YY Comedian tells Kenyan artistes to stop competition and unite for one Raila Odinga song
By Steve Ireri, October 18, 2025Comedian and content creator YY has called on Kenyan artistes to set aside their differences and come together to produce one powerful joint tribute song in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking in a video shared on Instagram on Saturday, October 18, 2025, YY said there is a small but essential level of unity that musicians in Kenya need to attain if they are to make a lasting impact, especially when honouring a national figure such as Raila.
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He noted that while diversity in artistic expression is admirable, collaboration under a shared purpose is even more powerful.
“I think it would be better if you all united and released one powerful song instead of many separate ones about Raila. Right now, what Kenyan musicians need is just a small level of unity, a unity that can really push the industry forward,” he said.
YY acknowledged that artistes, like any other group of creatives, may hold different views or personal disagreements.
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However, he insisted that moments of collective grief should transcend personal rivalries. According to him, when a cause is bigger than individual interests, it demands a united front.
“I understand that people can have differences, but when you come together for a cause, that cause becomes bigger than you,” YY added.
He cited examples of situations where people hesitate to contribute to noble causes simply because those they dislike have already done so, terming such attitudes as misplaced pride.
He said artistes should not let ego or competition stand in the way of celebrating a man whose influence on the country went beyond politics.
“You cannot say, for example, that because your rival contributed first towards someone’s treatment, you will refuse to contribute. No, that is not right.”
YY’s remarks come at a time when several musicians from Kenya and across East Africa have released their own musical tributes following Raila’s passing in Kerala, India, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
The songs, diverse in style and emotion, continue to dominate social media and airwaves, reflecting the deep affection the late statesman commanded.
From Tanzania, Rayvanny mourned Raila through a moving ballad titled Bye Bye Raila Odinga, while gospel powerhouse Christina Shusho poured her emotions into Pumzika Baba, a solemn prayer for the eternal rest of a man she hails as Africa’s liberator.
In Kenya, Ohangla sensation Prince Indah honoured Raila with Wuod Oganda, Amolo 3 in 1, a Luo-language masterpiece that premiered at dawn, described by the artiste as a spiritually guided creation.
Rapper King Kaka also released a stirring spoken-word-inspired piece titled Huu Wimbo Ni Wako Baba, reflecting on Raila’s lifelong pursuit of democracy and the pain of a nation mourning its voice of reason.