The Life of ‘Donjo Maber’ Hit Maker Iyanii: From Mathare’s Slums to Presidential Honors

The Kenya Times ~ Trending, Breaking News and Videos

The Life of ‘Donjo Maber’ Hit Maker Iyanii: From Mathare’s Slums to Presidential Honors

IYANII BIOGRAPHY 

Iyanii, whose real name is Ian Oure, is a popular Kenyan singer, songwriter, and performer known for blending Afropop with relatable urban lyrics.

He rose to national fame in 2021 with his viral hit single “Pombe,” which became a major party anthem in East Africa.

In 2025, Iyanii committed to donating 20% of his music earnings to supporting people in prison.

On October 11, 2025, he held a free healing concert at Lang’ata Women’s Prison to support inmate rehabilitation.

Early Life and Educational Background

Iyanii was born in the late 1990s in Western Kenya before his family moved to the Mathare Area Two slums in Nairobi.

His early years were defined by severe economic hardship and exposure to the dangers of life in Eastlands, which deeply influenced his perspective on life and education.

Iyanii has not publicly specified the exact name of his primary school.

Iyanii attended Hobunaka High School in Vihiga County, where he was a top performer, scoring a clean B+(plus) in his final secondary exams (KCSE).

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During this time, he was an active member of the school choir and participated in music festivals.

He attended Daystar University for journalism but was forced to drop out due to financial constraints and later received a scholarship to study music at Sauti Academy.

Iyanii’s Musical Career

After nearly a decade in the industry, his 2021 track “Pombe” went viral on TikTok, transforming him into a household name almost overnight.

His key hits include popular tracks such as “Furaha,” “Kifo Cha Mende,” which features Mwanaa, and his 2025 hit “Donjo Maber,” which features Dufla Diglon, which amassed over a million views within weeks of release.

He is known for incorporating dance challenges and official choreography into his releases, which makes him have the capacity to drive engagement.

Career Achievements

In 2025, Iyanii reached several major professional and personal milestones, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the Kenyan music industry.

Head of State Commendation (HSC)- On December 12, 2025, President William Ruto conferred the HSC (Civilian Division) upon Iyanii at State House, Nairobi, an award that recognized his outstanding contribution to the creative industry.

Jamhuri Kenya Awards 2025 – in these, Iyanii bagged two awards, Best Male Artist of the Year and Music Collaboration of the Year for his track “Donjo Maber” featuring Dufla Diligon.

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He also received the Best Performing Artist of the Year honor at the same event.

Viral Success of “Donjo Maber”– his collaboration with Dufla Diligon became a massive hit in 2025, surpassing 18 million views on YouTube and being named the 2025 Song of the Year by various streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Iyanii revealed in late 2025 that he was one of Kenya’s most booked artists, sometimes performing up to five shows in a single weekend.

High-Profile Performances – in September 2025, he performed at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, ahead of the Harambee Stars’ World Cup qualifier against Seychelles.

Iyanii delivered a full performance during the 2025 Jamhuri Day state celebrations on December 12, 2025, held at Nyayo Stadium.

Background and Personal Life

Iyanii was raised in the Mathare slums of Nairobi by both parents, whom he credits with nurturing him and teaching him the value of hard work despite their limited means.

His mother affectionately gave him the nickname “Yani”.

Iyanii’s father and brother, avid music listeners, are the inspirations behind his music career, and his grandfather, who played the guitar.

His brother, who was also a singer, now serves as his manager and provides the critical creative environment he credits with shaping his resilience and hard work.

In 2025, Iyanii made headlines for openly discussing his commitment to celibacy, stating that he is a virgin and plans to wait until marriage.

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This post The Life of ‘Donjo Maber’ Hit Maker Iyanii: From Mathare’s Slums to Presidential Honors first appeared on The Kenya Times ~ Trending, Breaking News and Videos and is written by Immaculate Ndinda