Shekina Karen Fires Shots at Dyana Cods in Explosive New Diss Track
The Kenyan music scene is heating up as rapper Shekina Karen has unleashed a fiery diss track aimed squarely at rising star Dyana Cods. Released on March 20, 2025, the track has already sent shockwaves through the industry, igniting conversations among fans and stirring the pot in what could evolve into one of Kenya’s most talked-about rap feuds of the year.
The Backdrop: A Clash of Titans
Dyana Cods has been a dominant force in Kenyan music since her breakout hit “Set It” took the country by storm in 2024. With over 11 million YouTube views and a viral TikTok dance challenge, the 23-year-old dancehall and rap sensation has solidified her place as a household name. Known for her unapologetic lyrics and bold persona, Cods has often flirted with controversy, even teasing a potential rivalry with veteran rapper Femi One in the past—though that never fully materialized.
Enter Shekina Karen, a rapper who has been steadily carving her own lane in the industry. While less is known about Karen’s backstory compared to Cods’ well-documented rise from Kisumu to Nairobi’s spotlight, her latest move proves she’s not here to play second fiddle. The diss track, which dropped earlier today, is a calculated strike at Cods’ reign, blending sharp wordplay with personal jabs that have fans buzzing.
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The timing couldn’t be more intriguing. Just over a month ago, in February 2025, Dyana Cods spoke to Nairobi News about her desire to spark a hip-hop feud reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar and Drake, specifically referencing her playful jabs at Femi One. “I wanted us to be Kendrick and Drake for the culture, but she chose peace,” Cods had said, suggesting she thrives on the competitive energy that defines rap’s roots. It seems Shekina Karen took the bait Cods had been dangling, stepping up to deliver the rivalry she craved.
The Stakes: More Than Just Bars
For Shekina Karen, this diss track is a bold declaration of intent. By targeting one of Kenya’s most prominent new artists, she’s positioning herself as a contender unafraid to challenge the status quo. For Dyana Cods, the move demands a response—her reputation as a “shy and savage” lyricist who doesn’t back down is on the line. Fans are already speculating about how Cods will retaliate, with her history of fearless performances and razor-sharp verses setting the stage for a potential counterattack.
This clash also taps into a broader narrative in Kenyan hip-hop: the role of rivalry in pushing the genre forward. Cods herself acknowledged this in her Nairobi News interview, citing how the Khaligraph Jones-Octopizzo beef elevated the scene years ago. If handled with skill, this feud could do the same, spotlighting two talented female rappers at a time when women in Kenyan rap are increasingly taking center stage.