Back in February, Kenyan star Arrow Bwoy hinted at a major international collaboration in the works — a track featuring none other than Jamaican dancehall legend Chris Martin.
“Big Artist, Big Vibes! Big up Mi General @iamchrismartin DIGAFA. Magical vibes loading #Hapo Hii itoke lini watu wangu?”
The teaser came with photos of the two in the studio and a brief snippet that left fans eager for more.
Fast forward to April — the highly anticipated track has finally dropped. Titled “Hapo”, the collabo is a vibrant Afro-dancehall anthem that seamlessly blends Swahili, English, and Jamaican patois. It’s a celebration of confidence, flirtation, and rhythm — a cross-cultural banger made for dancefloors from Nairobi to Kingston.
Chris Martin even showcases his Kiswahili skills on the track, adding a unique touch that fans can’t get enough of.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s 10 Over 10 on Friday, April 4, Arrow Bwoy opened up about how the collaboration came to life:
“If you really want something — not just in music but in life — and there’s a way, work towards it,” he said.
“If you know a manager or CEO somewhere, penya. Same thing applies to musicians.”
Arrow Bwoy recalled how the connection with Chris Martin started.
“I had a show in Dubai, and that same night, I looked for him at his hotel. I played him a sample of the track and he loved the vibe. That’s how it happened.”
He praised the Jamaican star for his humility and professionalism:
“Big up to Chris Martin for the collabo. He’s a great guy, a global artist, and he works hard. For him to work with me — that’s huge. It shows I’m doing something right.”
Chris Martin, who performed in Nairobi on February 8, 2025 at Uhuru Gardens, had previously expressed openness to working with African talent.
“As long as an opportunity presents itself to make music, I’m down. I’ve always been about it,” he shared in an interview with Mpasho. “I’ve been in contact with young singers and producers. Maybe this trip is when it finally happens.”
And it certainly did.
Fans have been flooding social media with excitement and praise:
@FestusKefa: Kenyan-Jamaican flavor… Acha tu! Big up for the collabo.
@djsubzerothemusicalpunisher: Fire fi fire! Big tune this one! This is a masterpiece — definitely on repeat in all my playlists.
@DoubleGHMedia: Arrow Bwoy akiendelea kutupeleka international! Christopher Martin na vibes zake zimefanya hii ngoma iwe global hit. Kenya x Jamaica tunawaka! Hii lazima ifike mbali.
@oscaralochi: This is the kind of stuff I want to see — Kenyan 🇰🇪 artists collaborating with international acts from around the world.
By maureen waruinge
