Fast-rising hitmaker Iyanii has been nominated at the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) for his track “Kifo Cha Mende”. The song, which blends reggae undertones with Iyanii’s signature lyrical bite, earned him a slot in the Best African Reggae, Ragga & Dancehall category—one of the most competitive in the awards roster.
Iyanii, 27, first broke into the mainstream with “Pombe”, a cheeky yet infectious anthem that dominated airwaves and social media trends in 2021.
The track became a cultural moment in Kenya, especially during the pandemic period, when party-starved fans latched onto its celebratory energy.
This nomination is a nod to Kenya’s expanding influence on Africa’s music landscape, traditionally dominated by Nigeria’s Afrobeats and South Africa’s Amapiano.
AFRIMA, often dubbed the “African Grammys,” is the continent’s premier music recognition platform, bringing together artists from every corner of Africa.“This is a big one for me and for Kenya,” Iyanii shared in an Instagram post. “Our music deserves to be heard across borders, and I’m happy Kifo Cha Mende is opening that door.”
Though AFRIMA is Iyanii’s first major continental recognition, it is not his first taste of award success. Back in 2022, he clinched the Best East African New Artist title at the Magic Vibe Awards, edging out competition from Tanzania and Rwanda. The following year, he landed nominations at the East African Awards for Breakthrough Act of the Year and People’s Choice Collaboration Single of the Year, proving he was no one-hit wonder.
Internationally, Iyanii has also begun spreading his wings. In late 2022, he performed in Doha, Qatar, a show that marked his first time on a global stage outside Africa.
Iyanii’s AFRIMA nomination comes at a time when East African artists are increasingly demanding space on Africa’s biggest stages. Tanzanian stars have dominated Bongo Flava globally, while Uganda’s Azawi and Eddy Kenzo have broken into international rotations.
Iyanii’s presence in AFRIMA’s reggae and dancehall category signals that Kenya’s new school is not just producing hits but shaping conversations across genres.
Winning an AFRIMA is no small feat, but even being nominated places Iyanii in elite company. With his growing portfolio of hits, regional awards, and an expanding fan base, the trajectory looks promising.
AFRIMA is set to crown winners later this year.