Meet Snazzy M: From Mathare to the Music Scene — The Journey of a Rising Kenyan Artist

Mercy Adhiambo, popularly known by her stage name Snazzy M, shares her inspiring journey as an emerging artist, her musical influences, the challenges she has faced, and the personal story behind her favorite song, “Achika.” Raised in Mathare, Snazzy M sees music as more than entertainment—it is a way to express emotions, tell real-life stories, connect with people, and inspire others.

We had the opportunity for a brief interview with the talented artist, check it out below for a glimpse into her music world;

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your journey as an artist.

My name is mercy adhiambo .my stage name is snazzy m .My journey as an artist has been a beautiful but challenging one. I was raised in Mathare, and growing up there shaped a big part of who I am today. Music became a way for me to express my emotions, experiences, dreams, and the stories of people around me.

I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to become an artist. Music has always been something that spoke to me deeply. As I continued growing, I realized that I could use my voice and creativity to tell stories, connect with people, and hopefully inspire someone going through a difficult moment.

2. What inspired you to start making music?

I’m inspired by life itself the good experiences, the struggles, love, heartbreak, and the desire to make something meaningful out of my journey. Coming from Mathare also taught me that your background does not have to limit your dreams.

I wanted to create music that people can relate to, music that makes someone feel seen and understood. For me, being an artist is not only about entertainment,it’s also about telling stories and creating an emotional connection with my audience.

3. How would you describe your music and your unique style?

I would describe my music as Afro-Bongo with a strong touch of emotion, storytelling, and reallife experiences. I like blending catchy melodies with meaningful lyrics, while keeping my sound relatable and authentic.

What makes my style unique is that I don’t want to force myself into a particular box. I draw from different sounds and influences, but I always make sure the final product carries my own identity and experiences. My goal is for someone to hear my song and immediately feel the emotion and story behind it.

4. Who are some Kenyan or international artists who inspire you?

I have been inspired by several amazing artists, especially Sanaipei Tande, Alfajiri, Jovial, and Otile Brown. I admire the way they express emotions through music, their vocal abilities, songwriting, and the way they connect with their listeners.

Their work has taught me that you can make music that is beautiful, emotional, and commercially appealing while still maintaining authenticity.

5. What has been your biggest challenge as a Kenyan artist, and how have you handled it?

One of my biggest challenges has been finding my footing as an upcoming artist and trying to build a name for myself while dealing with the realities and pressures that come with pursuing music.

There have been moments of doubt, disappointments, and situations where things didn’t happen as quickly as I wanted. But instead of allowing those challenges to stop me, I chose to learn from them. I kept working on my craft, improving my music, staying consistent, and reminding myself why I started in the first place.

I’ve learned that the journey is not always going to be easy, but persistence, patience, and believing in yourself can take you further than you imagine.

6. What is your favorite song that you’ve released, and what inspired it?

One of my favorite songs that I have done is “Achika.” The song is very personal to me because it was inspired by a true story of heartbreak and an abusive relationship.

Through “Achika,” I wanted to tell a story that many people may relate to but sometimes find difficult to talk about. It’s about the pain that comes with being in a relationship that is no longer healthy, the emotional struggles, and ultimately finding the strength to let go and move forward.

The song is special to me because it comes from a real place. I wasn’t just singing a story .I was expressing real emotions and experiences. I hope that when people listen to “Achika,” they don’t only enjoy the music but also take something meaningful from the message.

7. What can your fans look forward to from you in the near future?

My fans can look forward to more music, more growth, collaborations, and a lot more storytelling. I’m working on giving them a sound that is fresh but still true to who I am.

I also want my fans to grow with me. They can expect songs about love, heartbreak, life, ambition, and the everyday experiences that we all go through.

I’m only getting started. My biggest goal is to build a lasting career, represent where I come from proudly, and create music that can reach people beyond Kenya and across Africa. I want people to hear my music and know that it comes from a real place and a real artist with a real story.