This popular Nairobi native truly exemplifies the word “eclectic.” Eric Wainaina’s early passion for music happened by chance, when a gift intended for his brother – a piano – fell into Eric’s 4-year-old hands instead. And thank goodness it did. Wainaina’s wide influences include everything from ABBA and Paul Simon to Youssou N'Dour and Papa Wemba, thanks largely to Nairobi’s place as a crossroads for several musical styles.

In the 1990s, Wainaina earned massive popularity in Kenya while singing in the gospel a cappella group Five Alive. The experience inspired him to study music, and in 1997 he enrolled at Berklee College of Music in Boston. His incredible talent and performances while enrolled launched his musical career after he graduated, with honors; his debut album Sawa Sawa was released in 2001 and earned wide praise. And Wainaina has received several nods from the KORA All Africa Music Awards, including an award for Best East African Artist in 2002.

As Wainaina continues to juggle success, family life and the creative process – he is working on his second full-length solo album now – his popularity has hardly died down in Kenya, and fans treasure his past anthems against corruption and his catchy sound. Wainaina is still a regular in the African festival circuit, where he truly showcases his eclectic style.   

Contributed by: Essie Lash