All about Phineaus Waweru, Kenyan dominating the UK with his rap prowess

Piece by: PAUL AMUKO

26 May 2023

• Phineas Waweru, widely known as A1 Fundz, is a talented 17-year-old rapper hailing from both Kenya and the United Kingdom, one half of A1 and J1

• Notably, in 2022 he emerged as the most streamed Kenyan artist overseas, amassing an impressive 270 million streams on Spotify.

Phineas Waweru, widely known as A1orFundz, is a talented 17-year-old rapper hailing from both Kenya and the United Kingdom.

Waweru has taken the music world by storm especially with his highly captivating melodious rap, achieving remarkable success.

As one half of the dynamic rap duo A1 x J1 that has been dropping mad bangers in the UK hiphop scene,

Notably, in 2022 he emerged as the most streamed Kenyan artist overseas, amassing an impressive 270 million streams on Spotify.

Kenyan Roots:

Born on May 12, 2006, Phineas Waweru embodies the fusion of British and Kenyan heritage. While he was born in the UK, his parents hail from Kenya, infusing his upbringing with the rich cultural influences of both countries.

Despite his young age, Phineas Waweru has made it a point to embrace his Kenyan roots, showcasing his heritage through his music and capturing the attention of audiences worldwide.

Rising to Fame:

Phineas Waweru's rise to prominence began in early 2020 when he connected with Joshua Somerkun, popularly known as J1, during the initial lockdown period.

The duo's chemistry and musical synergy quickly became apparent as they started sharing their freestyle performances on various online platforms. Their captivating freestyles, reminiscent of melodious rap acts from the past, captivated fans and laid the foundation for their growing fanbase.

The Breakthrough:

In February 2021, A1 x J1 released their platinum-selling hit single, "Latest Trends," which propelled them into the spotlight.

The infectious track, characterized by vibrant melodies, energetic vocals, and catchy lyrics, resonated with audiences and garnered widespread acclaim.

The duo's collaboration with Manchester rapper Aitch on the remix further solidified their reputation and expanded their reach.

Continuing Success:

Building on their momentum, A1 x J1 joined forces with rapper SwitchOTR for the track "Coming For You," which cleverly sampled Avicii's iconic hit "The Nights." The fusion of drill-inspired beats and melodic hooks created an instant hit, amassing an impressive 82 million streams on Spotify.

The duo's recent release, "Night Away (Dance)," featuring Tion Wayne, draws inspiration from Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull's chart-topper "On The Floor," showcasing their versatility and pop sensibilities.

Future Ambitions:

Despite their rapid ascent to fame, A1 x J1 remains grounded and focused on their musical journey.

They aspire to push boundaries, explore new creative territories, and collaborate with renowned artists to further expand their global reach.

Phineas Waweru's commitment and dedication to crafting compelling music have positioned him as a rising star in the rap scene, capturing the attention and admiration of fans around the world and a sense of pride among Kenyan hiphop lovers.