NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenyan music duo Vijana Barubaru have announced a hiatus as members Tuku Kantu and Mwana Wa Wambui turn their attention to their individual music careers.
The Nairobi-based duo announced the decision in a joint statement issued on September 9, 2026, bringing a new chapter to a partnership that has lasted nearly a decade.
The musicians said their decision was driven by personal and creative growth rather than conflict. They want to use the break to explore their individual identities, experiment with their sound and establish themselves as solo artists.
“For years, the world has known us as Vijana Barubaru. Two voices, one shared journey,” the duo said in their statement.
They explained that both members have continued to evolve as artists and individuals, creating a need to explore what they can achieve independently.
“As artists and as individuals, we have both continued to grow, and out of the desire to further explore our creative journeys, we have decided to go on a hiatus to focus on our solo careers,” they said.
The announcement means Tuku Kantu and Mwana Wa Wambui will now pursue their individual musical paths while putting their work as Vijana Barubaru on hold.
The artists described the hiatus as an opportunity for self-discovery, saying they want to explore their individual creative voices and discover new aspects of themselves.
“Vijana Barubaru has given us a foundation, history, and brotherhood,” they said.
The announcement presented the decision as a mutual step toward personal and artistic development.
Tuku Kantu and Mwana Wa Wambui first met and began writing music together as independent artists before they formally established Vijana Barubaru.
Their collaboration eventually developed into one of Kenya’s recognisable music duos, with the pair building a following through romantic Swahili songs and collaborations.
The two have worked together for approximately 10 years, having started their musical journey around 2016.
Over the years, they developed a distinct identity built around melodic performances, Swahili lyrics and songs that resonated with young Kenyan audiences.
Their music also allowed them to explore themes of love, relationships and everyday experiences while maintaining a sound that distinguished them from many contemporary Kenyan acts.
Vijana Barubaru became particularly known for their romantic Swahili music and collaborations.
One of their notable songs is “Kifo Cha Mende,” which helped strengthen their profile in Kenya’s music scene.
The duo’s catalogue and collaborations established Tuku Kantu and Mwana Wa Wambui as a creative partnership rather than simply two artists appearing on the same records. Their ability to complement each other’s styles became part of the appeal of Vijana Barubaru.
The duo’s journey also included working with other Kenyan musicians and participating in a music industry that has increasingly encouraged artists to develop both group and individual identities.
As they announced their hiatus, Tuku Kantu and Mwana Wa Wambui also used the statement to thank the fans who supported Vijana Barubaru throughout the years. They acknowledged that the duo’s achievements would not have been possible without the audience that followed their music.
“None of what we have achieved would have been possible without the love and support you have given us,” they said.
The musicians then asked their supporters to extend the same enthusiasm to their individual careers.
“Bring the same love, if not more, and let’s continue making great memories and music,” they said.
The end of Vijana Barubaru’s current chapter comes after years of collaboration, shared performances and music-making.
The duo’s members have now asked their audience to accompany them into their next phase while recognising the history they created together.
