“I rap what I live. If you don’t feel the streets, you can’t feel my music.” Toxic Lyrikali
From the gritty streets of Kayole, Nairobi, emerges a dope rapper whose lyrical punch and catchy storytelling continue to enchant a growing audience across Kenya and beyond. Born and bred in Kayole, Nairobi’s Eastlands, Toxic Lyrikali is definitely a name to reckon with.
With raw lyrics, an unfiltered worldview, and a sound that fuses gritty street life with dancehall swagger, Toxic is effortlessly capturing the energy of youth across Kenya, while also staking his claim in the East African music scene.
The Streets
Toxic appreciates the lessons he learnt while growing up in Kayole. In most of his lyrics, he alludes to typical rhythms and realities of life in most of the ghettos of Nairobi, where abrasive struggles and hustles persist. In a past interview with KIPAWA, he emphasized how his environment has shaped his voice.
“I was a footballer in high school. I loved the game, but the streets were calling me differently.”
It is such a natural pull towards expression that eventually outweighed the pull of any other dream. While at it, he discovered that rap was more than mere entertainment; it was a way to voice pain, ambition and reality on his own terms.
Breakthrough
Toxic’s first major wave came around 2022. With his hit single “Long Story”, he laid the foundation for his storytelling style, followed by a string of other hot singles that quickly caught the attention of listeners.
As Kenya’s most promising artist Toxic’s strength lies in his unique style. His sound is a blend of trap beats, dancehall pulses and heavy sheng lyrics, often switching between them, often painting vivid images of what life is, rather than what people want it to be.
To him, “Streetwise storytelling” is more than a phrase, it’s his medium. What sets him apart from the rest is the way he blends street slang and a narrative flow that balances both reflection and force. Listeners often praise him for “realness” , unfiltered lyrics, vivid imagery, and staying loyal to his street roots in Kayole.
Expressive Persona
Toxic is not your ordinary hit wonder, he is cut from a different cloth. Unlike many in his field, he doesn’t hide behind glossy production or trends. His lyrics carry weight because they stem from his own experiences.
This peculiar persona is reflected in his stage name “Toxic” which denotes a bluntness and uncompromising disposition. Moreover, “Lyrikali” paints a voice that is more than just noise, but real penmanship and sharpness.
Beyond music, Toxic uses public statements to express frustrations, speak out, and redefine how artists can engage with both fans and critics.
One such moment came when he posted on Instagram:
“Na madem pia mupunguze ma hi, sina pesa.”
(“Ladies, ease up with the ‘hi’ texts. I’m broke.”)
Although this came out as a blunt, humour-tinged way to assert boundaries and manage expectations, he nevertheless reaffirmed his stance, pointing to the idea that not all interaction should be performative or transactional.
There have also been moments he has expressed boldness and honesty in social media, where he pushes back against fans, clout-chasers, and the assumption that everything in his life should be public property. For many fans these moments reinforce his authenticity; for others, they raise questions about where the line ought to be drawn between being real and being provocative.
Recognition
As Toxic’s profile grows, established artists have started giving him recognition. One notable example is from Khaligraph Jones, among Kenya’s biggest rap names, who spoke about the potential of working with him:
“Toxic Lyrikali is on a good trajectory,” said Khaligraph.“Let him settle in properly so that people don’t claim we’re just chasing hype.But inshallah, in the future it will happen, man is pure.” he asserted.
Through stories that speak directly to the lives of street youths, Toxic represents a shift; a young generation that wants lyrics that resonate and beats that reflect where they come from, not just hooks that trend. He represents artists who stay true to their roots while sharpening their craft.
Matching Forth
Toxic Lyrikali is not just another rising star in Kenya’s hip-hop scene; he’s fast becoming a voice of unvarnished truth, a tapestry of narratives that many young people recognize as their own. Through songs like Chinje, Long Story, Backbencher, Thugnificent, and others, he not only tells stories, he invites listeners into his world-its struggles, scars and hopes.
