Simon Njoroge (24 October 1993 – 30 August 2015), popularly known as Shrekeezy, was a Kenyan entertainer, entrepreneur, and digital strategist. He gained early fame as the host of Shrekeezy Live, one of Kenya’s most popular youth radio shows, before building a career in music, advertising, and event organizing across East Africa. His life was tragically cut short at the age of 21 when he drowned near Mbudya Island in Tanzania.
Early Life and Media Career
Born in Nakuru, Kenya, Shrekeezy developed a passion for technology, art, and music at a young age. After high school, he moved to Nairobi, where he immersed himself in Kenya’s creative industry. He regularly attended WAPI (Words And Pictures) freestyle battles, where he built industry connections and honed his craft.
His big break came through MC DNG, who invited him to a live radio interview on One FM. Inspired, Shrekeezy ventured into radio hosting. He launched Shrekeezy Live, first on a Nakuru-based station and later at Hero Radio Kenya, where it became a youth favorite. The show gained over 40,000 social media fans and cemented his reputation as a rising star.
Career in Music and Entertainment
Beyond radio, Shrekeezy pursued music and entertainment. In 2014, he released the pan-African single Down For My City (DFMC), featuring artists from five countries including Stella Mwangi (Kenya), Kanja (US-based Kenyan), Wondaboy (Nigeria), Juliet Ibrahim (Ghana), and Silvastone (UK/Sierra Leone). The track enjoyed major airplay across Africa, charting in Kenya, South Africa, Sierra Leone, and Botswana.
He also appeared in film and television, including a cameo in Shuga (2009) and a leading role in the TV series Foreigner (2013).
As an entrepreneur, Shrekeezy co-founded Trans Africa Events, organized regional award shows like the Tanzania Social Media Awards (TSOMA), and planned the Mashariki Awards. He worked with top brands including Airtel, Coca-Cola, MTN Uganda, Samsung Mobile, Tusker Lager, and Kenya Commercial Bank.
Activism and Influence
Shrekeezy founded the JIKINGE Campaign in 2012, a youth-focused HIV/AIDS awareness initiative that partnered with corporates and NGOs. His socially conscious approach earned him recognition as more than just an entertainer—he was a youth advocate committed to positive change.
Influenced musically by Jay-Z, Kanye West, T.I., Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross, and professionally by Tim Westwood and Ellen DeGeneres, he aspired to combine art, business, and social impact.
Death
On 29 August 2015, Shrekeezy went for a boat ride from Whitesands Hotel to Mbudya Island, Tanzania. He posted on Instagram about the experience, calling it “the scariest thing I’ve experienced in a long time.” Tragically, he drowned that day. After a three-day search, his body was recovered. He was laid to rest on 5 September 2015 in Nakuru County, Kenya.
Legacy
The Shrekeezy biography reflects the story of a multi-talented visionary who rose quickly in East Africa’s entertainment and digital industries. Despite his short life, he left a legacy as a radio pioneer, musician, strategist, and activist. His creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for youth empowerment continue to inspire a new generation of Kenyan and East African talent.
