Maandy Kabaya has carved her space in Kenya’s urban music scene, growing from a DJ into one of the country’s most respected rap voices. Born in January 1999 in Nairobi, she spent her childhood between Kawangware and Waithaka, where her grandmother lived. Music runs in her family; her grandfather used to hand-make and play guitars, an influence that shaped her artistic journey.
How Did Maandy Start Her Career in Music?
After finishing high school at Moi Girls’ Nairobi, Maandy pursued a degree in Events and Convention Management at the Technical University of Kenya. During this time, she also attended DJ school, which sparked her career in entertainment. She performed at events and on TV before releasing her debut single in 2016.
Although she took a year-long break, Maandy returned stronger in 2018 with tracks like Like a Boss, Mad, and The Baddest. By 2019, she dropped her debut album Kabaya, an eight-track project that included fan favorites like Sema Nami, Watiaji, and Energy.
Her second album, Frisky (2021), expanded her reach with 12 tracks such as Shash na Lipgloss, Mambo Gani, and Bad Gal Anthem, which gained massive traction across streaming platforms. In 2023, she followed up with her third album, Flavour, featuring hits like Sita Sita and Spoil. That same year, she dropped her first EP, Dem Mauru, closing the year with six powerful singles, including Lele (Remix) and Bubbly Bubbly.
What Has Maandy Achieved in Her Career So Far?
Beyond her albums, Maandy has collaborated with top Kenyan names such as Mejja, Trio Mio, Femi One, Nameless, and Breeder LW. Her unique sound blends Genge tone with urban rap, making her a standout voice among Kenya’s new generation of artists.
Her talent has earned her multiple recognitions. She received the YouTube Silver Button after surpassing 100,000 subscribers and was named Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador in May 2023. That same year, her track Bubbly Bubbly was nominated for Female Video of the Year at the Pulse Music Video Awards. Earlier in 2022, her collaboration Sirudi Home with Breeder LW and Ndovu Kuu was also nominated at the awards.
From her early beginnings in Kawangware to headlining Kenya’s rap scene, Maandy’s journey reflects resilience, creativity, and determination. At just 25, she has positioned herself as a defining female voice in Kenya’s hip-hop and Genge tone culture.
By Risper Akinyi