Kenya: Nazizi returns with new single Gai Fafa

Produced by the late Hilton Mwakio, also known as Herbalist, the track is centred on letting go of life’s burdens and choosing joy. The record is available for streaming and download on major digital platforms.

“This one is for the fans who have stood by me for 25 years, especially during my recent time of grief,” Nazizi said. “I can’t express how much your DMs, messages and encouragement have meant to me. I needed to say thank you in the only way I know how – through music. And it’s also for Hilton. He loved this song so much and kept pushing me to release it. This one’s for him too.”

The accompanying music video was filmed in Arusha, Tanzania and directed by Okey. It features choreography by Chiki and Kevo of The Dance Shagz (Kenya), performed by the Purple Dancers Crew. The track was first performed live at Blankets & Wine in December 2024, where the crowd’s enthusiastic response prompted Nazizi to move forward with its release.

Widely known as the “First Lady” of Kenyan reggae and hip hop, Nazizi explores themes of liberation and joy in ‘Gai Fafa’. Speaking about the song, she said, “It’s all about releasing the stress, dancing your heart out, and allowing yourself to feel good – even if just for a moment. This is my first-ever dance-based video, and I’m excited to see what dance challenges come out of it.”

The single is a standalone release, not attached to any album. However, Nazizi has confirmed plans to release a six-track reggae EP later this year, dedicated to her reggae fans.

With a music career spanning over two decades, Nazizi remains a dominant force in East African music. She rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a member of the award-winning group Necessary Noize and has since built a successful solo career with hits such as ‘Kenyan Gal Kenyan Boy’, ‘Kube’, ‘Bless My Room’, and ‘Naleta Action’.

Her contributions to African hip hop have been recognised by the Recording Academy, which has named her among the pioneering female rappers who laid the foundation for the genre on the continent. Nazizi has won over 17 music awards, including two Channel O Music Video Awards and seven consecutive CHAT Female Artist of the Year titles. She has also received honours from the Grammy Awards, Kisima Awards, and Chaguo La Teeniez Awards. Her global appeal has seen her tour extensively across Africa, Europe and the United States, and collaborate with international stars such as Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, Julian Marley and Akon.