Editing Maandy (section)

== Music career ==
Maandy began her music career in 2016 by uploading freestyles and original tracks to YouTube and Instagram under the name “DJ Maandy,” quickly building a grassroots following.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gm7sXgkTsvs&t=130s |title=Maandy interview at 2:10 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>  

Her debut EP, ''Kabaya'', was released in 2019 and featured the singles “Hivi Na Hivo,” “Sirudi Home,” “Shash na Lip Gloss,” and “BTW,” which established her as one of Nairobi’s most promising new rappers.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ntvkenya.co.ke |title=Maandy discusses debut EP Kabaya |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>  

In 2021, Maandy followed up with the EP ''Frisky'', which she described as showcasing both her vulnerable and hard-edged sides: “with Frisky, I wanted fans to see both sides—vulnerable and hard; that duality is me.”<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u_GwB3Hulw&t=905s |title=Maandy interview at 15:05 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref> The project blended trap beats with introspective lyrics and reinforced her reputation for fearless self-expression.  

Her first full-length album, ''Flavour'', arrived in 2023 and further cemented her hybrid sound by fusing rapid-fire trap flows, gengetone rhythms, and dancehall elements.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWO3wiXTqEk&t=220s |title=Maandy interview at 3:40 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref> Maandy explained, “my music slips between rapid-fire trap and bouncy gengetone because that’s Nairobi—it’s hybrid.”<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWO3wiXTqEk&t=250s |title=Maandy interview at 4:10 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>  

Alongside her own projects, Maandy has collaborated with leading Kenyan artists. Her 2022 track with Breeder LW drew praise for its chemistry—“Breeder LW is the real deal; when we linked up I knew we’d make fire,” she said.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV0CWF3vMWk&t=440s |title=Maandy interview at 7:20 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref> She also featured on Mejja’s “Ka Unaweza” and released “Aloo” featuring Ajay in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV0CWF3vMWk&t=535s |title=Maandy interview at 8:55 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref> Other notable collaborations include Ywaya Tajiri on “Baddies Need Love” and Okello Max on “Si Kawaida.”<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net |title=Maandy collaboration overview |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref> She regularly appears on KTN Home and Obinna TV, bringing her live energy to televised audiences.  

In May 2023, Maandy was named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist of the month, a milestone that boosted her streaming numbers and continental profile.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZCwzEkVt7s&t=125s |title=Maandy interview at 2:05 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref> That same year she announced her “Nairobae Baby” tour, described as “a love letter to Nairobi,” which took her music to major cities across Kenya.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSv_rrsQ-Rw&t=375s |title=Maandy interview at 6:15 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref> Reflecting on life on the road, she noted, “tour life is tough but I can’t wait to bring this energy outside the studio.”<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSv_rrsQ-Rw&t=410s |title=Maandy interview at 6:50 |accessdate=2025-05-11}}</ref>