Artists

Labdi is a groundbreaking Kenyan singer-songwriter, composer, producer, and sound installation artist who is reshaping the narrative of African music. As the first female Orutu player to rise to prominence in East Africa—a role traditionally reserved for men—Labdi boldly challenges gender norms while celebrating cultural heritage through her powerful, genre-blending sound.

Her music is an innovative fusion of Taarab, Ohangla, and Benga, seamlessly woven with elements of electronic, experimental, and global sounds. Her mission is clear: to popularize African musical traditions and indigenous instruments, while pushing creative boundaries and amplifying untold stories.

Labdi’s trailblazing talent has taken her to international stages, including Oslo Arts Festival (Norway) Bergen International Music Festival (Norway)

She is also one half of the cross-continental experimental duo Unganisha.

Her passion extends beyond performance into production and film scoring. Trained through Santuri East Africa’s SEMA program, she honed her skills in audio production and later took part in the prestigious NEWF Compose Yourself Lab (2021) in Durban, South Africa. Under the mentorship of award-winning French composer Samuel Safa, Labdi collaborated with other African talents to compose music for wildlife documentaries such as Nkashi: Race for the Okavango (National Geographic) Living with Lions by Erica Rugabandana

Labdi’s global recognition continued with her selection for two high-profile U.S. State Department music diplomacy programs: OneBeat – culminating in a four-day tour across New England and American Music Mentorship Program (AMMP) – the inaugural edition, hosted in Los Angeles

Beyond accolades, Labdi’s mission is deeply personal: to inspire young African women to embrace their roots, explore traditional instruments, and find power in cultural expression.