Arbantone artiste Sean MMG, real name Sean Mwaniki.
Arbantone artiste Sean MMG, real name Sean Mwaniki has grown from his early days as a dancer to become one of the young voices shaping Kenya's current sound. Known for his "Now You Know (Umeniknow)" track and the "Skiza Magi Magi" vocal, he says that his rise has come with setbacks and moments when he nearly quit. As his profile grows, he is balancing music with brand deals and performances. Despite criticism, he maintains that the genre is here to stay. He spoke to Jackson Ngari.
Before the fame, how many songs did you record that never saw the light of day?
Plenty. There are so many songs people have never heard. One of my favourites is called “Coco Lito”, and there’s another one called “Maji”. I recorded a lot before things started working out.
You started out as a dancer. Was music always the plan, or did you pivot because of money and attention?
Music was always the plan. Back in high school, I used to rap for my classmates and even write songs for them for festivals and talent shows. I just didn’t know how to properly start.
Your rise looks fast from the outside. What part of your journey don’t people see?
People don’t see the struggle. Transitioning from a dancer to an artiste wasn’t easy. I faced a lot of backlash when I dropped my first song, “Mi Amor”. I almost quit, but with help from Motif and my team, I kept going.
Let’s talk about money. Can music alone sustain your lifestyle right now?
Music plays a big role, but social media and brand deals are what are really sustaining my lifestyle right now. It’s all connected to the music.
Arbantone artiste Sean MMG, real name Sean Mwaniki.
Have you actually made serious money from a viral song, or is that a myth?
It’s not a myth. One song can change your life. You can get multiple brand deals from one hit, and those deals can be worth six figures.
What’s the most you’ve ever been paid for a performance?
Touring is where I’ve made the most money. That’s when I was collecting serious money. When I say crazy money, I mean crazy money.
Arbantone is dominating right now, but some say it’s just a phase.
People saying that must be joking. Arbantone is here to stay. It’s not just a stepping stone, it’s a sound for people who really understand and feel the culture young people are creating.
What are Kenyan artistes still getting wrong compared to Bongo and Amapiano?
Those genres are bigger partly because even their biggest supporters are Kenyan. That can kill motivation for local artistes. But I believe we’ll get there.
Do you treat music like a job or rely on vibes?
Music is a full-time job. You have to plan your day, go to the studio, write, and record. But at the same time, you still need the right vibe to get into your zone.
What keeps your creativity alive?
My daily life. Most of my songs come from real experiences. My EP Skiza Magi Magi is based on real stories from my life.
You’ve been described as confident, even “too proud.” Has that affected you?
I’m confident, yes, but not proud. I believe pride comes before a fall. I don’t think it has cost me anything.
Arbantone artiste Sean MMG, real name Sean Mwaniki.
How important is the flashy lifestyle in your career?
As an artiste, you have to give fans a reason to believe in you. The lifestyle can be part of that, but performances are what really help people understand you and your music.
What are you currently working on, and what should fans expect?
It’s about to be crazy. The Skiza Magi Magi EP is out, and we’re dropping videos back to back. After that, I’ll be releasing new singles that I think people will really love.
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