Kenyan singer and songwriterIyanii recently shared a warm personal moment with his mother on social media. While taking a casual car ride together, the musician decided to play her a recording of his latest single, titled Hallelujah.
The video clip captures his mother sitting in the vehicle while listening attentively to the track.Iyanii published the footage across his official social media pages alongside a short message.
"Morning errands with my favorite human. Had to play this prayer for my mother, and seeing how much she loved it made my heart so full. Mom’s reaction after I played for her Hallelujah was priceless," he wrote in the caption.
As the song played through the car speakers, Iyanii's mother listened closely. She offered immediate approval as the music began.
"Haleluya," she said. She added, "Aha ni smart.”
When Iyanii asked how the music sounded, she affirmed her enthusiasm. "Ni smart," she stated. She followed up with, "Eh sana."
Iyanii then asked her, "Unaiskiaje?" His mother provided feedback on the song's musical hold and structure. "Hiyo ni poa,” she remarked. She added, "Eh hizo vitu yaani ya kushikisha hiyo... ya kushikisha hiyo wimbo asante baba."
She also suggested ideas for dancers in the upcoming music video. "Na wakudanzia wale wazuri, wale wapoa.," she advised.
Iyanii responded, "Nitaweka.”
Celebrating Faithfulness Through Rich African Sound
The single, Hallelujah, combines a rich African sound with Iyanii’s soulful vocal delivery.The track was written by Iyanii and produced by Waka Waka, with co-production by Igamba Mbiu and Jack Kenty.
The instrumentation includes live percussion drums and the traditional Orutu instrument played by George Kenge, with guitar work by Kenty.Backing vocals were recorded by Sini Shana and Official Sai.
Thematically, the song celebrates God’s faithfulness throughout the journey of life and its different seasons. It provides a reminder that in any season of life, there is always a reason to remain thankful.
Music video scenes were filmed across several Kenyan locations, including Garissa, Mwingi, Nairobi, Limuru, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Ahero, featuring performances by the Kochia Dancers.
From Mathare Streets to National Charts
Iyanii, born Ian Okwemba Oure, grew up in Nairobi's Mathare informal settlement after moving from Western Kenya. He attended Hobunaka High School in Vihiga County, scoring a B+ in his KCSE examinations, before studying communication at Daystar University.
Iyanii also pledged 20 per cent of his music earnings to prison welfare programmes. In October 2025, he hosted a free concert for inmates at Lang'ata Women's Prison in Nairobi.
