Kenyan rapper Toxic Lyrikali collaborates with Mauru Gwash and Kapitani on “Hongo Ya Karao Vol. II,” which achieved number one on YouTube Music’s Kenya Trending Chart days after its release.
It’s an idea that speaks very powerfully across East African street culture.” “Hongo Ya Karao” translates from Swahili to “police bribe,” and the series explores the day-to-day reality of corruption, of negotiating power, and surviving in institutions that often work against regular people rather than for them. Vol. II has the same pointed societal commentary, but it drives it forward with three different rap viewpoints rather than one. So the different voices give the subject matter more texture than a single record could on its own.
The beat was produced by Tedd Josiah and Keithwamz. The production is hard-hitting rap with just the appropriate pressure for the three emcees to perform over. Produced by ABH Sound. Director King Khassidy helmed the official video — and the visual release offered the record a complete package from drop day.
Mauru Gwash has picked up some major momentum until 2026. His Apple Music library include regular appearances on “Choche,” “Pull Up,” “Kigonyi” and “Vurugu” – all within the same year. And Kapitani gives that third dimension that balances the partnership rather than having it be dominated by any one personality.
Toxic Lyrikali’s Instagram post after achieving number one was simple: “Much love and appreciation to all our listeners. He then added a message for the youth – “Vijana wa East, kuzoza ni lazima, number ni jamo. That’s the kind of community recognition that keeps East Nairobi rap scenes faithful.
Watch Hongo Ya Karao Vol. II and let us know – is it harder than Vol. I?
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