Sylvia Ssaru, widely recognized as Ssaru Wa Manyaru, has never been one to shy away from controversy. At just 23, she has cemented her place in the music industry by pushing boundaries, a strategy that became evident when she released her hit song Kaskie Vibaya. The track sparked heated debates, with some calling for its ban, yet its popularity soared.
The Appeal of Provocative Music
Ssaru acknowledges that her more provocative tracks tend to outperform those with a ‘cleaner’ message.
“When I create music that is considered morally acceptable, no one really talks about it. But when I release these so-called ‘dirty’ songs, they explode. Just look at Kaskie Vibaya—it had everyone talking. So, I don’t think it’s about me; Kenyans genuinely love this kind of music.”
She has experimented with other genres, including rhumba and dancehall, but the response has been lukewarm.
“I’ve put out conscious music and even a rhumba track, but the reception wasn’t great. When I do dancehall, it barely gets noticed. But the moment I switch back to the music people call ‘dirty,’ they go wild.”
Beyond popularity, this kind of music has proven to be financially rewarding.
“These songs bring in the most revenue, from streaming numbers to paid performances. At the end of the day, it’s all business.”
Despite the energy she exudes in her performances, she prefers a quiet lifestyle.
“I love making music, but I hate loud places unless I’m performing or recording. In my free time, I’d rather sleep or just relax at home doing nothing.”
Global Recognition and Career Milestones
A significant moment in her career came when she was selected for Spotify’s EQUAL Music Program, a milestone she describes as humbling.
“Being featured on the Times Square Billboard in New York was huge. People pay to get their faces up there, and mine was there—for free. And I was only 19! That moment confirmed that I was on the right path.”
She credits the program with broadening her audience, opening doors to international collaborations, and elevating her brand.
Love, Betrayal, and Lessons Learned
While her music career is thriving, her personal life has had its fair share of challenges. She candidly shares details about her last relationship, which ended in betrayal.
“I don’t know if my ex will ever forgive me, but it doesn’t matter. He cheated on me multiple times—with women we both knew. So, what did I do? I gave him a taste of his own medicine, in a way he’ll never forget. I went for the one person I wasn’t supposed to. I had to make it hurt.”
Despite acknowledging the toxicity of the relationship, she has no regrets.
“Looking back, I feel sorry for him, but I don’t regret my actions. That relationship was bound to end. It was just a matter of when, not if.”
However, she makes it clear that she doesn’t believe in playing games in relationships.
“I may have a resting b**ch face, but when I love, I love hard. And let me be clear—I don’t cheat. I’m always loyal. I don’t sleep around or juggle multiple relationships. When I’m with someone, I’m all in.”
With her unapologetic attitude and undeniable talent, Ssaru continues to solidify her place in the music industry, proving that she is here to stay—on her own terms.
