Why Toxic Lyrikali is Currently the Most Streamed Kenyan Artist on Apple Music

July 24, 2025 38

Written by Bloga Flani

Toxic Lyrikali is no stranger to most people reading this. The boy has been on top of his game recently ever since he made headlines last year dropping bangers. Currently he is the most streamed Kenyan artist showing dust to the biggest names in the game. The rapper is leading the likes of Bien and others who are following closely behind him.

When Chinje dropped last year, it became one of Toxic Lyrikali’s best hit songs. Most fans thought that he would fall off fast just like any other artists who come in the game without a plan. However, Toxic stayed steady and dropped multiple hit songs that led him to his big collaboration with legendary beat maker Country Hype.

His earlier tracks—like Chinje, Thugnificent, Sick, and Cartman—went viral via TikTok, YouTube, and radio. Chinje alone surpassed a million views quickly in late 2024 and early 2025. Recognition from industry voices like Khaligraph Jones calling him “a rapper to watch” further amplified his visibility.

Toxic’s origin story from Kayole, Eastlands and his label Mboka Doba (slang for “music is work”) deeply resonates with Nairobi youth. His unfiltered lyrics and street-driven storytelling stand apart in the local rap scene. Despite not having big-name features, his solo output relies purely on his lyrical delivery and narrative style—a rarity in contemporary Kenyan music.

His bars are heavy, but not just for punchlines. Songs like Cartman, Long Story, and Thugnificent are filled with layered street philosophy. He raps like a griot from the block, blending street Swahili, Sheng, English, and coded truths.

Fans appreciate that his music isn’t just noise—it’s narrative. Every track feels like a chapter in a bigger memoir.