THE LIST: Introducing The 10 Greatest Kenyan ‘One Hit Wonders’ Of All Time …….They Released One Good Song Then They Went To Sleep

For as far back as i can remember, there have been artists associated with only one song – and one song only. It may have been their debut recording, or it may have come after an entire career’s worth of show business perseverance They released that one massive jam and just couldn’t beget the next. Perhaps their instant success shocked them into a comma. You never know.

The music world runs on a “what have you done for me lately?” mentality. We’re obsessed with something one minute and couldn’t care less the next.

One hit wonders are a unique brand of artistes. They will subvert the odds and public expectations. They will be remembered for surprise breakouts. Their names become cemented in college basketball lore. And like that, they are gone. Here are some of Kenya’s ‘greatest one hit wonders

See Also: Five Annoying Traits Of One Hit Wonders

“Bambika” – Shanky Radics and Lyrical Erico

There is an ironical lyric in this song which goes, “Bambika bambika nah ii goma noma, kwa sababu tunaanza na hatutakoma.” Well, ‘walianza na wakakoma.’. Shanky Radics and Lyrical Erico just couldn’t conjure up another hit. I saw Shanky perform at a Miss University gala in 2013. The boos were louder than his music. Poor guy. Recently he was on the trend and no one understood why he was there.  

“Manyake”- Circuit and Joel

Another anthem that made parents want to block the ears of their kids. In fact, the song was originally called ‘Juala’ but people renamed it to ‘Manyake’ by force. The jam was as massive as Judy Anyango’s behind. The video was shot in a butchery and the quality was as poor as that of Fagilia by Mr.Nice. However, that didn’t matter . All we wanted was to sing along

“Amka Ukatike” – Czars

A high school kid called Czars came up with this song. It’s production was top notch and the boy’s flow oozed talent. Czars was destined for great things but then he just went missing. Up to this date, no one knows where he is

“Toklezea”- Chantelle

She got married, had a baby and then erased music from her priorities list. She just might have turned out to be one of Kenya’s greatest female rappers had she not given up

“Walking Class’ – Ala C

‘Walking Class’ is a clever title for a song. It’s been two years since the Calif Records star had a hit. Some might argue that it’s still too early to label him a flop but I know a one hit wonder when I see one.

“Unanijazz” – King Georgez

I couldn’t even find his picture on the internet. He jazzed people of course. Perhaps he crowned himself ‘king’ too early. He could have been one if he had continued releasing such songs.

“Leta Wimbo” – Sema

The ‘super’ group Sema was formed in 2004 after the Coca-Cola popstar talent search. Kevo, Pam and Sana later parted ways in 2005. Now the last person standing is Sanaa. After the split, she went on to be a household name, leaving the others wondering what they did wrong.

‘Gyal” – Shavey & Slice

The road was clear for them since Kenya doesn’t have many dancehall artistes. They had the chance to rule the industry like Wyre and Redsan but then they just chilled like they had won a one million dollar lottery. Good luck to you guys wherever you are

“Njaro za mamboch” – Alahola

The internet doesn’t recognise him too. Alahola made mboches look so yummy. I think people who like ‘nyemelearing’ maids got inspiration from this song. A club banger it was but I have no idea where the guy disappeared to. 

“Usichoke” – Henrie Mutuku ft Rufftone

A true gospel sweetheart. Henrie had a voice that even forced atheists to listen to The Lord’s message. Her hit single Usichoke still plays regularly on Classic 105 and 1fm.