KRG vs Kendi: Award show beef

KRG The Don has fired back at fellow singer Kendi after she questioned his recent win as Dancehall Artist of the Year at the Kenya C Awards.

KRG responded through his Instagram Story shortly after Kendi’s remarks began circulating online. His message blended humour with pointed criticism, dismissing her opinion and suggesting she focus on her own affairs rather than commenting on his achievements.

Screenshots of his post quickly spread across Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms, intensifying the back-and-forth and drawing mixed reactions from fans.

How the Dispute Began

The tension started when Kendi publicly questioned the legitimacy of KRG’s award win. According to widely shared social media posts, she implied that another veteran dancehall act was more deserving of the recognition.

However, her remarks were primarily circulated online, with no detailed statement published in mainstream media. As of the time of reporting, she has not issued any clarification or extended response.

The Award Win

KRG The Don was officially crowned Dancehall Artist of the Year at the 2026 Kenya C Awards, cementing his continued relevance in Kenya’s urban music scene.

Over the years, he has cultivated a strong following through club performances, high-energy stage shows and tracks that blend dancehall with Afro-urban influences. Some of his popular songs include Mambo Imechemka and Whine and Drop. He has also collaborated with several local and regional artists, maintaining a visible presence in the industry.

Industry-Wide Debate

Award season disagreements are nothing new in Kenya’s competitive music landscape, especially within genres like dancehall. Social media has amplified this latest clash, with fans debating:

• Whether KRG’s body of work justifies the award

• The transparency and criteria used by award organisers

• The current state and direction of Kenyan dancehall music

At the time of publication, the Kenya C Awards organisers have not released an official statement addressing the controversy. Meanwhile, Kendi has yet to respond further to KRG’s Instagram remarks.

As discussions continue online, the episode highlights the passionate — and often polarising — nature of recognition within Kenya’s evolving music industry.