Full Name: Wanjiku Kimani
Stage Name: Femi One
Date of Birth: 1996
Place of Birth: Mwiki, Nairobi, Kenya
Genres: Hip-Hop, Rap, Sheng, Afrobeat, Dancehall
Record Label: Kaka Empire
Notable Songs: Utawezana, Donjo, Pewa, Greatness
Debut Album: Greatness (2021)
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Femi One, born Wanjiku Kimani, grew up in Mwiki, a neighborhood in Nairobi, where her love for hip-hop blossomed at a young age. Influenced by her brother’s music taste and the thriving Kenyan hip-hop scene, Femi One began battle rapping in primary school. It was through events like Words and Pictures (WAP) that she gained recognition as a talented freestyle rapper, which eventually led to her signing with Kaka Empire, a prominent Kenyan record label led by rapper King Kaka.
Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Femi One’s first major breakthrough came when she collaborated with King Kaka on the remix of his song “Ligi Soo” after completing high school. Her bold delivery and sharp lyrics in the remix made her stand out, catching the attention of both fans and industry insiders. In 2020, Femi One released the hit song “Utawezana” featuring fellow Kenyan rapper Mejja, which became a viral sensation, especially on TikTok. The catchy song became a soundtrack for viral dance challenges and helped cement Femi One as a dominant figure in the East African music scene.
Greatness – Debut Album (2021)
In 2021, Femi One released her debut album titled Greatness, a 14-track project that showcased her musical versatility. The album features a range of genres, including hip-hop, Afrobeats, dancehall, and gospel, illustrating Femi One’s growth from a battle rapper to a well-rounded artist. Collaborating with renowned East African artists like Jay Rox from Zambia, B2C from Uganda, Joh Makini from Tanzania, and Kenya’s own Sanaipei Tande, the album was a bold statement about her ambition to represent Kenyan and East African talent on a larger stage.
Rap in Sheng and Standing Out
One of the key elements of Femi One’s identity is her use of Sheng, a Kenyan urban slang that blends Swahili, English, and local languages. By rapping in Sheng, Femi One remains authentic to her roots, setting herself apart from other African female rappers who often emulate international artists like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. Femi One’s witty lyrics and playful use of Sheng have made her relatable to her audience and have helped her stand out in the male-dominated Kenyan rap industry.
Overcoming Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry
As a female rapper in a predominantly male industry, Femi One has had to work harder to earn recognition. Despite facing sexism and class bias due to her hood origins and her choice to rap in Sheng, she has consistently proven her talent with hit after hit. Femi One’s perseverance has paid off, and she is now the female rapper with the most YouTube subscribers in East Africa. She is also the first African woman artist to become a brand ambassador for Monster Energy, a significant achievement in her career.
Impact on the Kenyan Music Scene
Femi One has not only made a mark as a solo artist but has also been a champion of Nairobi’s dance and hip-hop scene. Her music videos, such as those for “Balance” and “Donjo”, feature talented local dancers, helping to elevate other creative talents within her community. She believes in using her platform to promote and uplift local talent, further contributing to Nairobi’s thriving creative culture.
In addition to her success, Femi One remains an inspiration to young girls, showing them that with determination and authenticity, they can achieve greatness, no matter where they come from. Her rise from the streets of Mwiki to becoming one of East Africa’s most prominent female rappers is a testament to her hard work and resilience.
Selected Discography
Albums:
- Greatness (2021)
Notable Singles:
- Utawezana (2020)
- Donjo (2021)
- Pewa (2022)
- Adonai (2021, from Greatness)
- Balance (2021, from Greatness)
- Kipetero Kiyesu (2020)
- Mkali Wao (2019, from XXV)
- Staki (2023, from Dem Kutoka Mwiki)
- Heshma (2023, from Dem Kutoka Mwiki)
- Mtungi (2023)
Other Tracks:
- Under the Influence (2023)
- Tunaweza (2022)
- Queens Speech (2023, from Dem Kutoka Mwiki)
- Skia (2022)
- Freddie Krugger (2024)
- B.A (2024)
Future Prospects
Femi One continues to grow as an artist, pushing boundaries and representing Kenyan talent on a regional and international scale. With her ability to effortlessly switch between genres and her commitment to staying authentic through Sheng, she is poised to remain a dominant force in the East African music industry for years to come. Her achievements, such as her endorsement deals and her continued success with releases like “Under the Influence” and “B.A”, show that her star is only continuing to rise.
Conclusion
Femi One is a trailblazer in the Kenyan music scene, known for her originality, strong work ethic, and ability to navigate a male-dominated industry. Through her rap in Sheng and collaborations with some of East Africa’s top talent, she has built a powerful brand that resonates with fans across the region. As she continues to release new music and break barriers, Femi One’s legacy as one of the leading female rappers in Africa is firmly established.
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