Femi One: Kenya’s Rap Queen Breaking Boundaries in Hip-Hop

Femi One is a celebrated Kenyan rapper and songwriter whose lyrical style and bold delivery have established her as a prominent figure in the Gengetone and hip-hop scenes.

Born Wanjiku Kimani on April 25, 1994, in Mwiki, Kasarani, she nurtured her passion for music from a young age.

She attended primary school in Nairobi before joining Gakarara Secondary School for her high school education.

Career Journey of Femi One

Femi One’s journey in music began gradually as she built her reputation in Kenya’s underground rap scene.

Her breakthrough came when she was featured on King Kaka’s remix of his hit song, “Ligi Soo.” The collaboration introduced her to a wider audience and led to her signing a deal with “Kaka Empire”.

In 2020, she achieved conventional success with the hit “Utawezana,” featuring “Mejja,” a viral song that became one of Kenya’s most talked-about songs.

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The track not only showcased her lyrical skill but also marked her transition from an underground artist to a commercial powerhouse.

Femi One’s music has a unique fusion of hip-hop, Afrobeats, and local Kenyan sounds.

She often raps in “Sheng and Swahili”, telling stories that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.

Some of her notable songs include “Lukuluku”, “Brikicho”, “Tippytoe” (Remix), “Usiku Mchana”, “Pilau Njeri”, “Baddest”, “D-Day”, “Nyokonyoko”, “Tembe”, “Hiyo One”, and the viral hit “Utawezana”.

In 2020, she released her debut album, Greatness, a 14-track project featuring artists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia.

The album cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile female rappers in East Africa.

Collaborations

Over the years, Femi One has collaborated with some of the biggest names in African music, including Kristoff, Mejja, King Kaka, Bern Muziki, Sanaipei Tande, Jadi, Zakah, Wangechi, Nyashinski, Joh Makini, Konshens, and Yemi Alade on the Baddie Remix.

These collaborations reflect her ability to adapt her style across genres while expanding her influence on the continent’s music scene.

Also Read: Khaligraph Jones Showers Femi One with Praises After She Bagged Coveted AFRIMMA Award

Awards and Recognition

Femi One’s artistry has not gone unnoticed. In 2020, she won Collabo of the Year and Genge tone Song of the Year at the NRG Fan Fave Awards for “Utawezana”.

Two years later, in 2022, she won Best Female Rapper of the Year at the prestigious African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA).

From her humble beginnings in Mwiki to winning international awards, Femi One has proven herself a force to reckon with in the music industry.

Her journey from the underground scene to mainstream success reflects resilience, creativity, and determination.

Today, she stands as one of Kenya’s top female rappers, inspiring a new generation of artists and redefining the role of women in African hip-hop.

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