- Kenyan rapper Toxic Lyrikali has been named among Apple Music’s “Up Next – East Africa” artists.
- His breakout single “Backbencher” (released June 20, 2025) has become a youth anthem across Kenya.
- By July, the track hit No.1 on Apple Music Top 100: Kenya, sparking viral campus and school trends.
- The recognition cements him as one of the fastest-rising voices in Kenya’s hip-hop scene.
Toxic Lyrikali shot to fame after dropping Backbencher, a track that speaks about life in school, underdogs’ struggles, and defiance against being overlooked. Its relatable message and catchy hook made it popular among students and youth.
By July, the song had climbed to the top of Apple Music Top 100: Kenya. It became more than just a hit; it turned into an anthem in schools, campuses, and urban hangouts, with fans embracing it as a reflection of their daily lives.
On August 20, 2025, Apple Music named Toxic Lyrikali among its “Up Next East Africa” artists. Sharing the news with his fans on Instagram, he celebrated the milestone as proof that Kenyan hip-hop is gaining international reach.
“This is a big win for me and Kenyan music. We are going global,” he wrote.
Toxic Lyrikali’s rise shows how digital platforms continue to open doors for new Kenyan talent, making him one of the voices to watch in East Africa’s growing hip-hop scene.
