By Tela Wangeci
The past few years has seen Kenyan HipHop morph and evolve into new heights from Shrap, Luo Trap, Kili Trap, Drill to Dancehall trap. We have seen the fanbase gain new fans as the art has been simplified for easier consumption. The wide spread of melodic rap has even opened the scene to new rappers who aren’t too keen on the purist laws of Hip Hop and are preaching their lifestyle. The evolution can be seen as a double edge sword as it is no secret more rappers are crossing over to Pop while majority of the rappers “lack” the required skillset to impress rap purists. Despite this, there are few names such as Elisha Elai who are staying true to the core principles and elements of Hip Hop.
A native from Dandora (also known as the home of Kenyan Hip Hop), Elisha Elai boasts a couple of accolades to his name including UnKut HipHop Awards Breakthrough Artist Of The Year (2020) among others. Starting rap in primary after being inspired by Ukoo Flani Mau Mau, he has gained notoriety for his dexterous delivery and unmatched penmanship. Backed up with bodies of work including “Bazenga” EP (2019) and a plethora of collaborations including Asum Garvey, Wakadinali, Umoja Sounds and the much celebrated Khali Cartel Cypher 4.
With the arrival of his studio album “Kijana Ya Randiga,” much buzz has been caused in the Hip Hop scene as we can say it is the “return of the mac.”In a sea of rising Kenyan rappers, Elisha Elai is carving his own path, slowly, surely, and with a firm grip on his narrative.Elisha Elai’s new album, “Kijana ya Randiga,” emerges as a vital new voice in the East African music scene a sonic journey that, while rooted in the local realities of Nairobi’s bustling life, resonates well beyond the city’s boundaries. The project offers a raw and resonant portrait of a young hustler finding his way through the thickets of urban life, loyalty tests, and creative ambition.Released under the visionary BIGBEATSAFRIQ label, this project stands as a genre-spanning mosaic of Kenyan hip-hop, and urban trap, threaded through with authentic storytelling and a spirit of collaboration.
From the moment the opening track plays, it’s clear Elai isn’t here to posture. The title track, “Kijana ya Randiga” featuring Mbithi, strikes a strong opening chord,a motivational anthem built on introspection and drive. It’s not just a show of lyrical strength, but a hint at the kind of sonic ambition Elai is pursuing: one rooted in storytelling but polished with commercial-ready production.This balance is perhaps most evident in the standout track “Mboka,” a spirited collaboration with Scar Mkadinali stands out as an anthem of perseverance and street wisdom. Here, the percussive layers meet boom bap-inspired swagger, and Scar’s grizzled flow injects a jolt of energy into Elai’s fluid delivery. Both artists channel the grit of Nairobi’s streets, their verses flowing effortlessly over a menacing trap beat. There’s no sugar-coating here as Elai and Scar trade real stories of struggle, hustle, and dreams deferred, in a way that feels both confessional and fiercely resilient.
“Money,” is a hard-hitting track on which Elai explores the universal hunger for financial betterment. His delivery is laid-back yet razor-sharp, capturing both the allure and the pitfalls of the pursuit for wealth and the monstrous nature of the entertainment industry. The production is slick, with pressing basslines and atmospheric synths, but it’s Elai’s nuanced lyricism that commands attention, drawing the listener into his balancing act between ambition and caution.“Kijana ya Randiga” doesn’t shy away from collaborations. In fact, the features read like a roll call of respected names in Kenyan rap, including Collo, Johnny Vigeti, Robah Wenyeji, and more. But it’s not a tape that feels crowded. Rather, Elai uses his guests wisely bringing them in where they can sharpen the story, never to overshadow it. The collaboration with Collo on “Machizi” is especially notable, bridging generational flows while diving into themes of mental health, perception, and identity. Collo’s seasoned presence acts like a guiding hand, yet Elai stands his ground with lyrical precision and earnest emotion.
Midway through the project, tracks like “Loyalty” and “One Day” slow the pace slightly, offering emotional breathing room. These aren’t just breaks from the high-octane moments, they’re deliberate choices. On “Loyalty,” Elai confronts betrayal and disillusionment over a somber beat. It’s in these quieter moments that his vulnerability shines. Rather than posture with bravado, he leans into the uncertainty and emotional labor that come with ambition and growing pains. Still, it’s not all heavy. Songs like “Money” and “Pata” pick up the tempo again, balancing introspection with bounce. These tracks reflect the duality of Elai’s world: the pressure to make it big, and the simple joy of doing what he loves. There’s a celebration of the everyday be it a solid hustle, a weekend win, or a well-earned laugh.
The momentum picks up again with “Kante,” which, paired with the anthemic “They Said” featuring Johnny Vigeti, forms the album’s backbone. The songs are reflective, the themes clear: it’s about rising above skepticism, about refusing to be defined by doubters. There is resolve here but also a playful sense of confidence,Elai’s verses bounce with energy, and Johnny Vigeti’s contribution is gritty and unapologetic. “Rolling,” in collaboration with Sudough Boss, and “Rende,” which brings together Kev Mamba, Oksyde, and Robah Wenyeji, close out the album with a sense of communal celebration. “Rolling” is about moving forward in spite of adversity, while “Rende,” feels like a homecoming party with each featured artist delivering energetic verses that reflect the diversity and vibrance of Nairobi’s current hip-hop scene. “Rende,” in particular, is a masterclass in collaboration, blending different styles and flows seamlessly.
Production-wise, the tape remains remarkably cohesive. The bulk of the sonic landscape is sculpted by BigBeatsAfriq and Luid Beats, and while the styles range from Boom-bap infused to trap-leaning, the transitions feel natural. The beat selection serves the lyrics, never too overpowering, but far from bland.
Where “Kijana ya Randiga” truly excels is in its sense of identity. This is not just a random collection of tracks. It’s a statement of purpose. Elai isn’t trying to sound like anyone else. His flow may borrow from global styles, but his content is rooted in the soil of Nairobi estates, studio struggles, and the complex friendships that form along the way. He speaks to a generation that wants more not just success, but meaning. Of course, not every track lands with the same weight. A few mid-tempo offerings toward the back half while not bad don’t quite reach the emotional or sonic highs of the earlier tracks. Still, they never feel like filler. If anything, they suggest an artist still experimenting, still shaping his sound.
Throughout “Kijana ya Randiga,” Elisha Elai never loses sight of his roots. Language mixes fluidly between Swahili, Sheng, and English, creating not only a sense of local authenticity but also broad accessibility. The album’s themes ambition, loyalty, struggle, hope, and unity are universal but grounded in the specifics of Kenyan youth culture.The kid from Randiga is telling his story, and in doing so, giving voice to thousands more.
Stream “Kijana Ya Randiga”