Kenyan Rapper KayCyy opens up on journey from church kid to collaborating with Kanye West
US-based Kenyan rapper KayCyy, whose real name is Mark Mbogo, has shared an inside look at his journey from growing up as a church kid to working closely with global superstar Kanye West, also known as Ye.
Speaking about his first exposure to Kanye’s music during an interview on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, KayCyy recalled, “It felt like an album that I really wanted to be part of…because it was like gospel and everything. And I remember being raised from all that, you know, and going, I’m still a church kid.”
You might also like
His early connection to gospel music influenced his desire to be involved in Kanye’s projects, particularly the Jesus Is King album.
KayCyy described meeting Kanye years before the production of Donda, when he visited the rapper’s home with his manager, Boo.
“The first time I went over there, I was just like, ‘Yo, Boo, this is like the next dream, bro,’” he said, recalling how he watched Kanye conduct meetings at home before being invited to play his music. Nervous but excited, KayCyy played a song from his phone, and Kanye’s reaction was simple but encouraging: “I like your melodies.”
KayCyy became the first Kenyan artist to appear on the US Billboard Top 5 Charts after being sampled on Kanye West’s song Yikes in 2018.
This achievement opened doors for him to work with some of the world’s biggest artists, including Lil Wayne, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Lil Baby, and Kehlani.
Years later, KayCyy reconnected with Kanye at Wyoming’s ranch, where he spent a significant amount of time observing the creative process.
“I actually miss the ranch at times because it felt like Kenya in a way…like a getaway. There’s nothing going on, a farm, a couple of animals,” he said, highlighting the unique environment that allowed Kanye to focus on his music.
In 2022, KayCyy was honoured by The Recording Academy for his role in the production of Donda, which won Best Melodic Rap Performance with the song Hurricane, featuring The Weeknd and Lil Baby.
KayCyy also described the meticulous process behind Kanye’s albums. “It would be like 20 different versions of a song. One person, different people singing a song. Summer Walker was singing my versions. Booju sang my versions. Stuff that didn’t even really make it,” he said, emphasising the attention to detail in every production decision.
Final decisions for Donda were reportedly made while Kanye stayed at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, investing heavily to perfect the album.
Beyond the technical aspects, KayCyy reflected on Kanye’s influence and the access he provided to top-tier talent.
“He knows what he’s doing. One day, Lil Baby doesn’t want to work with him; the next day, Lil Baby is there. He sends a jet, whatever. That type of stuff is crazy,” he said.
Author
William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
View all posts by William Muthama
