Iyanii: I will be the first artiste to bring Grammy here in Kenya
By Ascah Mwango, December 16, 2025Kenyan musician Ian Oure, popularly known as Iyanii, has expressed strong confidence in his ability to achieve international recognition, including winning a Grammy Award.
Speaking on the Oga Obinna show on Monday, December 15, 2025, Iyanii highlighted his versatility as an artiste.
The ‘Pombe‘ hitmaker said that anyone exploring his music on YouTube would see the wide range of genres he has explored. While some may perceive him as a party song artiste, he emphasised that he has also released numerous love songs, showing his diversity in the Kenyan music scene.
Iyanii expressed that he is determined to continue proving his critics wrong and remains committed to reaching international standards. He believes that his music has the potential to put Kenya on the global map, and he is optimistic about being the first Kenyan artist to win a Grammy Award.
“If there is something I know about myself, I’m the most diverse artiste. Ukiingia kwa YouTube yangu, you will find whatever you need. If you think I only do party songs, then wewe uko na shida. Nimetoa ngoma za mapenzi mingi, you do your research, and you will find how diverse I am. I know I will keep proving you wrong. Mimi nitakuwa the first artiste kuleta Grammy here in Kenya,” he said.
Adding to his motivation, Iyanii shared that receiving recognition from President William Ruto, who expressed admiration for his work, has been a significant encouragement in his career. He said that knowing the President is a fan of his music inspires him to keep pushing boundaries and creating music that resonates with people both in Kenya and beyond.
“For the President to tell me that he is my fan, and he loves what I do, it means a lot,” Iyanii stated.
State Honour
Iyanii recently received the Head of State Commendation (HSC) from Ruto in recognition of his remarkable contributions to Kenya’s creative industry. The award was presented on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the State House, Nairobi.
“Iyanii music is a testament of perseverance and creative evolution. Rising from school choirs to national fame, he honed his craft at Sauti Academy before breaking into the limelight with Bamba Pia in 2018,” State House noted during the conferment.
The accolade highlights Iyanii’s success with his hit song Donjo Maber, which has surpassed 18 million views and was named the 2025 song of the year.
“His runaway hit Donjo Maber has propelled him into East Africa’s top charts, surpassing 18 million views and being named the 2025 song of the year through collaboration with leading artistes and growing global persistence. Iyanii has become a symbol of modern Kenyan music and a beacon for young creatives. He is awarded the Head of State Commendation.”
Earlier this year, Iyanii revealed the inspiration behind Donjo Maber, a collaboration with musician Dufla Diligon. Speaking on July 18, 2025, he explained that the song originated from a phrase Dufla often used. “What happened is this,” Iyanii said, “Dufla alikuwa anaitumia sana. Every time mngepatana na yeye and things go your way, anakuambia hiyo imedonjo maber, imeweza sana.”