Rayvanny Praises Diana Bahati & Nadia Mukami As His Best Kenyan Female Artists

Tanzanian Bongo star Rayvanny surprised fans by naming Kenyan singers Diana Bahati and Nadia Mukami as his favorite female musicians in Kenya. During an interview, when asked about his preferred Kenyan songstress, Rayvanny confidently and unexpectedly replied,

“Nadia Mukami and Bahati’s wife Diana.”

This mention holds particular significance for Diana Marua, considering she entered the Kenyan music scene only two years ago with her debut song “Hatutaachana.” Unlike Nadia, a well-established artist, Diana is still carving her own path.

However, Rayvanny’s choice isn’t entirely out of the blue. He has collaborated with Nadia on several projects, including the popular song “Falling in Love.” Similarly, he’s teamed up with Diana’s husband, Bahati, on multiple hits like “Kiss,” “Nikumbushe,” and “Mtamu.”

In another interesting revelation, Rayvanny recently disclosed a past consideration of acquiring Kenyan citizenship. Following a dispute with the Tanzanian government over his song “Mwanza” (co-released with Diamond Platinumz), Rayvanny and Diamond contemplated seeking Kenyan citizenship to continue their music careers.

The “Number One” hitmaker explained that they were banned from performing “Mwanza” in Tanzania after facing disapproval from the music regulatory board, BASATA. The ban was stressful, prompting them to explore alternate options, including Kenyan citizenship. However, the ban was lifted before they completed the process.

Their journey wasn’t entirely smooth. They still faced pressure from BASATA, requiring a public apology in December 2018, while performing in Kenya. Despite the hurdles, they eventually resolved the matter with the Tanzanian government.

More recently, in June 2023, BASATA again raised concerns about “Mwanza” during Wasafi Festival tours, but the issue was reportedly resolved. The festival has successfully continued, with Diamond’s recent coffin entrance making headlines across the region.

Rayvanny’s candid admiration for Kenyan female artists and his past brush with dual citizenship offer intriguing insights into the interconnectedness of the East African music scene and the challenges artists sometimes face.