From the dusty streets of Isiolo to the vibrant Kenyan music stage, Lil Cushite is a name quickly gaining recognition.
The self-proclaimed “Urban Dancehall” artist is not only carving a niche for himself in Kenya’s hip-hop and dancehall scene but is also setting his sights on the international stage.
Lil Cushite was born and raised in Isiolo, a town often overlooked in Kenya’s music map. Yet, his environment played a pivotal role in shaping his artistry.
From the dusty streets of Isiolo to the vibrant Kenyan music stage, Lil Cushite is a name quickly gaining recognition.
The self-proclaimed “Urban Dancehall” artist is not only carving a niche for himself in Kenya’s hip-hop and dancehall scene but is also setting his sights on the international stage.
Lil Cushite was born and raised in Isiolo, a town often overlooked in Kenya’s music map. Yet, his environment played a pivotal role in shaping his artistry.
“I’ve grown up in Isiolo,” he says, proudly acknowledging his roots.
Despite the challenges of growing up outside the big cities, Cushite’s ambition and talent have propelled him into the limelight.
The origin of his stage name is equally intriguing. “Lil Cushite is a name that I was given by a celebrity Kenyan actor known as DJ Shiti,” he revealed during an exclusive interview with PNTV Africa. That name now echoes across social media platforms and music streaming services.
His musical influences blend both local and global sounds.
“Essir and 2Pac Shakur were my biggest inspirations,” Cushite says, highlighting the legends who inspired his style and ambition.
The rising star attended Al-Falah Primary School and later joined Waso Secondary School in Isiolo.
“I never went to university or college,” he admits.
Instead, Cushite devoted his energy to pursuing his musical dreams.
His first track, Cry Me a River, was a drill rap piece that laid the foundation for his current sound.
“It was predicting the future of my music career… showing more potential of working good in the Kenyan music industry,” he explains.
Cushite’s big break came on June 3, 2024, with the release of Kanyanga, a track that resonated with fans and placed him firmly on Kenya’s urban music radar.
Since then, he has continued to push boundaries, blending dancehall and rap into what he describes as an ‘Urban Dancehall type’ sound.
When asked about his creative process, Cushite said, “I always start with concept, then beat, then lyrics… though sometimes it’s different.”
His songs reflect personal experiences, with tracks like Boomba carrying deep emotional meaning.
“Boomba is more personal to me because there’s a long and sad story behind it,” he reveals.
One of his standout tracks, Oyaah, is more than just a catchy tune.
“Oyaah has a hidden meaning… it talks about grinding and money, city life and girls, but also warns boys to be careful with Nairobi life,” Cushite explains.
Lil Cushite has worked with several artists, including Chrispo OCS and Tezrah Malia, but his most cherished experience was collaborating with Spoiler 4T3.
“Working with Spoiler was one of the best I had in my life… he supported me more than anyone in this world,” Cushite said.
Despite his rapid rise, Cushite remains grounded and passionate about the Kenyan music scene.
“K.E. rap is always at the top. I love to see my bros making it like Toxic Lyrical, Wakadinali, and B Boyz,” he says with pride.
But his ambitions go beyond Kenya. The artist is planning a major collaboration with Lil Maina, as well as two international projects.
“I have a show in Qatar, a collabo in Nigeria, and another one in Spain,” Cushite discloses, signalling a global takeover in the making.
Away from the studio, Lil Cushite enjoys football and nature walks.
“I love nature,” he says, revealing a calm side of his otherwise fierce stage persona.
Fans may be surprised to learn that the confident rapper is actually shy.
His advice to upcoming artists? “Never give up, know who you are, and rate yourself before anyone else does.”
When asked where he sees himself in five years, Lil Cushite’s answer is clear: “International.”
He also confirmed that an album is on the way, promising fans an even bigger sound.
His ultimate goal? “I want people to feel good when they hear my music and leave a legacy like 2Pac and Esir.”
From Isiolo to the world, Lil Cushite is proving that talent knows no boundaries.
With his authenticity, lyrical grit, and relentless ambition, Kenya’s rising star is well on his way to global recognition.
“I’ve grown up in Isiolo,” he says, proudly acknowledging his roots.
Despite the challenges of growing up outside the big cities, Cushite’s ambition and talent have propelled him into the limelight.
The origin of his stage name is equally intriguing. “Lil Cushite is a name that I was given by a celebrity Kenyan actor known as DJ Shiti,” he revealed during an exclusive interview with PNTV Africa. That name now echoes across social media platforms and music streaming services.
His musical influences blend both local and global sounds.
“Essir and 2Pac Shakur were my biggest inspirations,” Cushite says, highlighting the legends who inspired his style and ambition.
The rising star attended Al-Falah Primary School and later joined Waso Secondary School in Isiolo.
“I never went to university or college,” he admits.
Instead, Cushite devoted his energy to pursuing his musical dreams.
His first track, Cry Me a River, was a drill rap piece that laid the foundation for his current sound.
“It was predicting the future of my music career… showing more potential of working good in the Kenyan music industry,” he explains.
Cushite’s big break came on June 3, 2024, with the release of Kanyanga, a track that resonated with fans and placed him firmly on Kenya’s urban music radar.
Since then, he has continued to push boundaries, blending dancehall and rap into what he describes as an ‘Urban Dancehall type’ sound.
When asked about his creative process, Cushite said, “I always start with concept, then beat, then lyrics… though sometimes it’s different.”
His songs reflect personal experiences, with tracks like Boomba carrying deep emotional meaning.
“Boomba is more personal to me because there’s a long and sad story behind it,” he reveals.
One of his standout tracks, Oyaah, is more than just a catchy tune.
“Oyaah has a hidden meaning… it talks about grinding and money, city life and girls, but also warns boys to be careful with Nairobi life,” Cushite explains.
Lil Cushite has worked with several artists, including Chrispo OCS and Tezrah Malia, but his most cherished experience was collaborating with Spoiler 4T3.
“Working with Spoiler was one of the best I had in my life… he supported me more than anyone in this world,” Cushite said.
Despite his rapid rise, Cushite remains grounded and passionate about the Kenyan music scene.
“K.E. rap is always at the top. I love to see my bros making it like Toxic Lyrical, Wakadinali, and B Boyz,” he says with pride.
But his ambitions go beyond Kenya. The artist is planning a major collaboration with Lil Maina, as well as two international projects.
“I have a show in Qatar, a collabo in Nigeria, and another one in Spain,” Cushite discloses, signalling a global takeover in the making.
Away from the studio, Lil Cushite enjoys football and nature walks.
“I love nature,” he says, revealing a calm side of his otherwise fierce stage persona.
Fans may be surprised to learn that the confident rapper is actually shy.
His advice to upcoming artists? “Never give up, know who you are, and rate yourself before anyone else does.”
When asked where he sees himself in five years, Lil Cushite’s answer is clear: “International.”
He also confirmed that an album is on the way, promising fans an even bigger sound.
His ultimate goal? “I want people to feel good when they hear my music and leave a legacy like 2Pac and Esir.”
From Isiolo to the world, Lil Cushite is proving that talent knows no boundaries.
With his authenticity, lyrical grit, and relentless ambition, Kenya’s rising star is well on his way to global recognition.