Kenya’s rapper Wangechi releases video for her anthem to patriotism

Shot in each of the 47 regions in the country, the video captures Kenya’s diverse peoples, sounds and sights and was released in time for Jamhuri Day celebrations, Kenya’s independence day on 12 December 2016. The song is a bonus track from her first studio EP Do Not Consume If Seal Is Broken (#DCISIB) which dropped on 2 December.

The video is produced by Kaki Gondi, founder of Flag42 Records who explains his journey across the country in search of the authentic Kenyan sounds of ordinary people, instruments and ethnic songs in a scenic supplementary video. It is the theme song for the Here's To Us campaign by Kenya Breweries Ltd (KBL). Through its flagship brand, Tusker Lager aims to celebrate ‘the spirit of togetherness; in particular, the extraordinary things that happen when ordinary Kenyans come together‘.

Wangechi’s new hip-hop EP comes after she took a hiatus from the industry following a near-death experience from a road accident in 2014. It has 10 songs and features local heavyweights like RnB singer Didge, the upcoming rap group 125 and Taio Tripper of the defunct hip-hop Camp Mulla. Notable songs include 'Memories', 'Silver Lining', 'Home' and 'Offbeat'. Some of the songs however sound underdeveloped.

The 22-year-old rapper, singer and songwriter began her music career in 2013 with her debut mixtape Consume – Chakula Ya Soul. She went on to release singles such as ‘Tulia Tu’ featuring HHP and King Kaka, ‘Attention Shopper’, ‘They Don't Know’ featuring Fena Gitu and ‘Cardiac Arrest’ among others. She has shared stages with various international artists such as Mos Def, Tinie Tempah, Tim Westwood, Morgan Heritage and Ne-Yo.

The EP audio is available for free download on www.wangechimusic.com

See the video for ‘Here’s To Us’ below: