Veteran Kenyan rapper Bobby Mapesa has revealed that he has built an extensive catalogue of unreleased music over the years, recording around 1,500 songs since 2006.
Speaking during an interview on Str8Up Live, a clip later shared on KTN Home’s Instagram page, the rapper reflected on the origins of his now-viral track ‘Chong’i Ng’i Ndai’, revealing that the song was originally recorded nearly two decades ago.
“I did the ‘Chong’i Ng’i Ndai’ song in 2008.”
The revelation comes as Chong’i Ng’i Ndai continues to enjoy renewed popularity online, introducing the song to a younger audience while rekindling memories for fans who followed Kenya’s urban music scene in the late 2000s. The resurgence has sparked discussions on social media about timeless music and how older tracks can find new life years after their release.
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Mapesa went on to explain that Chong’i Ng’i Ndai is only a small part of a much larger body of work he has created throughout his career.
“I have about 1,500 songs in my hard drive that I have been recording since 2006.”
His comments provide a rare glimpse into the consistency of his music journey, revealing that he has continued recording over the years even when he was less visible in the mainstream entertainment space.
While many fans know him for songs such as Naskia Utamu, Wezere and Mtoto Mzuri, Mapesa’s latest remarks suggest that a significant portion of his work has never been released to the public. His archive spans almost two decades, reflecting years of writing, recording and preserving music behind the scenes.
The rapper’s statement also aligns with earlier remarks by producer Eric Musyoka, who previously disclosed that Chong’i Ng’i Ndai had indeed been recorded in 2008 before resurfacing years later and gaining traction among a new generation of listeners.
The song’s revival has highlighted the enduring appeal of Kenya’s early urban sound, with many social media users embracing the track despite its age. The renewed interest has also reignited conversations about classic Kenyan hits that continue to resonate long after their original release.
