Kenya is home to numerous artists and creatives. From rappers to performing artists we have a plethora of them housed under different genres. 1Jau is one to watch. Hailing from Nairobi, 1Jau is a dynamic artist who is often bending genres and adapting to the flow of music in its eternity. Formally breaking into the scene in 2021 with his debut project ‘WASUP(P)ER,’ you could immediately tell he was destined for greatness and advocating for change in the community. The title of the EP served as a double entendre meaning dinner and beautiful ladies. 1Jau’s ‘WASUP(P)ER’ is a vibrant showcase of Nairobi’s emerging urban sound, weaving together a tapestry of collaborations that highlight the city’s dynamic music scene.
Across six tracks, 1Jau enlists the talents of Terrianne Iraki, Barnah, Mutune, Brandy Maina, and Tsotsi, each bringing their unique flair to the project. The EP opens with “Mitaani,” a nod to the pulse of the streets, and journeys through energetic anthems like “Cheza na Mimi” and the motivational “Higher,” before winding down with the reflective “WASUP(P)ER Outro.” Swahili phrases and local slang pepper the tracklist, grounding the project firmly in our Kenyan culture. WASUP(P)ER EP stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and creative innovation driving East Africa’s next generation of artists.
“Mitaani,” the opening track of 1Jau’s WASUP(P)ER EP, stands out in Kenya’s urban music scene by blending the raw, streetwise energy of Shrap—a uniquely Kenyan take on trap music—with a distinctly local flavor. Unlike many artists in the genre who might lean heavily on Western trap conventions, “Mitaani” incorporates Swahili and Sheng in its lyrical delivery, grounding the song in Nairobi’s street culture and making it instantly relatable to local audiences. The production features the signature synth beats and rolling 808s of Shrap, but the storytelling and linguistic choices give it a sense of authenticity and immediacy that sets it apart from more generic trap or Afrobeat tracks dominating Kenyan airwaves. This approach not only reflects the lived realities of Nairobi’s youth but also contributes to the evolving identity of East African urban music, which thrives on fusing traditional influences with contemporary global sounds. By prioritizing local language, context, and collaboration, “Mitaani” offers a fresh, culturally resonant alternative to the increasingly internationalized soundscape of Kenyan urban music.
Different artists have different ways of sharpening their craft and for 1Jau it was taking a sabbatical break. Following the release of his singles “Omoka,” and ”Nyumbani” he decided to take a step back, polish his sound and come back better than ever. With the political tension in the country, artists have had divided takes, while some choose to sit back and let everything unfold, some artists have stepped to the ground. Both literally and metaphorically. During the 25th June Maandamano that was meant to celebrate the lives of those lost during the 2024 protests while also condemning police brutality, 1Jau found himself a slave of the system. He was arrested along with a friend as they were in a matatu on Langata Road.
Ironically five days prior fans had a celebration as he made his comeback with the release of his second EP ‘Maandamano Szn.’ As fans, family and friends awaited his release it was impossible not to be filled with worry but his release served a message to the public. “Fear not because we are the change the country needs.” ‘Maandamano Szn’ EP is a powerful and nuanced project that captures the raw energy, social realities, and vibrant culture of Nairobi’s streets. Building on his reputation as one of Kenya’s most innovative voices in urban music, 1Jau delivers six tracks that blend sharp lyricism, compelling storytelling, and dynamic production to create a cohesive and engaging listening experience.
The EP opens with the title track “Sistame 2,” a confident anthem that immediately sets the tone for the project. Sistame 2 loosely translates to system, here, 1Jau’s flow is both commanding and fluid, backed by a beat that fuses boom bap rhythms with the gritty textures of Shrap, a Kenyan trap subgenre. The song’s production balances polished instrumentation with an underground edge, reflecting the duality of Nairobi’s urban life: vibrant yet challenging. Starting out the song with a conversation between his late grandfather and himself. With key questions leading to each verse 1Jau compares the struggles Mau Mau leader Dedan Kimathi faced to what the Gen Z is facing. Torture, deception and death. Following this, “Gonga” featuring Ayoti, injects a burst of energy and chemistry. The collaboration between 1Jau and Ayoti is seamless, with both artists trading verses that celebrate resilience and ambition. The track’s infectious rhythm and catchy hooks make it a standout, appealing to both club-goers and fans of thoughtful lyricism. He immediately relates with the common mwananchi and the daily struggles we encounter.
One of the EP’s highlights is “Ungana,” which brings together Wuod Baba and Omish Njash alongside 1Jau. This track exemplifies the collaborative spirit that runs throughout Maandamano Szn. The interplay of different voices and styles creates a rich sonic tapestry, blending melodic flows with hard-hitting bars. Thematically, “Ungana” speaks to unity and collective strength, resonating deeply in a city known for its diversity and hustle. Special point out to the perfect sample from Juliani’s “Utawala,” that also served as a social commentary towards Kenyan government officials and their greed. Tracks like “Ras” and “Problems” offer a more introspective and socially conscious side of the EP. In “Ras,” 1Jau reflects on personal struggles from the stereotype of having dreadlocks and the pressures of urban life, delivering verses that are both vulnerable and insightful. “Problems” continues this thread, addressing broader societal issues with a mix of frustration and hope. The production on these tracks is more subdued, allowing the lyrics to take center stage and encouraging listeners to engage with the messages on a deeper level.
Closing the EP is “Pastor Frank’s Prayer,” a contemplative and almost spiritual piece that adds emotional depth to the project. The track’s somber tone and reflective lyrics provide a fitting conclusion, inviting listeners to pause and consider the complexities of life in Nairobi from the hustle and noise to moments of quiet introspection. As if a prayer that served as a source of hope Pastor Frank carefully places the youth at the center of the prayer. Asking for safety, resilience, unity and love.
The Maandamano Szn EP by 1Jau vividly reflects the spirit and struggles of the Maandamano protests, a significant youth-led movement in Kenya that erupted in response to the 2024 Finance Bill and widespread police brutality. These protests transcended ethnic, social, and political divides, uniting Kenyans, especially Gen Z, in a powerful demand for justice, economic relief, and political accountability. Through its lyrics and tone, the EP channels the frustration and resilience of Nairobi’s youth, who faced soaring living costs, corruption, and heavy-handed state repression during this turbulent period. Songs on the EP echo the realities of the protests, including the economic hardships triggered by unpopular taxation and austerity measures, and the tragic consequences of police violence, which claimed lives and injured many innocent civilians.
1Jau’s use of local languages like Swahili and Sheng grounds the project in the lived experiences of ordinary Kenyans, making the music a direct reflection of the streets and the collective outcry against systemic injustices. The EP’s fusion of Afrobeat, Shrap, and hip-hop mirrors the chaotic yet hopeful energy of the demonstrations, blending urgency with moments of reflection. Moreover, ‘Maandamano Szn’ captures the broader social issues fueling the protests: governance failures, political elite manipulation, and the demand for a total overhaul of Kenya’s political landscape. The EP’s fusion of Afrobeat, Shrap, and hip-hop mirrors the chaotic yet hopeful energy of the demonstrations, blending urgency with moments of reflection.
Moreover, ‘Maandamano Szn’ captures the broader social issues fueling the protests: governance failures, political elite manipulation, and the demand for a total overhaul of Kenya’s political landscape. By weaving these themes into his music, 1Jau not only documents a critical moment in Kenya’s history but also amplifies the voices of a generation refusing to be silenced. The EP stands as both a soundtrack and a statement, embodying the spirit of resistance and the call for transformative change that defined the Maandamano movement.
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