MAUREEN WARUINGE ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST

08 March 2024

• The collaborations she has done over the years like Nyashinski have excited her fans

Femi One is part of artists set to perform at the forthcoming Raha Fest.

From chart-topping releases to dynamic live shows, the Queen of Kenyan rap Femi One plays a huge part in the Kenyan entertainment scene.

Her real name is Wanjiku Kimani, 'dem kutoka Mwiki'.

Mwiki is where she was born in Kasarani.

She attended Murima Primary School in an area called Santon. She later attended a mixed Boys and Girls high school in Kandara, Muranga.

She was the head girl but didn't take this role seriously.

If you want dope lyrics and bars, she is your go-to musician.she is signed to Kaka Empire, a record label owned by Kevin Ombina, aka King Kaka.

Femi is Kaka Empire's finest, and from landing deals to getting all sorts of opportunities, the rapper is making sure she stands out in the industry.

Femi is the first female brand ambassador for Monster Energy Drink in Africa. That fact has made her so proud.

She is the best female rapper in AFRIMMA 2022. In 2015 she received a call to be part of then Kenya's biggest hit Ligi Soo the remix.

That changed her life beginning with rebranding.

She told about this change in her life in a song dubbed Wanjiku Kimani.

Fans many a time, have labeled her as too serious, and a no-nonsense individual.

She doesn't agree.

She disputed this theory in a quick-fire interview that she had done with TV47, 2 years ago.

"I think my rapping persona makes people think like I'm this hardcore chick. Like when I meet fans, they say we ni mpole, but had initially thought I was hardcore. Then I ask them kwani you expect me to fight or something."

Her biggest challenge in the game?

"I have never reached there, but the journey of music is very frustrating. It's very frustrating and I don't think people understand creatives or musicians so I would say the industry is challenging and everything. It's challenging as well because it is male-dominated. So us females we find we don't have that many opportunities."

Mentioning that not many female artists headline shows, while on artiste lineups, the listed female artists are few.

The one international artiste she would love to collabo with is Cardi B.

"I like her personality napenda story yake, as she came from nothing to something I relate with her" Femi shared.

Pinterest and Instagram are her go-to motivations for fashion inspiration. She also loves old-school types of dressing from loop earrings and baggy jackets but it took her time to understand her image and branding.

Her love life has been kept under wraps. She takes subliminal shots at her exes in her songs, but her fans don't know this because she never publicly shared her love life.

Raha Fest aims to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering connections and shared passions through a harmonious blend of music, arts, and cultural activities. The festival promises an unforgettable experience against the iconic backdrop of Uhuru Gardens.

Other than Femi One the concert features a unique lineup of both local talents and renowned African artists, Nadia Mukami, Hart the Band, Nviiri the Storyteller, Samidoh, Otile Brown, and Congolese sensation JB Mpiana.

Additionally, Radio Africa serves as the official media partner, spreading the word and excitement about the festival through radio and print to a broader audience.

Tickets for Raha Fest are now available at Ticket Sasa and Ticket Yetu, providing attendees the opportunity to secure their spot at this unforgettable celebration of African music, art, and culture.

For more information and updates about Raha Fest, please visit www.rahafest.com or follow them on all social media platforms @rahafest.