The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Kevin Mburu, popularly known as Shalkido, was once a household name in Kenya’s Gengetone scene — his voice and style echoing through clubs and airwaves during the genre’s peak.
To fellow artists, he embodied youthful determination; to his fans, he symbolized persistence and the power to reinvent oneself.
Rise to fame
Shalkido first gained national attention as part of Sailors Gang, a Nairobi-based music group alongside Miracle Baby, Masilver, Qoqosjuma, and Lexxy Yung.
The group was instrumental in popularizing Gengetone — the high-energy, streetwise sound that dominated Kenya’s urban music from 2019 to 2021.
Through viral hits such as Wamlambez, Pekejeng, and Wainame, Sailors Gang turned local slang into mainstream culture. Shalkido’s unique voice and charisma became key to their success.
According to AfrikaLyrics, he also went by the name African Boy, reflecting both pride in his roots and a playful youthful energy.
As Gengetone’s popularity waned and internal challenges arose, the group eventually split. Shalkido ventured into a solo path, experimenting with fusions of Gengetone and Mugithi sounds.
Struggles behind the fame
Away from the spotlight, Shalkido’s journey was marked by financial and personal challenges.
He often opened up about the difficulties of sustaining a career after fame faded. In early 2025, he reached out to comedian Eric Omondi for assistance, saying:
“Mhesh … nipate hata bike ya kuanza hustle to support my family again.”
Omondi, through his Sisi kwa Sisi initiative, provided him with a motorbike and basic necessities to help him restart his life. Shalkido planned to use the motorbike for deliveries to support his young family.
Tragic end
On Sunday morning, October 5, 2025, tragedy struck when Shalkido was involved in a motorcycle accident along Thika Superhighway near Githurai.
Media personality Oga Obinna, who had met him moments earlier, recounted their brief encounter:
“We met on the road to Thika. I fueled his bike, he waved at us and took an exit.”
Moments later, Shalkido crashed.
He was rushed to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) with severe head injuries, internal bleeding, and a broken leg. Despite ICU treatment, doctors declared him brain-dead, and he passed away at around 6:30 p.m.
Tributes pour in
His death sparked an outpouring of grief from fans, friends, and fellow musicians, many describing him as humble, resilient, and full of potential.
“He was really trying to rebuild himself. His passing shows how tough life can get for young artists once fame fades,” one fan wrote on X.
Just months before his death, Shalkido had expressed renewed hope about returning to the studio. His last single, Ngunde Ngurume, remains online — a reminder of his raw energy and creative legacy.
To his fans, Shalkido will always represent the Gengetone generation — fearless, authentic, and unforgettable.
