Kijana ish, the Nairobi-born artist also known as Ishmael Kitinya, has released “Not Accepted”, a bold and deeply personal album that redefines what it means to celebrate Kenyan identity in music today. From the very first track, it’s clear that this project is more than just an album—it’s a cultural statement, a sonic journey that carries both the weight of tradition and the spark of modern innovation.
What makes Not Accepted so striking is how it manages to bridge the gap between Kenya’s rich musical heritage and the global sounds shaping today’s charts. Traditional styles like benga, chakacha, and mugithi sit side by side with Afrobeat and gengetone, creating a soundscape that feels at once timeless and refreshingly current. The blend is seamless, capturing the vibrancy of life from Kisumu to Mombasa, while also resonating with listeners far beyond Kenyan borders.
Ishmael sings in Swahili, Sheng, Kikuyu, and English, weaving languages together much like he does his music. Songs move between stories of heartbreak and resilience, joy and reflection, mirroring the complexity of his own journey. You can hear the heartbeat of everyday Kenya—the rhythm of matatu rides, the bustle of open-air markets, the joy and struggle of people living fully in their culture. By incorporating instruments like the nyatiti alongside the unmistakable urban pulse of Nairobi, Ishmael crafts an album that is at once intimate and expansive.
Not Accepted also doubles as an autobiography of sorts. It reflects the young artist’s life path—from church choirs and street cyphers to international studio sessions—culminating in a debut Kenyan album that serves as both a love letter to his homeland and a call for unity. It’s a project that doesn’t just honor heritage but reinvents it, placing Kijana ish firmly in the lineage of Kenyan artists pushing boundaries while staying rooted in their culture.
Listen to ‘Not Accepted’ on all platforms here. Follow Kijana ish on Instagram
