Yaba Lights Up Nairobi with an Electric ‘Wape Wape’ EP Experience as Les Wanyika Deliver Timeless Magic

Nairobi came alive on Thursday night as fans, creatives, and music lovers gathered for an unforgettable showcase headlined by Yaba, the fast-rising Prince of Rhumbacane. The event served as the official launch experience for his EP Wape Wape, a bold, six-track blend of cultures and soundscapes set to redefine East African music. 


Before he even stepped onto the stage, the buzz was loud. Wape Wape—meaning “give it to them”—is a fusion of Taarab, Rhumba, Trap, Lingala, Soukous, and hints of Benga, a sonic palette that mirrors Yaba’s evolution and his refusal to be boxed into one genre.

The Wape Wape Tracklist:


Right from the opening track Baada Ya Kazi, moving through Something, Sema, Wape Wape, and Adhiambo, all the way to Mazoea — every single piece felt like a crafted masterpiece. Each track carried its own personality, blending rhythm, storytelling, and Yaba’s unmistakable sonic signature. The progression of the EP flowed so seamlessly that the audience didn’t just listen to the music — they experienced it, track by track, emotion by emotion.


Yaba’s Performance: A New Chapter Unleashed

When Yaba finally hit the stage, it was clear the night belonged to him. His set was charged with emotion, rhythm, and unmistakable coastal-meets-Nairobi energy. He moved effortlessly between soulful melodies and upbeat Rhumbacane rhythms, pulling the crowd with him every step of the way.

Fans sang along, danced freely, and connected deeply to the raw storytelling in his music. In a post-performance interview, Yaba shared that this EP is “a gift to his fans”—a way to open a new chapter while honoring the musical roots that shaped him. That sentiment was felt throughout the night; the performance wasn’t just entertainment—it was a celebration of identity, culture, and artistic growth.


Les Wanyika: 40+ Years of Pure Legendary Vibes

As if the night needed another highlight, Les Wanyika—true legends of East African music—took the stage and delivered a show that reminded everyone why they remain icons across generations. With over 40 years together, their chemistry is unmatched. Their performance of classics such as Sina Makosa, Afro, Nimaru, Barua Yako, Safari ya Samburu, and Ufukara Sio Kilema sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd.


Despite the decades behind them, Les Wanyika played with the energy, precision, and passion of a band performing its first-ever concert. Their set was a masterclass in artistry—warm guitar lines, steady percussion, and vocals that carried the weight of East Africa’s musical history.


A Night of Rhythm, Heritage & The Future of East African Sound

What made this event truly special was its seamless blend of the new and the timeless. Yaba represents the next wave: experimental, bold, boundary-pushing. Les Wanyika remains the foundation: consistent, beloved, and culturally iconic. Together, they created a musical bridge that connected generations and genres.


With Wape Wape, Yaba is stepping confidently into a new era—one shaped by creativity, cultural fusion, and a commitment to honoring his roots. And on Thursday night, Nairobi witnessed the beginning of that journey.

The event was powered and supported by Kenya Cane. By supporting the Wape Wape listening party, Kenya Cane reinforced its ongoing commitment to uplifting Kenyan music, cultural expression, and creative talent — ensuring that artists like Yaba have platforms that highlight their craft and celebrate the diversity of local sound.