Nviiri the Storyteller

Last updated
Nviiri the Storyteller
Birth nameNviiri Sande
Born (1991-08-19) 19 August 1991 (age 33)
OriginKenya
Genres Afropop
R&B
InstrumentGuitar
Formerly ofSol Generation Records

Nviiri Sande (born 19 August 1991), professionally known as Nviiri the story teller is a Kenyan singer and songwriter. In 2019, he gained mainstream recognition following being signed to Sol Generation Records and the release of the song Extravaganza.

Contents

Early life

Nviiri attended Dagoretti High School, Nairobi. He studied mechanical engineering in college and later worked at his father's workshop. [1]

Career

Prior to being signed to Sol Generation Records, Nviiri worked as a behind the scenes videographer for Sauti Sol. The boy band did not know Nviiri could sing and only knew after Bien heard him play the guitar. Bien encouraged Nviiri to pursue music. [2] Nviiri was part of a gospel band and toured South Korea. Nviiri wrote melanin for Sauti sol featuring Patoranking. [3]

Nviiri broke into the mainstream scene in 2019, following the release of the song Extravaganza, which announced new Sol Generation signees. [4] He then released Pombe sigara. [5]

In 2021, he released a six-track EP, Kitenge. [6] It included the songs; Baridi featuring Sanaipei Tande, Mae Wendi, Kitenge, Niko Sawa featuring Bien, Bembeleza and Birthday Song featuring Khaligraph Jones, Sauti Sol and Bensoul. [7] Beverly Kaiga of Tangaza Magazine writes that the album "details the love story of a couple that is fated to fail, as predicted in the Tarot cards on the EP's album art". [8] In 2021, the song Niko Sawa, was the most streamed song in Kenya on Spotify. [9] In the same year, he also released the single Nikita. [10]

In 2023, he releases his album Inside Out which includes 15 tracks. The album included collaborations with artists like Bien, Bensoul, Chike and Bayanni. [11] The album has three phases Bwana Sherehe (party animal), Love & Heartbreak and Consciousness. The song Nikilewa, from the album was listed by Rolling Stone on the Top 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2023 list. [12]

In 2024, he announced that he was leaving Sol Generation Records following the end of his five-year contract with the label. [13]

Artistry

Nviiri is described as a blend of Afropop, soul and R & B. [12]

Awards and recognition

Awards

AwardsYearRecipient (S) and nominee (S)CategoryResultRef
African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA)2021Nviiri The StorytellerBest Male Artist in Eastern AfricaNominated [14]
‘Nairobi’ by Bensoul ft. Sauti Sol, Nviiri the StorytellerBest African VideoNominated
Sauti Sol ft Bensoul, Nviiri The Storyteller, Xeniah & NHP
Best Artist, Duo or BandNominated
Pulse Music Video Awards2021Nviiri The Storyteller ft Bien-Niko sawaBest Collaboration of the YearNominated [15]
Bensoul, Sauti Sol, Nviiri & Mejja- NairobiBest Collaboration of the YearNominated
Pulse Music Video Awards2022Nviiri The Storyteller-NikitaMale Video of the YearNominated [16]

Recognition

In 2021, Business Daily listed him in the Top 40 Under 40 list. [1]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sauti Sol</span> Kenyan band

Sauti Sol is a Kenyan Afropop band formed in Nairobi in 2005 by vocalists Bien-Aimé Baraza, Willis Chimano and Savara Mudigi. Initially an a cappella group, guitarist Polycarp Otieno joined before they named themselves Sauti Sol.

<i>Mwanzo</i> 2009 studio album by Sauti Sol

Mwanzo is the debut album by Sauti Sol, a Kenyan afro-pop band. It was released on August 4, 2009 by Penya Records.

Victoria Kimani is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, and entertainer formerly signed to the Nigerian record label Chocolate City. Her debut album was released in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ali Kiba</span> Tanzanian musician and songwriter

Ali Saleh Kiba, best known as Ali Kiba or occasionally as King Kiba, is a Tanzanian musician and songwriter. He is one of the most talented musicians in East Africa and mostly considered the King of Bongo Flava music Genre. He is from Kigoma and the owner of Kings Music label and the Crown Media Group. With hit songs such as Mwana, Aje, Chekecha Cheketua, Cinderella, Nakshi Mrembo, Usiniseme, Dushelele, Single Boy with Lady Jaydee, Mapenzi Yana Run Dunia,mahaba,mama with legendary yvone chaka chaka and Macmuga. Ali Kiba is usually regarded as one of the most successful Bongo Flava stars usually associated with close rivalry with Diamond Platnumz.

Wendy Kimani is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress and entertainer. She came into prominence after being the first runners-up in the second season of Tusker Project Fame. As a singer she is known for her songs; "Haiwi Haiwi" featuring Bien of Sauti Sol, "Chali", "Unajua" featured by Gilad among others. She released her debut album dubbed as My Essence launched in August 2013. As an actress she is known for starring in the television series, Rush.

<i>Mama Africa</i> (Yemi Alade album) 2016 studio album by Yemi Alade

Mama Africa is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Yemi Alade. It was released on March 25, 2016, by Effyzzie Music Group. Mama Africa is the follow-up to her debut studio album King of Queens (2014); it features collaborations with P-Square, Sarkodie, Sauti Sol, Flavour N'abania, Rotimi Keys, DJ Arafat and Selebobo. Mama Africa was produced by GospelOnDeBeatz, DJ Coublon, Selebobo, Philkeyz, BeatsByEmzo, Masterkraft, Rotimi Keys and Mr. Chidoo. It was supported by the singles "Na Gode", "Do As I Do", "Ferrari", "Kom Kom", "Africa" and "Tumbum". The album's deluxe edition features collaborations with South African musicians Bucie and AKA. Mama Africa won World Beat at the 2017 Independent Music Awards.

<i>Afrikan Sauce</i> 2019 studio album by Sauti Sol

Afrikan Sauce is the fourth studio album by Kenyan band Sauti Sol, released on their eponymous record label Sauti Sol Entertainment. Primarily an Afropop and R&B record, Afrikan Sauce marked a departure from the traditional acoustic sound of their previous albums. It features guest appearances from Patoranking, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Vanessa Mdee, Yemi Alade, Khaligraph Jones, Nyashinski, Bebe Cool, Mi Casa, Toofan, Jah Prayzah and C4 Pedro. The album comprises thirteen tracks and was supported by the previously released singles "Melanin", "Girl Next Door", "Afrikan Star", "Short N Sweet" and "Tujiangalie". Afikan Sauce received positive reviews from music critics, who characterized it as a "game changer" and commended it for having "substantial replay value". The album won Album of the Year in Africa at the 2019 All Africa Music Awards.

Zuhura Othman Soud better known by her stage name Zuchu, is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter born on November 22,1993 in Zanzibar. She is currently based in Dar es Salaam and is signed to WCB Wasafi record label.

Mbwana Yusuf Kilungi, better known by his stage name Mbosso Khan is a Tanzanian singer and songwriter born in Kibiti, Pwani Region, he is currently based in Dar es Salaam and signed under WCB Wasafi record label. Mbosso is known for his songs "Nadekezwa" and "Hodari" which won Video of the Year at HiPipo Awards 2019. Mbosso released his debut studio album, Definition of Love, in March 2021.

Juma Mussa Mkambala, known professionally by his stage name Jux, is a Tanzanian artist and songwriter.

Major Nameye Khadija popularly known by his stage name Mejja, is a Kenyan Genge artist. He was signed to Calif Records, where he released multiple collaborations. His single "Jana Kuliendaje" won an award at Kenya's Chaguo la Teeni in 2008.

Salmin Ismail Hoza, professionally known by his stage name Kusah, is a Tanzanian musician, singer and songwriter. He started getting attention as a songwriter but later rose to stardom after releasing songs such as Kelele, No Time, I Don't Care and I Wish which made him a household name in Tanzania.

<i>Midnight Train</i> (album) 2020 studio album by Sauti Sol

Midnight Train is the fifth studio album by Kenyan Afropop band Sauti Sol. It was released by Universal Music Africa on June 5, 2020. Recorded in English, Swahili, and Luhya, the album comprises 13 tracks and is the band's first project released under the label. Sauti Sol dedicated the album to their fans and described it as a collaborative project with songwriters and producers. Midnight Train features collaborations with India Arie, Soweto Gospel Choir, Sho Madjozi, and Black Motion, among others. It explores themes of sobriety, personal insecurities, love, and hope.

Sol Generation Records is a Kenyan based music label, founded by Kenyan Afropop group Sauti Sol members; Bien-Aime Baraza, Savara Mudigi, Willis Austin Chimano and Polycarp Otieno. The label was founded in 2019.

Wakadinali is a Kenyan hip hop group with three members, David Munga Ramadhan professionally known as Domani Munga, Churchill Mandela professionally known as Scar Mkadinali and Salim Ali Tangut professionally known as Sewer Sydaa. The group is also known as Rong Rende. Wakadinali who are from the Eastlands area in Nairobi started out as an underground hiphop group and broke into the mainstream in 2020.

H_art The Band is a Kenyan Afropop band from Nairobi, Kenya formed in 2012 by artists Mordecai Mwini, Kenneth Muya and Wachira Gatama Abednego. They started releasing music in 2014 with their debut single Uliza Kiatu.

Benson Mutua, professionally known as Bensoul, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He achieved mainstream success in 2019 following being the first signee of Sol Generation Records by Sautisol and releasing his single Lucy. His five-year deal ended in 2023 and he left the label to start his own record label, Lion of Sudah.

Bien-Aime Alusa Baraza, popularly known as Bien, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, guitarist, music executive and entrepreneur. He is a member of Sauti Sol, a Kenyan Afropop music band.

<i>Three</i> (Patoranking album) 2020 studio album by Patoranking

Three is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Patoranking. It was released on 28 August 2020 by Amari Musiq, and features guest appearances from Tiwa Savage, Flavour, Sauti Sol and King Promise. The album housed production from DJ Coublon, KillaShay, Mr. Kamera, Culan, Telz, Ctea, Jaydot, Dëra and Hysaint. The album serves as a follow-up to Wilmer (2019), and has been described as "his best album yet" by critics.

References

  1. 1 2 Odidi, Billy. "Nviiri Sande". Business Daily. Business Daily. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  2. Oruta, Brian. "We didn't know he could sing – Sauti Sol's Bien and Polycarp explain how they signed Nviiri". Pulse. Pulse. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  3. Watiri, Susan. "Nviiri the Storyteller: Meet the man who wrote Sauti Sol's 'Melanin'". PULSE. PULSE. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  4. Ngigi, Elizabeth. "Sol Generation takes the music industry by storm". THE STAR. THE STAR. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  5. Milimo, Dennis. "The 'Pombe Sigara' Tale as Told by Nviiri The Storyteller". PULSE. PULSE. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  6. Nyingi, Loise Wairimu. "Kitenge: Nviiri reigns at the helm of Apple Music charts with EP". The Standard. The Standard. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  7. Boombuzz Kenya. "EP Feature of the Week: Kitenge by Nviiri The Storyteller". Boomplay. Boomplay. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  8. Wakiaga, Beverly. "Love Is Complicated on Nvirii the Storyteller's 'Kitenge'". TANGAZA. TANGAZA. Retrieved 1 July 2024.
  9. Mithika, Boniface. "Nviiri the Storyteller's 'Niko Sawa' becomes most streamed track on Spotify". The Standard. The Standard. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  10. Lauryn. "Nviiri The Storyteller returns with the release of "Nikita"". NOTJUSTOK. NOTJUSTOK. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  11. Choge, Peter. "Kenya: Nviiri The Storyteller releases Inside Out album". Music in Africa. Music in Africa. Retrieved 24 June 2024.
  12. 1 2 ROLLING STONE. "The 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2023". Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  13. Gachie, Kenneth. "Nviiri The Storyteller Announces Departure From Sol Generation". Citizen Digital. Citizen Digital. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  14. Milimo, Dennis. "List of Nominees for the 2021 AFRIMMA Awards (Full List)". Pulse. Pulse. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  15. Ilado, Lucy. "Pulse Music Video Awards 2021 in Kenya: All the nominees". Music in Africa. Music in Africa. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  16. Choge, Peter. "2022 Pulse Music Video Awards in Kenya: All the winners". Music in Africa. Music in Africa. Retrieved 9 July 2024.