Nonini’s New Album Sparks Outrage Among Kenyans
Nonini’s new album sparks outrage among Kenyans who hoped for a nostalgic return to his genge roots. Instead, many listeners expressed strong disapproval over the unexpected musical shift, igniting debate across social media.
Disappointment as Sound Shifts
The album was promoted with great anticipation. Longtime fans were excited to reconnect with the artist’s signature sound. However, they were surprised by a completely different style that felt unfamiliar. This change did not sit well with many, leading to a flood of online criticism.
Listeners described the tracks as lacking the energy and authenticity of Nonini’s earlier work. Some said the production sounded unpolished, even joking that the songs felt like “bathroom recordings.” Comments like “this isn’t the Nonini we grew up on” echoed across platforms.

Nonini’s New Album Sparks Outrage Among Kenyans: Fans React
The backlash was swift and sharp. Social media users shared memes and sarcastic takes, calling the album “grandpa trying to rap.” Others mourned the decline of a once-great icon, noting how different the current work felt from hits like Manzi wa Nairobi and Wee Kamu.
One user wrote, “Nonini’s latest drop isn’t even close to bronze, let alone gold.” Many fans who followed his music in the early 2000s felt disappointed, describing the album as a missed opportunity to revive genge.
Mixed Opinions on Artistic Evolution

While most of the buzz has been negative, some listeners defended the rapper’s attempt to try something new. These supporters argued that artists should be allowed to evolve and explore fresh ideas.
“Music changes with time,” one fan said. “We can’t expect the same sound forever.” Another noted, “It’s not bad—it’s different. Maybe people just need to adjust.” These voices encouraged others to listen with an open mind.
Legacy in the Spotlight
Nonini’s new album sparks outrage among Kenyans, but it also raises a bigger question: How do veteran artists stay relevant in a modern music world? Albums like Hanyaring Game and Mwisho Ya Mawazo remain classics. Yet the contrast with the new release is hard to ignore.
For now, Nonini has not publicly responded to the backlash. Whether he addresses the criticism or lets the music speak for itself remains to be seen. Meanwhile, the debate continues about authenticity, musical growth, and the challenges of evolving with your audience.
Learn more about Kenya’s evolving music scene and how it affects legacy artists.