Rivalries and Beef that Shaped the Kenyan Music Industry in 2021

[Image Source: Instagram]

By Brian Sikulu

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Rivalry and beef spice up the music industry with a little drama and entertainment. Various Kenyan musicians this year made headlines as they went head to head against their rivals. The year 2021 saw the birth of new rivalries. In this article, we reflect on some of the rivalries and beef among musicians that stood out.

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Willy Paul and Bahati

Their rivalry is one of the oldest in the Kenyan music scene. This year, however, the intensity of the beef went a notch higher as the two attacked each other. Willy Paul even released an extreme diss track against Bahati and his family. On the other hand, Bahati's wife Diana Marua who made her debut in the music industry this year accused Willy Paul of being jealous.

Octoppizzo and Khaligraph

As fans continue to cry for the unity between two of the top Hip-hop artists in the country, their beef appears to be far from ending. Octoppizzo and Khaligraph continue beefing against each other, and this year it became a little more intense, with the former accusing the latter of copying his style of music. According to Octopizzo and a section of his fans on social media, there is a striking resemblance between Khaligraph's 'Nikwa Ni Shoke' and Octopizzo's 'Jump PYDU'.

Read Also: Kenyan Artists that were Nominated and Won Prestigious Awards in 2021

Ringtone and Bahati

Self-declared president of the gospel music industry in the country Ringtone this year continued to sanitize the gospel genre by calling out some of the artists. Among those who fell on his side was Bahati. Ringtone criticized Bahati for behaving indecently in his viral song dubbed 'Fikra Za Bahati. In another instance that made headlines, the two reportedly had an altercation during the launch of Mr. Seed's Black Child album.

Trio Mio and Madocho

Trio Mio recently dissed upcoming Gengetone musician Madocho and his Gotta City crew in a freestyle rap session. Trio who is one of the youngest rappers in the country claimed that he could easily outwit Madocho and his crew. "Gotta City nazamisha kama kampuni ya kamisi... Stoopid boy ulizaliwa April fools day, cheki katoi kanakudiss kupitia boomplay, mistari nilichonga nikiwa preps," Trio stated in the freestyle.

Mbogi Genje and Gota Citty

Mbogi Genje and Gota City which is headed by Madocho are old friends turned rivals. The two crews were once friends but allegedly fell out after a section of them went viral and isolated themselves. Their beef which started last year trickled to this year as the two crews continued calling each other out.