Full Name: Victor Amani
Stage Name: Vic West
Profession: Music Producer, Rapper
Genres: Gengetone, Reggaeton, Afrobeat, Hip-Hop
Notable Songs: “Kuna Kuna,” “Kaskie Vibaya,” “Kitu Nono”
Record Label: Black Market Records
Inspiration: Kanye West
Early Life and Musical Inspiration
Vic West, born Victor Amani, is a Kenyan music producer who has made a significant impact on the Kenyan music scene with his genre-blending production and infectious sound. Growing up in Kenya, Vic West began his musical journey in the church choir, but his real passion for music production emerged when he discovered the software FL Studio on his brother’s laptop during high school. Vic started experimenting with beats and quickly developed a strong interest in creating music.
One of the key moments in his early career was when he heard Kanye West’s 2009 hit “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”. The song’s attitude and work ethic resonated deeply with him and influenced his path as a producer. Kanye West became Vic West’s role model, and he attributes much of his success and approach to his musical “guru.” Like Kanye, Vic has embraced boldness, creativity, and a willingness to push boundaries.
Breakout Success: “Kuna Kuna” and Beyond
Vic West’s first major breakthrough came on October 10, 2022, when he released “Kuna Kuna,” a song that catapulted him to national and international fame. The track featured top Kenyan artists, including Savara from Sauti Sol, Brandy Maina, Thee Exit Band, and frequent collaborator Fathermoh. “Kuna Kuna” became a viral sensation, quickly amassing over 7 million views on YouTube in just two months (currently over 25 million views). The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat rhythm made it an instant hit, especially on platforms like TikTok, where it became a popular dance challenge.
The success of “Kuna Kuna” was largely due to Vic’s attention to detail in the production process. He guided Thee Exit Band to deliver the chorus in a unique, energetic style that elevated the song, helping it become one of the most memorable Kenyan songs of 2022.
The Path to Becoming a Producer
Before “Kuna Kuna,” Vic West had already made a name for himself by working behind the scenes. His journey as a music producer began when a demo of his beats reached Cedric Singleton, CEO of Black Market Records. Singleton was impressed with Vic’s production skills and signed him to the label. Vic West credits the musician Joefes for playing a key role in connecting him to Black Market Records. Under the guidance of artists like Kashkeed, Vic refined his craft and began producing hits for some of the label’s biggest names.
One of his earliest successes was “Kitu Nono,” a track for rapper Breeder LW, which featured popular artists like Boutross, Ssaru, Maandy, Denzel Kong, and Mastar VK. This song cemented Vic’s status as a producer capable of creating hit tracks.
Signature Sound and Production Style
Vic West is known for his versatility, blending genres like Gengetone, Reggaeton, and Afrobeat with a unique twist. His productions are characterized by their quirky grittiness, a reflection of his identity as a young, urban Kenyan. Despite being relatively new to the industry, Vic West has developed a signature sound that is both innovative and rooted in Kenyan street culture.
His keen ear for talent and collaboration has helped him create music that resonates widely, whether it’s on the dance floor or social media platforms like TikTok. He has worked with a variety of top Kenyan artists, including Ssaru, Fathermoh, Boutross, and Savara.
Recent Hits and Controversy
In 2023, Vic West continued to dominate the charts with hits like “Kaskie Vibaya” by Fathermoh and Ssaru, a song that drew both praise and controversy. The Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) expressed concerns about the song’s content, with the society’s boss, Ezekiel Mutua, stating that it was “eroding the morality of society.” Despite the backlash, “Kaskie Vibaya” became a fan favorite, further solidifying Vic’s reputation as a hitmaker.
He followed this up with other successful tracks, including “Men Can Lie” and “Big Bigger Biggest,” both of which have gained significant traction. “Big Bigger Biggest” particularly benefited from the involvement of TikTok stars, propelling it to the top of the charts.
Vic West’s Future and Legacy
Though relatively early in his career, Vic West has already proven himself to be a creative force in Kenyan music. His production on hits like “Kuna Kuna” and “Kaskie Vibaya” has reshaped the Gengetone and Afrobeat scenes in Kenya. His commitment to learning and collaboration, combined with his Kanye West-inspired confidence, has set him apart from his peers.
Vic West’s future is bright, with more projects on the horizon and an ever-growing influence in Kenya’s music industry. As he continues to blend genres and elevate new talent, his legacy as a producer who helped shape modern Kenyan music is sure to grow.
Selected Discography
- “Kuna Kuna” – Featuring Fathermoh, Savara, Brandy Maina, and Thee Exit Band (2022)
- “Kitu Nono” – Featuring Breeder LW, Boutross, Ssaru, Maandy, Denzel Kong, and Mastar VK (2022)
- “Kaskie Vibaya” – Featuring Fathermoh and Ssaru (2023)
- “Dai Dai” – Featuring Fathermoh and Shekinah Karen (2022)
- “Big Bigger Biggest” (2023)
- “Men Can Lie” (2023)
Conclusion
Vic West is a testament to the power of passion, learning, and determination. From his humble beginnings as a choir boy in Kenya to becoming a celebrated producer in the Gengetone and Afrobeat scenes, his journey reflects the evolution of Kenyan music. His connection to Kanye West’s work ethic and creative vision has shaped his approach, and as he continues to produce hits, Vic West is poised to become one of East Africa’s most influential producers.
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