Popular Kenyan rapper Volvexzshawa has ended a five-year hiatus from the music scene, revealing that his absence was driven by the devastating loss of his father to Covid-19 and his own struggles with unemployment during the pandemic lockdowns.
The artist, whose real name is Hamisi Gift Musitwa, was a rising star celebrated for his street-inspired storytelling before suddenly disappearing from the airwaves, sparking widespread speculation about his well-being.
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In a resurfaced interview with Capital FM, Musitwa detailed the dual tragedy that forced him into retreat. “I was going through a lot,” he said. “Losing my father to Covid-19 was devastating. He was the family’s breadwinner. At the same time, I lost my job during the lockdown. Everything collapsed at once.”
Unable to continue making music, Musitwa turned to community advocacy. He launched the I Am The Voice Podcast to discuss social issues affecting youth in Nairobi’s informal settlements. When funding for the podcast dried up, he shifted to TikTok, producing street interviews that mix humor with messages encouraging young people to avoid drugs and embrace resilience.
“I wanted to show young people that drugs are not a solution to pain,” he explained. “Through hard work and dedication, you can always become a better version of yourself.”
Raised by a single mother in Nairobi’s informal settlements, Musitwa’s authentic background has strengthened his credibility and cemented his role as a mentor to many. His work has spotlighted the struggles young Kenyans face with unemployment, mental health, and grief.
While he has emerged as a community figure, fans remain eager for his musical comeback. Although no official release date has been announced, the rapper has hinted that new music is on the way.
For now, Volvexzshawa’s story stands as a testament to resilience, transforming personal tragedy into a mission of hope for a generation grappling with similar challenges.
