“Lowki The Great: The Hip-Hop Visionary Redefining the Game from Kenya to the World”
In a landscape where musical innovation and lyrical depth reign supreme, one name stands tall—Lowki The Great. A force to be reckoned with in the African hip-hop scene, this trailblazer has transformed the genre with his unstoppable momentum, revolutionary sound, and undeniable talent. From hits like SONGA to his award-winning debut album Rise of Greatness, Lowki’s meteoric rise is not just a testament to his musical prowess, but to his vision that transcends borders. Get ready to dive into an exclusive interview that unpacks the mind of a global music visionary.
Could you briefly describe yourself and tell us how your journey in music began?
I’m Lowki The Great, a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Nairobi, Kenya. My journey in music
started when I was in high school, back in 2019. I’ve always been drawn to expressing myself
through words, and music became the natural outlet for that. I started off by writing poetry, and it
eventually evolved into rapping and singing. My early influences really pushed me to explore my
sound, and after high school, I decided to pursue music fully. It’s been a ride since then, and I’ve
been fortunate enough to grow with every release.
What were some pivotal moments in your career that shaped you as an artist?
One of the pivotal moments for me was dropping my debut single, “Step by Step,” in 2019. That
was my first step into the industry, and seeing how people responded gave me the confidence to
keep going. Another moment was when I released my debut album, Rise of Greatness, and saw
it hit over 250,000 streams on Spotify alone. That was huge for me. Winning the Hip-Hop Artist
of the Year award at the People’s Choice Awards in 2023 was also a defining moment. It
validated the hard work I’d put in and solidified my place in the Kenyan music scene.
How has your sound evolved since you started making music?
When I started, my sound was heavily influenced by traditional hip-hop, but over time, I’ve
incorporated more African rhythms and alternative sounds into my music. I’ve always been
experimental, but as I’ve grown, I’ve become more intentional about blending genres. Now, my
sound is a unique fusion of Afro beats and contemporary urban hip-hop, which gives it a global
appeal while staying true to my Kenyan roots.
Who or what are some of your biggest influences musically and creatively?
Growing up, I listened to a lot of J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. I connected with their storytelling
and lyricism. Closer to home, Nyashinski has been a big influence on me. He has this effortless
way of combining Kenyan culture with modern sounds. Creatively, I’m inspired by life itself—my
experiences, the people I meet, and the places I go. I also draw inspiration from the resilience of
the Kenyan youth, who hustle and strive for better every day.
What drives your passion for making music, and how do you stay inspired?
My passion comes from the desire to tell stories—not just my own, but the stories of my
community and the people around me. Music is my way of connecting with people on a deeper
level. What keeps me inspired is the thought that my music can have an impact on someone’s
life. Whether it’s motivating someone, giving them hope, or just making them feel good for a
moment, that’s what drives me. I also stay inspired by collaborating with other artists and
constantly pushing myself to grow.
How did you come up with the stage name Lowki the Great? Is there a story behind it?
The name “Lowki” came from my personality. I’ve always been kind of low-key, someone who
moves quietly and lets the work speak for itself. But I added “the Great” because, despite being
low-key, I believe in my greatness, and I want to inspire others to tap into their own greatness.
It’s a balance between humility and ambition, and that’s the story behind my name. It represents
the idea that you don’t have to be loud to be powerful. Your actions and talent will speak for you.
The name serves as a reminder for me and others that you can stay grounded but still reach for
greatness.
What does the name represent for you as an artist?
For me, the name “Lowki the Great” is about self-belief. It represents my journey, my confidence
in my craft, and my desire to inspire others to believe in their potential, no matter how
underrated or overlooked they might feel. It’s about making an impact, even when you’re moving
under the radar. It embodies everything I stand for: quiet resilience, confidence in my abilities,
and an unshakable drive for greatness.
Congratulations on the release of your latest album Once Upon A Rhyme. What was the inspiration behind it?
Once Upon A Rhyme is a reflection of my journey as an artist and as a person. It’s inspired by
my life, the stories I’ve lived, and the experiences that have shaped me. It’s also a love letter to
the art of lyricism. I wanted to tell my story while paying homage to the craft of storytelling in
hip-hop. The album is my way of blending real-life experiences with creativity, and I hope it
resonates with anyone who listens.
What do you hope your fans and those listening to your album for the first time take home from your music?
I hope they connect with the authenticity in my music. I want people to feel the honesty in my
lyrics and relate to the stories I’m telling. Whether it’s the hustle, the dreams, the struggles, or
the triumphs, I want them to see themselves in my journey. For new listeners, I hope they
discover something fresh and meaningful, and I hope it leaves them with a sense of inspiration
and empowerment.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind some of your favorite tracks on the album?
Each track on Once Upon A Rhyme has its own vibe and story. For example, with “Unaeza Tell,”
I wanted to give people a peek into the life I live beyond the music. It’s introspective, and the
lyrics carry a lot of personal reflection. On “Can’t Stop the Vibe,” I wanted to experiment with a
lighter, more upbeat energy. Collaborating with Sivel and Oze brought a fresh dynamic to that
track. I usually start by vibing to the beat and letting the emotions dictate the direction of the
song. Every song comes from a real place, whether it’s a celebration, a lesson, or an
observation.
Were there any challenges you faced while making the album, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge was balancing everything as an independent artist. I had to juggle the
creative process with the business side of things, like funding, marketing, and distribution.
Financial constraints are always an issue when you’re doing everything on your own, but I’ve
learned to make the most out of what I have. I leaned heavily on my team at Mambowe Records
and my producer Tyrell to keep things moving, and their support made the journey easier.
What can fans expect next from you? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations in the works?
I’m always working on new music and collaborations. Right now, I’m planning a few exciting
projects, including more visuals from Once Upon A Rhyme and a couple of singles with artists
from both Kenya and abroad. I’ve got some shows lined up, and I’m looking forward to taking
my music to different parts of Africa and beyond. There’s a lot in store, and I’m excited for
everyone to see it unfold.
Do you have any dream collaborations, and who would you love to work with in the future?
Definitely! I’d love to work with artists like Nyashinski, Tems, and J. Cole. I respect how they’ve
carved out their own lanes while staying true to themselves. Their artistry is something I look up
to, and I think collaborating with them would be a dream come true.
Lastly, what nugget of wisdom would you like to leave to those people who are listening to you?
I’d say, never stop believing in your journey, even when things seem tough. Keep pushing, stay
true to yourself, and let your work speak for you. Remember, greatness doesn’t have to be
loud—sometimes, the quietest voices make the biggest impact. Stay focused, stay humble, and
trust the process.
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