. Eazi for a studio session.
“It’s very exciting to be such a defined brand and to share that with fans.”
In 2019, she took a yearlong break from music to complete her masters degree and her return was marked by her performance alongside Konshens at the Hype Festival and the release of her Trap inspired collaboration, ‘Show Off’ featuring Steph Kapela which showcases her diversity and expresses the great sense of achievement she feels in her journey back to music.
During this period, she participated in Ballantines’ True Music competition which saw her emerge the winner in Kenya and was awarded a music video shot in London which is now the new release, ‘Popping’.
The song is a tribute to the discovery of her true passion for being creative and the struggles that accompanied her journey to becoming the artiste she is now.
