‘Vaida’ hitmaker Harry Richie announces plans to quit music

Luhya music sensation Harry Richie has announced plans to quit music after completing what he says will be his final project, titled Silent Exit.

Speaking during an interview with Obinna on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the singer, known for his viral hit Vaida, said he is preparing to step away from the industry, marking the end of his recording career with the upcoming album.

Harry Richie revealed that he is currently working on Silent Exit, which he described as his last musical release.

He noted that the project includes songs he has been working on over time, with some still unreleased as he finalises the album.

“I think I’m done with them, I just post, and there are some which I have not released yet,” he said.

“I was working on another one… the last album actually, which I’m here to release, it’s called Silent Exit,” he added.

Industry challenges

The singer pointed to challenges within the music industry, saying his experiences around performances and working relationships influenced his decision.

He suggested that the lack of clear arrangements and issues around trust contributed to frustrations over time.

He also hinted at difficulties surrounding gigs and payments, saying some situations pushed him to reconsider his career path.

Harry Richie confirmed that his decision is final, stating clearly, “I’m quitting music.”

However, he added that he may still sing in private settings, especially for family moments.

“If I get married, I will sing to my wife or maybe sing to my kids,” he said.

Before his rise, he had already been active in music, releasing early tracks such as Ingokho ya Mwambesia in the 2010s and a Swahili project titled Nifungue Macho in 2014. However, it was Vaida who changed his career trajectory.

The song gained massive traction on TikTok, where dance challenges helped push it into mainstream popularity. Built on Isikuti-inspired rhythms and catchy Luhya lyrics centred on love and long-distance relationships, the track resonated widely across Kenya.

While Vaida remains his biggest hit, Harry Richie has since released several other notable songs, including Ex featuring Awinja, Confirm, Muluhya, and Steam Panda, all of which have gained online traction.

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