Kenyan hip-hop trio Wakadinali have attracted attention online after their latest appearance prompted comparisons to old-school Lingala musicians.
The group, made up of Domani Munga, Scar Mkadinali and Sewersydaa, is known for its street-inspired style, gritty music and use of Sheng.
Wakadinali have maintained a distinctive image throughout their career, but their latest look has led to mixed reactions from social media users.
One woman compared the trio’s appearance to Lingala singers from the golden era of the genre. Her remarks sparked a discussion among fans, with some agreeing with the comparison.
Other social media users defended the musicians, arguing that artists should be allowed to change their appearance and experiment with different styles.
The woman also described the three musicians as looking “fat and old”, bringing their physical appearance into the discussion.
Some users viewed the comment as an observation about the trio’s changing appearance, while others felt that remarks about their bodies were unnecessary.
Despite the reactions, the discussion did not appear to change the group’s position in Kenya’s hip-hop scene. Wakadinali remain known for their distinctive music and style.
The latest reactions highlight the attention musicians can receive when they change their appearance, particularly artists who have built recognisable public images.
For Wakadinali, their new look has simply given fans another subject to debate, with the Lingala comparison becoming one of the main talking points.