Kenyan music icon Nazizi returns to the music scene with a new single titled “Gai Fafa”. Produced by the late Hilton Mwakio aka Herbalist, “Gai Fafa” is a feel-good anthem about letting go of life’s burdens and choosing to celebrate.
Nazizi considers this release both a gift to her fans and a tribute to a cherished friend.
Nazizi says, “This one is for the fans who have held me down for 25 years, especially during my recent time of grief. I can’t express how much your DMs, messages, and encouragement have meant to me. I needed to say thank you in the only way I know how –through music. And it’s also for Hilton. He loved this song so much and kept pushing me to release it. This one’s for him too.”
The music video was shot in Arusha, Tanzania by director Okey, with the dancers (Purple Dancers Crew) choreographed by Chiki and Kevo from The Dance Shagz (Kenya).
The track was first performed live at Blankets & Wine in December 2024, where she asked the crowd if it should be released. Their roaring response gave her the green light.
Known as the First Lady of Kenyan reggae and hip hop, Nazizi taps into joy and liberation in the new release. She shares, “It’s all about releasing the stress, dancing your heart out and allowing yourself to feel good–even if just for a moment,” adding “This is my first-ever dance-based video and I am excited to see the dance challenges that come out of it.”
“Gai Fafa” is not attached to an album; rather, it’s a heartfelt standalone release. Looking ahead, Nazizi is working on plans to release a 6-track reggae EP later this year, dedicated to her reggae-loving fans. The Hip Hop and Reggae royalty is a musical force in the Kenyan and African music industry.
In fact, she has been recognized by the Recording Academy as one of Africa’s female rappers who have been a part of African hip-hop since its onset, contributing to the genre’s foundation.
Nazizi is a living legend with a music career spanning over two decades. Popularly known as the First Lady and a pioneer in both hip hop and reggae, she has inspired an entire generation of femcees and established herself as one of East Africa’s most iconic and influential artists.
Rising to fame in the late ’90s, she made her mark as a member of the award-winning group Necessary Noize and through a trailblazing solo career that delivered a plethora of hits like “Kenyan Gal Kenyan Boy”, “Kube”, “Bless My Room,” and “Naleta Action.”
With over 17 music awards to her name—including two Channel O Music Video Awards, CHAT Female Artist of the Year (seven times in a row) and honors from The Grammys, Kisima Awards, and Chaguo La Teeniez Awards–Nazizi's impact on the industry is undeniable.
She has toured across Africa, Europe and the U.S., and collaborated with global music heavyweights like Sean Paul, Wayne Wonder, Julian Marley and Akon, cementing her status as a true ambassador of hip hop, reggae and Kenyan music.
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