From music, film, athletics, and literature, Kenya has continually been represented on the global stage. In the music industry, the sounds of Kenya have continued to evolve over the years. What was termed traditional music from the yesteryears has become modernized with different styles, and musical instruments leading to the emergence of a new generation of music stars of Kenyan origin.

In the movie world, Kenyan stars have cut their teeth in Hollywood. Through their hard work and dedication, they have received accolades, won awards, and gone on to play key roles in many box-office releases.

The exceptional performances of Kenyan Athletes in the Olympics have been remarkable. With a total of 100 plus medals the most being majorly won by their runners, Kenya is the topmost African country with the largest number of combined medals.

Stars like Sauti Sol, Fena Gitu, Lupita Nyong’o, and Eliud Kipchoge have risen to acclaim due to their impact in their various fields. These persons have made their mark, gained international recognition, and continue to reveal the incredible talent that Kenya has to offer.

Sauti Sol

Best African Group at the African Muzik Magazine Awards (2015 AFRIMMA), MTV Europe Music Awards for Best African Act in 2014, Best Group (Africa) at MTV Africa Music Awards in 2016, Soundcity MTV Awards in 2016, amongst other awards and nominations, Sauti Sol is a boy band group with a music genre in Afro-Pop. Initially, an acapella group comprising Baraza, Chimano, and Savara, they officially renamed their band Sauti Sol when they were joined by guitarist Otieno.

Sauti which is the Swahili for "sound" and Sol which is the Spanish word for “sun” now comprises four members Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Austin Chimano, Polycarp Otieno, and Savara Mudigi. 

Their first song, "Mafunzo ya Dunia" (lessons of the world), featured in their debut studio album Mwanzo which was released in 2008. Other singles like “Lazizi” became a local hit in Kenya helping to grow their fan base, bringing recognition to the group, and making them one of Africa’s most famous bands. The group has gone on to release several other albums with the recent being “Midnight Train” which was released in 2020. 

Performing with artists such as Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Sauti Sol remains a notable name in the Kenyan music industry.

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Fena Gitu

Trufena Wanjiru Gitu also known as Fena Gitu was born in Nairobi, Kenya. Fena is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, and performer. Combining a fusion of Afrobeat, Pop, and R&B, Fena’s music focuses on social issues that revolve around female enablement, romance, and self-love.

Her hit single “Fenamental Woman” cast her into the spotlight further showcasing her energetic personality and vocal prowess. She has then gone on to release several singles like "Sema Ng'we", "Ndigithia." and “Doing Her Thing” amongst several others. Also, a consummate entrepreneur, Fena has a clothing line called Fenamenal Stylista. Her contribution to the Kenyan music industry makes her an inspiration to many aspiring artists in Kenya.

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Lupita Nyong’o

Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress 2014, Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role 2014, Bet Awards for Best Actress 2014, Black Reels Award for Outstanding Actress 2020, amongst many other awards and nominations, Lupita Nyong’o is possibly the biggest film actress from Kenya.

A bachelor’s degree holder in film and African studies and a master's degree holder in acting from Yale School of Drama, Lupita Nyong’o had played several roles in other mini roles before her stand-out role in the movie “12 Years a Slave”.

As part of her contribution to society, Lupita is bringing her wealth of experience and exposure to bear through her involvement with a nonprofit organization called Mother Health International (MHI) an organization that provides healthcare to pregnant women in underdeveloped countries and women and children in areas affected by war, disaster and extreme poverty.

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Eliud Kipchoge

One of the greatest marathoners the world has ever seen, Eliud Kipchoge holds a 2hr 1min 9sec world record for a marathon.

Raised from humble beginnings, Kipchoge had already started running long distances as a child while attending school. As an adult, he would later record his first major Gold medal win in the 2003 World Championships in Athletics which was held in Paris. Between 2014 and 2019, Kipchoge had won all 10 marathons he took part in. 

His efforts to break the marathon record by completing a run in under 2 hours which was considered a remarkable feat to achieve led to the production of a documentary: Kipchoge: The Last Milestone (2021).

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Sauti Sol, Lupita Nyong'o, Fena Gitu, and Eliud Kipchoge are shining examples of the incredible talent that Kenya has to offer the world. Their feats are not only celebrated but have remained influential in inspiring others. 

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 Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. [email protected]

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