Kenya mourns gengetone producer Byron Kivisi

President Ruto said he first met Kivisi during a recording session of the hit song ‘Sipangwingwi’ ahead of the 2022 presidential elections campaigns.

“Deeply saddened by the death of music producer and artist Byron Muhando Kivisi,” Ruto posted on X, formerly Twitter.  “Byron was first introduced to me by [gengetone musician] Exray Taniua during a music recording session of the hit song ‘Sipangwingwi’."

The president added that Kivisi was an immensely talented music producer. “It is disheartening that we have lost Byron at a prime age. We are comforted by the fact that his works of art will live on. To the family, friends and fans, accept our sincere condolences. Rest in peace, Byron.”

‘Sipangwingwi’ was used by Ruto for his presidential campaigns.

According to local media, the family of Kivisu has revealed that he died after suffering a fatal arterial rupture.

The Black Market Records producer worked with a number of gengetone artists including Trio Mio, Mejja, Exray and Ssaru. He was also behind a number of other hit songs, including ‘Pesa Ndogo’ by Exray ft. Mejja Genge, ‘Usherati’ by Mejja, ‘Kwa Bar’ by Odi Wa Murang’a ft. Fathermoh and Harry Craze, and ‘Peng wa Mafilter’ by Boondocks Gang, among others.

“Aaaaiii Paapiii! We made magic together! Still can’t believe it my G.  Rest easy king. Your work lives on!” Trio Mio wrote on social media.

At the same, the Kenyan music industry has lost another rapper Michael Mugo, better known as Just Imagine Africa. The cause of death of the artist, whose single ‘Bangi’ was well received, has been reportedly ruled as suicide.

Meanwhile, in Rwanda, the father of the late rapper Young KC has expressed the pain of losing his son. KC died in Ottawa, Canada on 17 September over a yet to be determined reason. He was 23.

Jean-Louis Kagahe told New Times that he learned of his son’s death on 18 September after receiving a call from his brother-in-law who lives in Canada.

“He was a brilliant kid and hands on. I sometimes told him that soon he would be a mechanic. Soon enough he developed a penchant for music, singing at every chance he got and I admired his beautiful voice,” Kagahe is quoted by New Times. “My beloved son drew his inspiration from family members who are naturally connected to music roots. So when he released his debut song ‘Umugabo’, I immediately connected the dots and knew that music was his calling too.”