Wangechi Waweru (born 19 January 1994) is a Kenyan rapper, singer, and songwriter celebrated for her lyrical depth and unique blend of hip hop and pop. She made her breakthrough in 2013 with her debut mixtape Consume – Chakula ya Soul and her appearance on the iconic Ligi Soo remix, which brought together top female rappers in Kenya.
Her music is inspired by global rap icons like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott, and MF Doom, as well as local legends such as E-Sir and Kalamashaka. With her bold voice and socially conscious lyrics, Wangechi has become one of the most influential female rappers in East Africa.
Early Life
Wangechi was born on 19 January 1994 in Nairobi, Kenya, where she developed her love for music at the age of ten. She credits Nazizi, Kenya’s first female rap superstar, as her biggest influence. From a young age, Wangechi immersed herself in different music genres, shaping her versatile artistry.
Her passion and dedication eventually led her to the studio, where she recorded her first mixtape Consume Chakula ya Soul in July 2013, officially marking her entry into the Kenyan music industry.
Career
Wangechi began her professional career under Hype Masters Entertainment before joining Nuke Recordings, where she released her first mixtape. Her Ligi Soo remix performance in 2013 instantly elevated her profile, showcasing her talent alongside established female rappers.
In 2014, she released several singles, including Tulia Tu (featuring HHP and King Kaka), Play, Attention Shopper, and Analogue Dreams with Karun. Her rapid rise caught international attention, earning her a feature on CNN’s African Voices as a rising star to watch.
Wangechi gained further recognition when she joined Coke Studio Africa Season 3 in 2015, collaborating with Tanzanian star Ben Pol, and later with Ice Prince, Alikiba, Dama do Bling, Maurice Kirya, and Ne-Yo during Superstar Week. She released acclaimed tracks such as Cardiac Arrest and They Don’t Know featuring Fena Gitu in the same year.
In 2016, she wrote and performed the anthem for the Tusker Lager “Here’s to Us” campaign, which celebrated unity among Kenyans. Since then, Wangechi has maintained her independence as an artist, performing on both local and international stages with acts such as Mos Def, Tinnie Tempah, Tim Westwood, Morgan Heritage, and Ne-Yo.
Discography (Selected Works)
- Consume – Chakula ya Soul (2013, mixtape)
- Don’t Consume if Seal is Broken (2016, EP)
- Wanna Give it to You
- Cardiac Arrest
- They Don’t Know ft. Fena Gitu
- Tulia Tu ft. HHP & King Kaka
- Analogue Dreams ft. Karun
- Nairobi
- X2
Personal Life
On 14 September 2014, Wangechi was involved in a tragic car accident alongside two friends. Sadly, her best friend Tionna Wangechi lost her life, while Wangechi sustained life-threatening injuries, including temporary paralysis on her left side. After months in recovery, she made a remarkable comeback to music, proving her resilience and determination.
Legacy
Wangechi is celebrated as a trailblazer for female rappers in Kenya, breaking barriers in an industry historically dominated by men. Her artistry combines African roots with global hip hop culture, inspiring a new generation of Kenyan musicians to embrace authenticity and bold storytelling.
Her journey from a teenage rapper in Nairobi to an internationally recognized artist highlights her resilience, creativity, and lasting influence on African music.
