Kenyan artist Nazizi has made a return with a new single titled ‘Gai Fafa’, which is available for streaming here.
Produced by the late Hilton Mwakio, aka Herbalist, ‘Gai Fafa’ is a heartfelt standalone release; a feel-good anthem about letting go of life’s burdens and choosing to celebrate.
Nazizi says the release is both a gift to her fans and a tribute to a cherished friend.
“This one is for the fans who have held me down for 25 years, especially during my recent time of grief,” Nazizi says. “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.”
The music video was shot in Arusha, Tanzania, by director Okey, and features the Purple Dancers Crew choreographed by Chiki and Kevo from The Dance Shagz.
The track was first performed live at the Blankets & Wine festival in Nairobi in December 2024, where she asked the crowd if it should be released. Their roaring response gave her the green light.
Known as the First Lady of Kenyan reggae and hip hop, Nazizi taps into joy and liberation in the new release.
“It’s all about releasing the stress, dancing your heart out and allowing yourself to feel good – even if just for a moment,” she says. “This is my first-ever dance-based video and I am excited to see the dance challenges that come out of it.”
Looking ahead, Nazizi is working on plans to release a six-track reggae EP later this year.
With a music career spanning over two decades, Nazizi is considered a legend in the Kenyan urban music scene. A pioneer in both hip hop and reggae scene, she has inspired an entire generation of femcees, establishing herself as one of East Africa’s most iconic and influential artists.
She has been recognised by the Recording Academy as one of Africa’s female rappers who have been a part of African hip hop since its onset, contributing to the genre’s foundation.
Rising to fame in the late ’90s, she made her mark as a member of the award-winning group Necessary Noize and through a trailblazing solo career that delivered a plethora of hits like ‘Kenyan Gal Kenyan Boy’, ‘Kube’, ‘Bless My Room’ and ‘Naleta Action’.
With over 17 music awards to her name – including Channel O Music Video Awards, Chaguo La Teeniez (CHAT) Awards and Kisima Awards – Nazizi’s impact on the industry is undeniable.
She has toured across Africa, Europe and the US, and has shared the stage with global music heavyweights like Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, Julian Marley and Akon, cementing her status as a true ambassador of Kenyan hip hop and reggae.
