Kenya’s music scene has reached a new milestone with the release of Shrap prodigy Boutross’ debut album, Mtindo, a 20-track exploration that highlights his versatility and ambition. Known previously for his HipHop-oriented EP Mawingu, which featured the viral hit Angela with Juice Mann, Boutross now experiments with a wide spectrum of genres including Afrobeats, Reggaeton, Gengetone, Dancehall, and Ragga. The album offers something for every listener, from the lyrical prowess in tracks like Intro, Blocks Hot, and Formula 1, to infectious hooks in Mannerless and Bad Habits. Songs such as Nyash celebrate playful, upbeat themes, while Baby Love and Dera pay homage to Kenyan classics, blending nostalgia with fresh contemporary sounds. Boutross also incorporates viral elements, including popular memes, connecting his music directly with the youth culture of Kenya.
Collaboration forms a cornerstone of Mtindo, enriching the album with diverse influences from both local and international artists. Kenyan acts such as H_Art The Band, Fena Gitu, Khaligraph, Timmy Blanco, Savara, and Fathermoh lend their voices, while global talents like Joshua Baraka, OGD NSG, Ice Prince, and Backroad Gee add new textures. This combination of homegrown and international flavors results in a dynamic album that balances hardcore Shrap tracks with slower, Afrobeat-infused songs like Fire, showcasing Boutross’ ability to navigate different musical landscapes seamlessly. Through these collaborations, the album not only celebrates Kenyan talent but also situates Boutross within a broader, global music conversation.
Mtindo represents Boutross’ artistic evolution, marking a bold step beyond the confines of the Shrap subgenre. By blending multiple musical styles and collaborating widely, he demonstrates an eagerness to experiment and a commitment to innovation. The album’s playful sampling of Kenyan classics and viral trends underscores his connection with contemporary youth culture, while his technical skill and genre-bending ambition highlight his growth as an artist. Available now on all streaming platforms, Mtindo is both a celebration of Boutross’ journey and a sign of the vibrant, evolving soundscape of Kenya’s music scene in 2024.