Renowned musician and recording artist Vic West has released an anthemic banger , tapping Kenyan mavericks Watendawili and Iyanii.
“Stage Ya Mwisho” reimagines classic rhumba influences with a modern spin. Infusing Iyanii’s melodic prowess, Watendawili’s dexterous penmanship, and Vic’s forward production – the record is a homage to Kenyan Benga and Rhumba popularized by artists such as Orchestra Super Mazembe in the 80’s, while juicing it up with modern twist. The track speaks to matatu culture in Kenya, nightlife, and captures the party culture and hedonism Kenya is highly regarded for.
The two featured acts have equally had a breakthrough year with Watendawili at the helm of their career spawning multiple hit records under their belt including “Beba” , “Disko” – just to name a few. Iyanii, a Kenyan trailblazer has also forged his name in Kenyan popular culture with his chart-topping single “Donjo Maber” grossing over 10 Million streams in two months, becoming a social media staple in the process.
““Stage ya Mwisho” is inspired by the vibrance of Kenyan culture and the timeless influence of rhumba” Vic mentions. “I wanted to create a song that pays homage to the classics while giving it a fresh, modern party vibe. The idea was to take something nostalgic and reimagine it in a way that speaks to today’s audience, blending rhumba-inspired samples with our unique Kenyan sound.”
The single marks Vic West’s third offering this year following “Dush” and “Call Me” that have set ablaze the music space with his earworm-esque and anthemic signature Kenyan sound. Finding his pocket with blending different artists, Iyanii praised the spirit of collaboration and the identity of the song exuding a Kenyan feel.
“What excites me most about “Stage ya Mwisho” is how it captures both tradition and modernity in one track. The rhumba-inspired samples take you back, but the vibe is very current and very Kenyan. I also enjoyed how effortless the collaboration felt. We each brought our own identity, and together it became a song that people can enjoy at a party and also appreciate musically”.
Watendawili have also doubled down on the feel-good factor of the song and the authenticity.
“For us, it’s the energy and the authenticity of the sound. “Stage ya Mwisho” has this celebratory feel that makes you want to move from the very first beat, yet it still carries that cultural depth through the rhumba influence. Working with Vic West and Iyanii allowed me to push my artistry and deliver something that fans haven’t quite heard from us before being our first time working together”.
