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Entertainment behind bars: Iyanii pays special visit to Kamiti Medium Prison
22nd November, 2025 12:38 PM
Kenyan artist Ian Oure, popularly known as Iyaani, has shared a heartfelt message of hope to prisoners after he visited Kamiti Medium Prison on a special visit.
Taking to his Instagram account on Friday, November 22, 2025, the Donjo Maber hitmaker revealed how, through his visit, which was a corporate social responsibility (CSR), the prisoners were able to benefit from musical instruments.
While expressing his support for local talents behind bars, the musician announced they were able to receive sound systems, which included speakers and microphones.
“Spent the day today at Kamiti Medium Prison for a special CSR visit, where we donated a sound system, i.e., a mixer, speakers, microphones, and more, to support talents behind bars,” Iyanii said.
With a message to his fans, Iyanii also revealed how each ticket they bought for his concert went on to support the Kamiti Prison donation, thanking them for their immense contribution.
“To my fans … every coin you spend when buying my tickets/music is what made this possible. Your support goes far beyond the music,” Iyanii revealed.
While entertaining the inmates, Iyanii used his platform not only to entertain but also to uplift and advocate for second chances, reinforcing the idea that no one is beyond redemption and that every individual has the potential to rewrite their story.
“To everyone inside Kamiti: your story isn’t over. There is hope, there is purpose, and there is a future waiting for you. Keep pushing, keep believing,” he added.
During the visit, Iyanii performed his vibrant Donjo Maber song, which saw inmates sing along word by word.
Surprising ‘Donjo Maber’ story
This comes months after Iyaani revealed the surprising story behind his latest track, Donjo Maber, a collaboration with fellow musician Dufla Diligon.
Speaking on Friday, July 18, 2025, during an interview with a local TV station, Iyaani revealed that the inspiration for the song came from a phrase Dufla frequently used in conversation, and it quickly evolved into a full-fledged studio hit.
The Pombe hitmaker shared that the phrase “Donjo Maber” was a favourite of Dufla’s during their everyday interactions.
“What happened is this,” Iyaani explained, “Dufla alikuwa anaitumia sana. Every time mngepatana na yeye and things go your way, anakuambia, “Iyo imedonjo maber, imeweza sana.”
Struck by the catchiness and cultural relevance of the phrase, Iyaani said the idea began to grow in his mind.
After a trip home and some reflection, he called up his producer, Waka Waka, to discuss building a track around the concept.
“It was a term alikuwa anaitumia sana, so mimi nikakuwa like sometime back after nimeenda home, nikafikiria hii term inakaa vizuri sana na inaweza kuwa created into something. Nikapigia producer wangu Waka Waka nikamsho kuna idea flani nimesikia Dufla akiongelelea, na tukiilink up tunaeza produce something,” he explained.
The producer got to work, laying down a beat while Iyaani added his lines.
