Cwezy

Real name Catherine Obanda, Cwezy is a Kenyan-born musical artist whose sound blends Afro-driven percussion with electronic textures, creating a genre-defiant style rooted in rhythm, emotion, and instinct.

Her musical journey began at the age of six through poetry, laying the foundation for her expressive and intuitive approach to music. At just 10 years old, she stepped into a professional recording studio for the first time after being offered an opportunity by producer Patrick “Saint P” Mbaru. During this early phase, she experimented with rap-influenced sounds and was exposed to a growing network of artists including Amina, Shantrel, Gath, and Bamzigi.

While in the studio environment, she met Saint Evo The Myth, who was developing his Equatorial House sound. This led to collaborative work on early records such as “I’m in Love With You” and “Together.” Through fellow artist Gath, Cwezy was later introduced to producer Motif, where she worked on the project “Club Hopping,” a record that was ultimately considered ahead of its time. Several songs from this formative period—including “Radio,” “Like a Star,” “Futfil,” and “Lovesick Pretense”—remain unreleased, representing a foundational era of exploration and artistic growth.

Her first international radio exposure came in 2012, when “Together” received airplay on a London-based station via Homboyz Radio, later extending to spins on Capital FM. These early moments marked the beginning of her transition from experimentation to a more defined artistic direction.

In 2018, Cwezy reached a significant milestone with the release of her single “That I Know” on December 14. Her first officially distributed track across digital streaming platforms, marking her formal entry as an independent artist. Around this time, she also began actively performing, building stage confidence through open-mic sessions in Nairobi’s Westlands creative scene, as well as earlier daytime hip-hop performances alongside local rappers.

On February 20, 2020, she released her single “Rihanna,” a defining moment in her career. With limited resources, Cwezy independently marketed the track, sharing it across social platforms and directly reaching out to listeners. Her persistence led to her first official interview with Voyage ATL, where she shared her story. The track also gained unexpected traction when Caroline Brooks featured it during an Instagram Live session, expanding its global reach. In 2022, “Rihanna” was playlisted and aired on BBC Radio 1 Introducing (Manchester), further solidifying her presence as an emerging independent artist.
Following the release, Cwezy performed at curated local events continuing to build a connection with live audiences.

Beyond her work as an artist, she is also the founder of Cwezy Music, focusing on bridging the gap for talented artists without access to resources. With a strong emphasis on creating safe and empowering spaces for female artists, the platform reflects her commitment to both artistry and community impact.

After a four-year hiatus, Cwezy returns in 2026 with renewed clarity and intention. With her upcoming singles “Champion Sound” and “Aura,” set for release in May. She has also hinted at upcoming collaborations with like-minded creatives aligned with her current vision.