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The Baddest
Released Sep 14, 2018
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Quick Facts
Born
1981
1981
From
Kenya
Kenya
Journey
Swabri Mohammed, better known by his stage name Redsan, is a Kenyan reggae, ragga, and dancehall artist celebrated across East Africa for his distinctive sound and lasting impact. Born on 1 May 1981 in Majengo, Nairobi, Kenya, he continues to be active in music today.
Redsan was raised in Majengo, an informal settlement in Nairobi. Though born and brought up in the city, his family roots trace back to the Kenya Coast: he is of the Duruma sub-group of the Mijikenda tribe. He grew up in a large family, and from an early age, he was exposed to music, listening to reggae, ragga, and other genres, which shaped his later artistic style.
Redsan’s entry into the public music scene came when he won the Star Search challenge held at the Carnivore discothèque in Nairobi in 1998. His debut album, "Seasons of the San," was released in 2002 under the Ogopa Deejays label. It featured hit songs like “Julie” and “Wanipa Raha”, which helped establish him not only in Kenya but across East Africa.
Following the success of his first album, he released Red (2004) and Pioneer (2006), each containing multiple hits (“Chicken,” “Malaika,” “Touch,” among others) that further boosted his profile.
Redsan’s music is rooted mainly in reggae and ragga (plus dancehall influences), often blending Swahili and English lyrics. He performs both love-themed songs and more upbeat, danceable tracks, and he also addresses everyday life and social themes in his work.
Among his major achievements is a worldwide publishing deal signed in 2013 with Rockstar4000, which includes making his music more widely accessible through global platforms, including partnerships with Sony Music. He’s also released several successful albums over the years: Seasons of the San (2002), Red (2004), Pioneer (2006), Versatility (2009),and The Baddest (2018).
Redsan has won multiple awards, especially in Kenya. Some of his wins include the 2005 Chaguo La Teeniez Award – Best Male Artiste, and 2005 Kisima Music Awards – Best Reggae/Ragga. He has also been nominated for several regional awards: Kora Awards (Most Promising African Male in 2003; Best East African Male Artist in 2004), the 2006 Tanzania Music Awards for Best East African Album (Pioneer), and the 2006 Pearl of Africa Music Awards for Best Kenyan Male Artist. In 2022, he was honored with the PMVA (Pulse Music Video Awards) Lifetime Achievement / Hall of Fame award in Kenya.
Redsan married Viverz Mohammed in 2012. He is a father (reports differ slightly on how many children), and he keeps his family life fairly private. One reason he gives for keeping them out of the public eye is to protect them from negative attention and to allow them some normalcy.
Outside of his music, Redsan is involved in social causes. He has supported efforts related to poverty alleviation and HIV/AIDS awareness in Africa.
