Konshens Praises Bien, Toxic Lyrikali and Ethic Entertainment
Jamaican dancehall star Konshens has praised Kenyan musicians Bien, Toxic Lyrikali and Ethic Entertainment, naming them among the local acts whose music has caught his attention. The international star also believes Kenyan and other East African artists could reach wider global audiences by incorporating more English lyrics into their songs.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday, October 25, 2026, Konshens said he had followed Kenyan music for some time and was familiar with the work of several local performers.
“I have been listening to Kenyan artists for a while. I see Bien doing big things, Toxic Lyrikali, Ethic; I have known them for a long time,” he said, according to K24 Digital.
His comments have drawn attention to Kenya’s diverse music industry and the opportunities available to local artists looking to expand beyond the East African market.
Konshens Recognises Different Sounds in Kenyan Music
By highlighting Bien, Toxic Lyrikali and Ethic Entertainment, Konshens acknowledged artists associated with different parts of Kenya’s contemporary music scene.
Bien, formerly a member of the celebrated Kenyan group Sauti Sol, has continued building his solo career through Afropop, R&B and other contemporary African sounds. His songwriting and collaborations have helped him connect with audiences across different markets.
Toxic Lyrikali, meanwhile, has established a following through Kenya’s urban music scene, attracting listeners with his distinctive delivery and street-inspired sound.
Ethic Entertainment became a major name in the gengetone movement, a Kenyan genre that blends local influences with elements of hip-hop, dancehall and other urban sounds. The group gained widespread attention through songs such as Lamba Lolo.
The three acts represent different musical styles, demonstrating the variety within Kenya’s entertainment industry.
Konshens’ recognition is particularly notable because his own career has been built around Jamaican dancehall, a genre that has influenced musicians across Africa, including artists in Kenya.
Why Konshens Wants East African Artists to Use More English
Beyond praising individual performers, Konshens shared his thoughts on what could help Kenyan and other East African musicians attract a larger international audience.
The Jamaican singer suggested that incorporating more English into their music could make it easier for listeners outside the region to understand their lyrics.
“If artists did more songs in English, East African artists would be massive in the world. But because it is Swahili…” he said, as reported by K24 Digital.
His remarks have brought renewed attention to the debate over language and international success in African music.
English is widely understood in many international music markets, making it one option for artists seeking to communicate directly with listeners across different countries. However, language is only one factor that influences whether a song becomes popular internationally.
Catchy melodies, production quality, collaborations, marketing, streaming distribution and live performances can also help musicians reach new audiences.
Kenyan artists also use Swahili, Sheng and other local languages to express their experiences and connect with listeners who identify with their music. These languages can be an important part of an artist’s identity rather than a barrier that must be removed.
Can Kenyan Music Go Global Without Losing Its Identity?
Konshens’ suggestion raises an important question for Kenyan musicians: how can they expand their international reach while retaining the sounds and languages that make their music distinctive?
One possible approach is to blend English with Swahili or Sheng, allowing artists to communicate with different audiences without abandoning their cultural roots.
Musicians can also explore collaborations with international performers, experiment with different production styles and develop marketing strategies that introduce their music to listeners beyond Kenya.
African music has already demonstrated that songs can cross language barriers. Listeners may connect with a track because of its rhythm, melody, energy or emotional message, even when they do not understand every lyric.
For Kenyan artists, the challenge is therefore not necessarily choosing between local languages and English. It is finding ways to make their music accessible to new audiences while preserving the originality that sets them apart.
Konshens’ Connection With East African Music
Konshens’ appreciation of Kenyan musicians also reflects his longstanding relationship with East Africa.
In an October 2026 social media post, the dancehall star pointed to his musical connections with regional performers, including the Backbencher remix associated with Toxic Lyrikali and the Figa remix linked to Ethic Entertainment.
He also highlighted his collaboration with Ugandan singer A Pass on Gamululu. Konshens has used these projects to illustrate that his interest in East African music extends beyond performing at concerts in the region.
His continued engagement with regional artists creates opportunities for musical exchange between Jamaican dancehall and East African urban sounds.
Such collaborations can introduce artists to new audiences, create fresh musical combinations and strengthen connections between entertainment industries across different countries.
Kenyan Artists Have Opportunities to Expand Their Reach
Kenya’s music scene includes established performers, emerging urban artists and groups that have developed distinctive sounds for younger audiences.
Bien’s contemporary African sound, Toxic Lyrikali’s urban appeal and Ethic Entertainment’s contribution to gengetone illustrate the range of styles available to listeners.
International recognition from a musician such as Konshens can help bring additional attention to these artists and encourage conversations about the future of Kenyan music.
His advice on using more English offers one perspective on how East African musicians might approach international expansion. However, success will also depend on the quality of their music, consistent releases, effective promotion and their ability to build lasting connections with listeners.
Ultimately, Kenyan artists can pursue international opportunities without abandoning their cultural identity. Whether through English lyrics, bilingual songs, local languages or international collaborations, the goal is to create music that resonates with audiences while remaining true to the artist’s vision.
Konshens’ comments have recognised the talent emerging from Kenya and highlighted the possibilities for further growth. For the country’s musicians, the conversation is not simply about which language to sing in, but how to turn their creativity into a wider global presence.
