Kristoff MWB
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Kristoff MWB | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Kristoff Barton Namwaya |
| Also known as | Kristoff |
| Born | March 5, 1989 |
| Genres |
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| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2013–present |
| Labels | CMG USA Records |
Kristoff Barton Namwaya, popularly known as Kristoff MWB or simply Kristoff, is a Kenyan musician who gained initial recognition in 2013 following the release of his track Tatoo Kwa Thigh. He is known for his collaborations with Kenyan artists and a musical style that incorporates catchy melodies and lyrics in Swahili and Kenyan slang.[1][2]
Career
[edit]Kristoff's journey in music began as a DJ before he transitioned to becoming a mainstream recording artist. His breakthrough arrived in 2013 with the release of "Tatoo Kwa Thigh," a single that quickly gained popularity and significant airplay, marking his entry into the Kenyan music scene.[3][4]
He has collaborated with a variety of Kenyan musicians across multiple genres, including Khaligraph Jones, Trio Mio, Kaytrixx, Yvonne Darcq, and Kush Tracey.[5] This extensive collaborative work has contributed to his recognition within the Kenyan music scene.[1]
In 2014, Kristoff's collaboration with Khaligraph Jones on a music video received attention within the Kenyan music industry. By 2017, his collaborative work was noted by media outlets, which highlighted his production of collaborative tracks."[6]
In 2023, Kristoff announced his return to performing and recording after a two-year period of inactivity.[7] DJ Poizon Ivy provided funding for his comeback single, "Bigman Party."[8] He performed in Meru, Kenya, and subsequently toured the United States in 2023. During the US tour, he performed a sold-out concert in Delaware.[9][10]
His discography includes tracks such as Tatoo Kwa Thigh, Umeniwai, Asubuhi na Mapema (with Trio Mio), Rhumba ya mapenzi, Bigman Party, Inakam (with Kaytrixx), and Niko Fresh. His music features lyrics in Swahili and Kenyan slang, alongside melodies and rhythmic beats. Common themes in his songs address contemporary Kenyan youth and social experiences.[11][12]
In 2022, Kristoff and musician Gabu were appointed as ambassadors for the Huduma Card, an initiative by the Government of Kenya.[13] Also in 2022, Kristoff together with Kenyan singer Nakoche distributed jerseys and foodstuffs to youth in Kawangware, highlighting his participation in community initiatives.[14]
Discography
[edit]| Song Title | Artist Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tatoo Kwa Thigh | Lead Artist | 2013 |
| Niko Fiti | Lead Artist | 2016 |
| Umeniwahi | Lead Artist | 2017 |
| Bigman Party | Lead Artist | 2022 |
| Rhumba ya mapenzi | Lead Artist | 2023 |
| Asubuhi na Mapema (feat. Trio Mio) | Lead Artist | 2024 |
| Bash (Kristoff ft. Yvonne Darcq, Kush Tracey, DJ Bash) | Featured Artist | 2019 |
| Single (feat. Kristoff) | Featured Artist | 2019 |
| Inakam (Kaytrixx and Kristoff) | Featured Artist | 2020 |
| Come Over (feat. Kristoff) | Featured Artist | 2023 |
| DZADDY (feat. Kristoff) | Featured Artist | Unknown |
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Kristoff: King of collabo!". Nation. 2020-07-05. Retrieved 2025-03-10.
- ^ "Kristoff". play.mdundo.com. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ Digital, Standard (2014-01-22). "Kristoff The Newbie In The Music Industry". Standard Entertainment. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ "Here's Why Kristoff (Ule Mluyah Wa Busia) Can Never Borrow (Video)". www.mpasho.co.ke. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ "Inakam by Kaytrixx and Kristoff". Nation. 2014-02-08. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ "'I hope you find yourself again': Khaligraph urges Kristoff to make 2022 comeback". Citizen Digital. 2022-01-11. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ "Kristoff announces musical comeback after two year hiatus". www.mpasho.co.ke. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ "Meet the international DJ who funded Kristoff's comeback banger 'Bigman party'". www.mpasho.co.ke. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ "Kristoff's USA tour is a way to 'adapt and reinvent' his brand". Nairobi News. 2023-10-17. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ "From USA Tour to Sold-Out Stage: Kristoff Makes a Remarkable Return in Rare Performance". Citizen Digital. 2024-01-22. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ Njaaga, David. "Kristoff teams up with Trio Mio for festive track 'Asubuhi na Mapema'". The Standard. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ "Asubuhi na Mapema: Kristoff and Trio Mio triumphantly return to the stage with pompous serving for the festivi". Citizen Digital. 2024-12-04. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ "Gabu, Kristoff unveiled as Huduma Card ambassadors". Nation. 2020-07-05. Retrieved 2025-03-11.
- ^ "Popular rapper Kristoff and singer Nakoche distribute jerseys, foodstuffs to Kawangware youth". Citizen Digital. 2023-06-19. Retrieved 2025-03-11.