Davinson Nyaberi Mong’are, better known by his stage name Babu Gee Omosayansi, has become one of the most influential forces shaping Kenya’s Gusii urban music scene. Through his innovative sound and cultural pride, Babu Gee has not only modernized Kisii music but also opened doors for a new generation of artists embracing their roots while appealing to a wider audience.
Born on April 4, 1989, in Nyamira County, Babu Gee grew up in a humble household under the care of his father, David Ogega Oyaro. From an early age, music was his calling. He began performing in church and school choirs before joining a local band called Nyamira Super Stars, where he honed his stage presence and performance skills. In 2010, determined to chase his musical dreams, he moved to Nairobi, marking the start of a journey that would redefine Gusii contemporary music.
How Did Babu Gee Build His Music Career?
Babu Gee’s professional breakthrough began when he met producer Jomino, who gave him his first major recording opportunity. His debut song, Ujinga Ni, became an instant hit in the Gusii region and helped introduce his distinctive lyrical storytelling to a wider audience. After this success, he followed up with other tracks like Oyondi, Omosayansi, and Oyabe, each adding depth and diversity to his discography.
Interestingly, Babu Gee had initially hoped to work with Calif Records, one of Kenya’s top production labels at the time. However, he faced challenges as an upcoming artist and turned to Jomino instead, a move that proved to be career-defining. His partnership with Jomino not only elevated his production quality but also gave him the creative freedom to experiment with Gusii beats and urban fusions.
His true national breakthrough came with Sota, a collaboration with fellow Gusii artist Vicky Young. The song quickly became a regional anthem, earning him awards and nominations from platforms such as the Gusii Creative Awards, Gusii Excellence Awards, and the Riverwood Academy Awards. With every project, Babu Gee cemented his reputation as an artist who could bridge traditional Kisii rhythms with modern Kenyan urban styles.
What Makes Babu Gee a Symbol of Gusii Pride?
Beyond music, Babu Gee has positioned himself as a cultural ambassador through the Omorio Music Group, a collective he founded to mentor and promote upcoming Gusii talent. The group includes rising stars such as Miggy Champ, Vicky Young, MC Miggy, Ekio Nkiekio, Forever Young, and Superboy Junior. Together, they have produced hits like Noraita, Toto Si Toto, and Nore Pipo, songs that celebrate Gusii identity while resonating with youth across Kenya.
Babu Gee’s impressive catalog includes major hits such as Chimbeba featuring Miggy Champ, and Emboozi Za Babu Gee, which paid tribute to legends like Daudi Kabaka, Fadhili William, and Gabriel Omollo. He has also collaborated with some of Kenya’s biggest urban acts, including Sailors, Ethic, Boondocks Gang, and Khaligraph Jones, blending local dialects with popular genres like gengetone and hip-hop.
His influence has grown far beyond the Gusii region, inspiring the online movement #Gusii2theWorld, a phrase that perfectly captures his vision of taking Kisii music to a global audience. Babu Gee’s tracks, Chianyire, Chimbeba, and Chipigipigi, are now staples at parties, events, and local radio stations across Kenya.
By Risper Akinyi
