Jimwat
Jimwat is a Kenyan hip-hop artist, known for his contribution to the Genge music subgenre. Emerging in the early 2000s, Jimwat (whose real name is James Wathigo) became popular for his catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, and distinctive vocal style, often incorporating Sheng (Kenyan slang) heavily into his songs.
He is regarded as one of the pioneers of Genge, a style of Kenyan hip-hop that blends hip-hop beats with local rhythms, melodies, and Swahili/Sheng lyrics. His music often touched upon social issues affecting Kenyan youth, as well as everyday life and relationships.
Some of his well-known songs include "Under 18" and "Kimnare" which gained significant airplay and contributed to the growth of the Genge music scene in Kenya. While his career has experienced periods of less activity, his earlier work remains influential and is still recognized as foundational to contemporary Kenyan hip-hop.