Muthoni the Drummer Queen is among the female rappers in Kenya who helped put rap music on the pedestal. Photo credit: Instagram/muthonidrummerqueen
Muthoni the Drummer Queen is among the female rappers in Kenya who helped put rap music on the pedestal. Photo credit: Instagram/muthonidrummerqueen

The rise of female rappers in Kenya

3 mins read

In recent years, there has been a remarkable emergence of female rappers in Kenya, breaking barriers and making waves in the traditionally male-dominated hip-hop scene. 

One of the leading female rappers in Kenya is Muthoni Drummer Queen, who has been in the industry for over a decade and is known for her unique sound that blends hip-hop, Afro-fusion, and electronic music. 

Muthoni is a strong advocate for gender equality, using her music to address issues such as sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and toxic masculinity.

Fena Gitu is another notable female rapper in Kenya who has been active in the industry for a few years now and has released several hit songs. Her music is a fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and Afro-pop, and she is known for her smooth flow and catchy hooks. 

Fena is also a strong advocate for social justice and uses her music to speak out against corruption and political oppression. 

Stella Mwangi, formerly known as STL is also making a mark in the Kenyan hip-hop scene, known for her hard-hitting lyrics and socially conscious messages, while Wangechi’s versatility and ability to blend different genres of music has earned her a place among the top female rappers in Kenya.

Femi One is another prominent female rapper in Kenya, who has been in the industry since 2015. She has released several hit songs and collaborated with notable artistes such as Nyashinski, King Kaka and Mejja. 

Femi One is known for her unique style of rap that blends both English and Swahili, and her music often tackles issues such as women empowerment and self-confidence.

The rise of female rappers in Kenya is significant not only because it challenges gender stereotypes in hip-hop but also because it provides a voice for women who have traditionally been silenced in Kenyan society.    

Female rappers use their music to speak out against issues such as gender-based violence, sexual harassment, and unequal access to education and opportunities.

Moreover, female rappers in Kenya are not just using their music as a platform for activism but are also breaking down barriers and pushing the envelope when it comes to what is considered acceptable for women in hip-hop. 

They are challenging the status quo and proving that women can be just as skilled and talented as their male counterparts. 

With the increasing popularity of female rappers in Kenya, it is evident that they are paving the way for future generations of female artistes and will continue to make a significant impact on the music industry and society as a whole.

I am a Pan-Afrikanist to the core and love to let the world know what they are missing in Africa. I might do that through music and some interesting posts from time to time so please bare with me.

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