Interview with Iddi Singer — The Voice Behind #SWARNB

From the heart of Mombasa’s coast to the ears of global audiences, Iddi Singer is redefining what it means to blend tradition and modern soul. With his signature sound  #SWARNB, a fusion of Swahili rhythm, R&B emotion, and reggae energy, Iddi brings stories of love, culture, and life into vibrant color. His voice feels like the ocean breeze, smooth, powerful, and deeply rooted in authenticity. In this conversation, we explore his journey, inspiration, and the sound that’s winning hearts across Kenya and beyond.

1. What inspired you to merge Swahili melodies with RnB and Reggae to create your signature sound?

I’ve always believed that music is a language beyond words. It’s emotion, identity and culture. Growing up surrounded by the coastal Swahili sounds, taarab, chakacha, and even Islamic songs and call to prayer, I developed a deep love for melody and rhythm. When I got introduced to RnB and Reggae, I saw a natural connection. The soul of RnB, the consciousness of Reggae and the poetry of Swahili made sense to fuse them. That’s how SWARNB was born, Swahili RnB. It’s my way of honoring my roots while creating something fresh for the world.

2. Growing up in Mombasa, how did your environment shape your musical journey?

Mombasa is vibrant. The ocean breeze, the old town’s history, the mix of cultures, Arab, African, Indian, it’s a melting pot. As a kid I’d hear everything from coastal folk music to Congolese rumba on the streets. That cultural richness shaped how I hear music. It taught me that music isn’t just about sound, it’s about storytelling, community, and spirit. The coast taught me patience in rhythm and honesty in lyrics.

3. Your songs carry a lot of emotion and storytelling. Where do you usually draw inspiration from?

Real life. My own experiences, people I’ve met, stories I’ve heard. Sometimes it’s heartbreak, sometimes it’s joy, or even political frustration. I’m deeply inspired by everyday struggles and triumphs, especially those of ordinary Kenyans. I write what I feel, what I see, and what I wish the world understood better. Music for me is therapy, for both myself and my listeners.

4. How would you describe the feeling you want fans to have after hearing your music for the first time?

I want them to feel seen. Whether it’s a love song or a conscious track, I want it to hit deep. I want someone to listen and say “Yes, that’s exactly how I feel, but I didn’t know how to say it.” My goal is always to move hearts, to leave people feeling inspired, understood, and proud of where they come from.

5. The music scene in Kenya is evolving fast. What do you think makes your sound stand out in this wave of new artists?

There’s a beautiful wave of talent in Kenya right now – Gengetone, Drill, Kapuka, Afro-Pop, Dancehall. What sets me apart is my fusion. I’m not following trends. I’m building a sound that is timeless. SWARNB blends Swahili culture, emotion, melody, and conscious lyrics. I stay rooted in my identity while still being global. That’s what makes my sound resonate not just in Kenya but across Africa and even the diaspora.

6. Can you tell us about a moment in your career that made you realize music was your true calling?

As a kid, I had a habit of collecting lyrics from magazines, always wanted to get to sing like popular artists one day. I ended up recording my first track when in high school, as a start I didn’t expect it to move the ones around me, especially friends who encourage me to go for it. I wasn’t only interested in singing but the whole process of making music. I dream music sometimes, melodies and lyrics.

7. You’ve built a strong connection with your fans across Africa and beyond. How important is it for you to represent Kenya on a global stage?

It’s everything to me. Kenya is my home. Mombasa is my heartbeat. Every lyric I write in Swahili, every rhythm I build, carries my country with it. When I step on international stages or collaborate with global artists like One Son and Big Fella on projects like Afro Heartbeat I’m not just representing myself, I’m showing the world the richness of Kenyan culture and sound. It’s a honor and responsibility I carry proudly.