The underground rapper’s meteoric rise signals a seismic shift in Kenya’s music landscape
In a stunning upset that has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s entertainment industry, underground rapper Toxic Lyrikali has officially dethroned Bien-Aimé Baraza to become the most streamed Kenyan artist on Apple Music.
The announcement, made during a segment on Radio 47’s popular show Baze47NaManucho, marks one of the most significant chart shake-ups in recent Kenyan music history.
From Backbencher to Chart-Topper
Toxic Lyrikali’s ascension to the top of Apple Music’s Kenyan charts represents more than just streaming numbers—it symbolizes a fundamental shift in how music is consumed and discovered in Kenya.
The rapper, whose hit single “Backbencher” has become an anthem for many young Kenyans, has achieved this milestone without the traditional backing of major record labels or extensive radio play.
The achievement is particularly remarkable given Bien’s established dominance in the streaming space.
Just months ago, Bien was celebrating his position as Kenya’s most-streamed artist on Spotify, with five songs in the platform’s top 10 Kenyan tracks for 2024.
His transition from Sauti Sol member to successful solo artist had positioned him as the undisputed king of Kenyan digital music consumption.
The Power of Grassroots Appeal
What sets Toxic Lyrikali apart is his organic rise through digital platforms.
Unlike traditional artists who rely on radio spins and label-backed campaigns, Toxic’s momentum has been entirely grassroots, driven by authentic engagement with his audience.
“His success hasn’t followed the usual route,” explains a music industry analyst. “This is pure, unfiltered connection with fans who relate to his message and raw sound.”
The rapper’s approach resonates particularly well with Gen Z listeners who consume music primarily through mobile apps and short-form video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.
His content strategy bypasses traditional gatekeepers, speaking directly to audiences who value authenticity over polished production.
Algorithm-Powered Success
Toxic Lyrikali’s rise has been significantly amplified by algorithmic exposure across social media platforms.
His frequent engagement on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) has created a snowball effect, with content algorithms picking up his music and amplifying it to wider audiences without formal marketing campaigns.
His latest video clip, which was reposted by The Nairobi Times, has generated significant buzz, with fans suggesting that brands like Mercedes-Benz Kenya should consider using it in their advertising campaigns. This organic brand endorsement from fans demonstrates the authentic connection Toxic has built with his audience.
Fan Reactions: Passion and Skepticism
The news of Toxic’s chart success has generated passionate reactions across social media platforms.
Supporters have been vocal in their praise, with one fan (@officialxtatic) declaring: “Some day I’ll write something about the genius that Toxic Lyrikali is lyrically. He’s easily my favourite artist right now.”
Another enthusiast (@kacey_karash) championed the commercial potential of his work, tweeting: “Hii doba inafaa kutumiwa na @MercedesBenz kama advert apa Kenya” (This track should be used by Mercedes-Benz as an advert here in Kenya).
However, not all reactions have been celebratory.
Some industry observers have expressed skepticism about the longevity of Toxic’s success. One critic (@kevnotsohot) drew comparisons to previous viral sensations: “Even those guys screaming wamlambe surpassed Bien at some point. Where are they now?”
Another voice of caution (@Th3Powerpu) advised: “Congrats, but don’t measure success in weeks. Show me quarters and years.”
Bien’s Legacy Remains Intact
While Toxic Lyrikali now holds the Apple Music streaming crown, Bien-Aimé Baraza’s contributions to Kenyan music remain substantial and enduring.
As a member of Sauti Sol and through his solo career, Bien has established himself as one of Kenya’s most accomplished artists, earning critical and commercial respect both locally and internationally.
Bien’s achievements include being a Grammy-certified songwriter for his contribution to Burna Boy’s “Twice as Tall” album, and his successful solo debut “Alusa Why Are You Topless?”
His recent collaborations and solo projects continue to earn critical acclaim, cementing his position as a significant figure in East African music.
The Streaming Wars: A New Battleground
This chart shift highlights how streaming platforms have become the new battleground for musical relevance in Kenya.
Unlike traditional radio play or album sales, streaming numbers provide real-time, public scoreboards of artistic success and audience engagement.
The transparency of streaming metrics has democratized music success, allowing artists like Toxic Lyrikali to build substantial followings without traditional industry support.
This shift empowers artists who can connect directly with their audiences through digital platforms and social media engagement.
Toxic Lyrikali’s success represents a broader transformation in Kenya’s music industry.
Record labels and traditional music gatekeepers are being forced to reconsider their approach as artists demonstrate they can achieve significant success through digital-first strategies.
The rapper’s rise also reflects changing demographics in music consumption, with younger audiences increasingly driving streaming numbers and cultural conversations around music.
This generation values lyrical authenticity, relatable content, and artists who engage directly with their communities.
As Toxic Lyrikali enjoys his moment at the top of Kenya’s streaming charts, the music industry will be watching closely to see whether he can sustain this momentum.
His success has already inspired other underground artists to pursue similar digital-first strategies, potentially reshaping how Kenyan music is created, distributed, and consumed.
The challenge now lies in converting streaming success into long-term career sustainability.
While viral moments and chart positions are valuable, building a lasting music career requires consistent output, brand development, and strategic growth beyond initial breakthroughs.
Regardless of what the future holds, Toxic Lyrikali’s current position at the top of Apple Music’s Kenyan charts represents a watershed moment in the country’s music landscape—one that signals the power of authentic connection between artists and audiences in the digital age.
For now, the “backbencher” has become the frontrunner, and Kenya’s music scene will never be quite the same.
