Kenyan rapper considered for Grammy nomination

Gabiro Mtu Necessary has become the first Kenyan artist to receive consideration for the 65th Grammy Awards.

Gabiro’s debut album Saint John and single ‘Pok Alando’ have been included in the Best Global Music Album and Best Global Music Performance voting categories, respectively.

This is the second time that the artist, who was named as a Recording Academy voting member early this year, is being considered for the prestigious awards.

Last year, the hip hop act saw his three-track EP Jenesis recognised by the Recording Academy in the Behind the Records initiative. The EP later received consideration for a Grammy in the Best Global Music Album alongside those of fellow Kenyan musicians Octopizzo and Victoria Kimani.

The singer took to social media to celebrate his latest achievement. “Is it not appropriate to now say I am the first rapper to take Luo rap to the Grammys?” Gabiro wrote on Facebook. “We are bringing this to Kisumu one day, it's close and I can feel it.”

A year ago, Gabiro Mtu Necessary had given up on music and opened a barbershop in Kisumu city, his hometown. He also ventured into poultry farming in his rural home.

His career is currently enjoying a resurgence thanks to healthy streaming numbers, particularly on Boomplay where he boasts more than 2 million plays.