When you mention rock music in the +254, one might think that the scene is largely non-existent.
But that is not the case.
You would be surprised to know there are regular sessions of moshing, head-banging and guttural howls as local rock bands host events for Kenyans to rock out. The Kenyan music industry is very diverse, and now the rock music scene is growing at an unbelievable rate.
Very few radio and TV stations play rock music frequently. This is because rock music has for a long time been thought of as a ‘foreign’ genre of music. But that thought is steadily changing because the following rock bands are taking advantage of that diversity. From large international concerts to local openings, there are rockers representing Kenya and therefore, deserve your attention.
Here are 6 local rock bands to look out for:
1. RISH
She’s a great vocalist and a total badass when it comes to lyrical flow. From great singles like “My Strength”, “The Hate Song”, “Remember Me” and the most recent “Habits”, she promises to be a vicious adventurer daring into fields other female artists would think twice before entering. Rish has done huge shows in foreign countries including Germany and Angola and her music and style still reign.
https://soundcloud.com/rishkenya/my-strength
2. Parking Lot Grass(PLG)
PLG – a boy band consisting of five dudes- began their musical journey back in 2010 and have had continuous successes since then. They have released several albums with the most recent being the 2017’s ‘Tusk at Hand’. Their popular hit songs include Etched on my Heart, Shimo Mfukoni, and Speed-Chaser-which addresses corruption- among others.
3. 20 More Days
It’s the newest Kenya alternative pop/rock band and their goodness in explained in the way the band talks about real issues a Nairobian can relate to. They kicked off their music in 2015 but perhaps what shot them in the spotlight is their 2017’s ‘Maisha/About the Money’ hit. The band is quickly rising with new singles including ‘Chepchumba’, ‘Nairobi’, ‘That kind of love’ and ‘Nikiteleza’
4. Dove Slimme
The band has a female lead singer and four guys who play different instruments. Their 2013 first album that had a popular record ”Leo ni Leo” saw the group get the ultimate hype anyone would like to have. The group later reorganized and released their most recent single ”Watchu Want” and “Save Me.”
5. Rash Band
The all-boy band has been in the limelight for quite some time since 2013 when the band was formed at USIU. Their music dominance is steadily growing following their recent releases, ”Nitachange” which was followed by “Night at the Rock Bar.”
6.Crystal Axis
The Kenyan band has been a mainstay in the local punk-rock scene for over 5 years. In an interview with The Sauce, the group’s lead Djae Aroni mention he’s interested in redefining punk rock in the local scene. Eager to chart their own path, the fiver is determined to make it big, having performed on international stages such as Nyege Nyege.
