Wagathoni: Trailblazing Kenyan Artist on NBA2K24 Playlist and Coachella Stage
By Presta, 4 June 2024
Wagathoni, a pioneering Kenyan artist, has broken new ground as the first Kenyan amapiano/house/Gikuyu electro artist to debut on the NBA2K24 game playlist. This milestone represents a significant achievement in his career, introducing his unique blend of genres to a global audience through one of the most popular gaming platforms.
Wagathoni expressed his delight at the progress, mentioning that he was pleasantly surprised when his manager discovered the notification. This accomplishment not only highlights his innovative sound but also sets the stage for more opportunities in the future.
Another remarkable achievement for Wagathoni is being the first Gikuyu artist to have songs played at the Coachella Music Festival. This opportunity arose through a collaboration with French Electronic Music DJ and Producer, Mozambo, on the song “Aya,” which features Wagathoni’s voice.
He described it as an honor to have his Kikuyu voice resonate at such a prestigious event, emphasizing his pride in bringing Kenyan vernacular, particularly Kikuyu, to an international platform. This milestone signifies a growing recognition of Kenyan music on the global stage.
Wagathoni’s excitement continues to build as he prepares to release his new album by the end of June. This album marks his debut and promises a diverse blend of genres, including EDM, Afrobeat, Hip Hop, and Amapiano.
He shared that fans can expect a mix of fun, comedy, love, and real-life stories, making this album distinct from his previous works. The anticipation surrounding this release underscores Wagathoni’s evolving artistry and his commitment to delivering fresh and engaging content to his audience.
The fusion of amapiano, house, and Gikuyu electro in Wagathoni’s music is a testament to his creative vision. He finds these genres simple to work with and focused his art on styles that inspire dance, which is a core element of African music.
Wagathoni’s creative process involves a full visualization of the track before he starts working on it, allowing him to see the end product from the beginning. He believes that the use of monotones in amapiano and EDM perfectly captures the vibe he aims to convey, blending these distinct sounds into a cohesive and captivating musical experience.
Looking ahead, Wagathoni is determined to make a lasting impact on the global music scene. As a trailblazer in Kenyan music, his long-term goals include saturating the world with his voice and leaving his fans deeply engaged with his work.
His collaboration with Rodney Jerkins, also known as “Darkchild,” who has produced hits for Michael Jackson and Beyoncé, stands as a significant achievement in his career.
Discovered by Darkchild through a featured track with Pineapple Republik, Wagathoni worked on five songs with the influential producer, marking a milestone that he counts as a great honor. This collaboration highlights Wagathoni’s potential and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of Kenyan music internationally.