Toxic Lyrikali: Everything You Want to Know About The Kayole Storyteller

When you think about Kenyan hip hop, the names that usually comes to mind are Khaligraph, Octopizzo and lately, Wakadinali.

However, it seems like we are on the brink of something fresh. New voices are popping up, but there is one voice that is like a wave, its changing things and shaking the industry, I am talking about Toxic Lyrikali. His name might be new to some, but his music hits hard with stories that feel like they come straight from Nairobi’s Eastlando; the grit, the grind, and the dreams all rolled into one.

Today, we are unpacking what the story of Toxic has, just like we did with the Amazing story of Zzero Sufuri, I believe todays story pia itakushika😂

So who exactly is Toxic Lyrikali? Where does his music come from, and why has he become such a voice for the youth of Kayole and beyond? Excuse yourself to a lonely place, and let’s take a walk through his journey; a story of hustle, honesty, and building something bigger than just music.

From Eastlands to the Mic: Toxic Lyrikali

Toxic Lyrikali wasn’t always destined for the music stage. Born and raised in Kayole, one of Nairobi’s toughest neighborhoods, his first love was football. Like many kids from his area, he dreamed of making it on the pitch. But high school brought a change. The rhythm of rap pulled him away from the field and into the studio.

Since he started in 2022, his sound has been deeply rooted in the realities of Eastlands life showing the struggles, the hopes, and the raw, unfiltered truth of growing up there. His lyrics don’t sugarcoat anything. They paint vivid pictures of hardship but also capture the spirit of a community that refuses to give up.

A Voice That Breaks Through

If you were around in 2024, you’d have felt the impact of his breakout single, “Thugnificent.” The track slowly grew viral, fueled by TikTok creators who related to its story and energy. Before long, the music video racked up over a million views on YouTube, a milestone that still feels huge in the Kenyan music world.

But Toxic Lyrikali didn’t stop there. He followed up with “Cartman” and then “Chinje,” which blew up even bigger, todays Chinje has over 6 million views and counting. The video for “Chinje,” with its raw imagery and edgy tone, sparked debate, but it was exactly this realness that drew people in.

Jam to Chinje as we continue with the story of Toxic Lyrikali

More Than Just Music: Building Mboka Doba

One thing that sets Toxic Lyrikali apart is his vision beyond being a solo artist. Through his label, Mboka Doba which translates loosely to “money from music” in Sheng’ he’s creating a space for dancers, photographers, and other creatives from his neighborhood to thrive. It’s not just about him; it’s about lifting a whole community of young artists.

In interviews, he’s clear about this mission. “Kenye nimekuja kufanya tofauti ni kusupportiana kama mayouth,” he said, emphasizing the power of teamwork and community. For Toxic, music is just one piece of a bigger puzzle.

Nyashinski Co-signing Toxic Lyrikali’s Song “Cartman”

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One major boost for Toxic Lyrikali came when Nyashinski, one of Kenya’s hip hop legends, co-signed his song “Cartman.” For those who know the industry, a co-sign from Nyashinski is like a strong vote of confidence. It showed that established artists are recognizing Toxic’s talent and gave his music even more credibility. That kind of support not only helps bring his music to new ears but also signals that Toxic is a serious player in the Kenyan hip hop scene.

So what does co signing mean?

In music, the term Co-signing means the public endorsement of another artist by an established artist or industry figure. It’s essentially a vouching for the talent or potential of another artist, often to a wider audience.

So When Nyashinski co-signs Toxic Lyrikali’s song “Cartman,” it means he’s publicly giving his stamp of approval to the track. Nyashinski is a respected heavyweight in Kenyan hip hop, so his support carries a lot of weight. By endorsing “Cartman,” he’s signaling to his fans and the wider music community that Toxic Lyrikali is an artist worth paying attention to. This kind of backing can open doors for Toxic, helping boost his credibility and reach. It’s a powerful nod from one established artist to a rising star, and it highlights how the Kenyan hip hop scene continues to support and uplift new talent.

Staying Real in a Flashy Industry

In a world where many artists chase glitz and glamour, Toxic Lyrikali stays grounded. His videos are shot in the streets where he grew up, often with his close crew by his side. It’s a raw look at the life he knows no fancy sets, no flashy distractions, chinje is the example, I just dropped the link for you above. This honesty resonates with Nairobi’s youth, who see him as a genuine voice for their realities.

He’s also open about the challenges that come with the grind. Fame is new but he keeps his feet on the ground, knowing his story is still being written.

Concluding: The Future of Toxic Lyrikali

Toxic Lyrikali’s journey is just getting started. His rise in 2024 signaled a shift in Kenyan hip hop scene, one that blends storytelling with street authenticity. With more singles and potential collaborations on the way, he’s poised to keep pushing boundaries and inspiring a new generation.

So next time you hear a track from Toxic Lyrikali, remember it’s more than music. It’s the sound of Kayole’s hustle, Nairobi’s struggles, and the spirit of a young artist who’s putting his whole neighborhood on his back.