Kenyan-Norwegian singer Stella Mwangi is experiencing a well-deserved surge in global recognition as her music continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Known for her unique blend of hip-hop and African influences, Stella’s rise in the music industry has been marked by numerous noteworthy milestones, including high-profile music placements in major productions. From Netflix series to iconic TV shows like The Equalizer, her songs are finding their way into the soundtracks of culturally significant projects, showcasing her talent on an international stage.
One of the most notable highlights of Stella Mwangi’s music career came in 2021, when her tracks were included in the Netflix reality series Selling Tampa. The show, which follows an all-black female cast of luxury real estate agents in Tampa, Florida, offered an exclusive peek into the lives of these successful women as they navigate the competitive world of high-end real estate. While Selling Tampa features a blend of drama, business, and personal stories, it also provides a platform for music, and this is where Stella’s contributions shine. Three of her tracks from her album Eyes Off Me “Queen,” “Murda Dem,” and “New Ting” were featured in various episodes of the series. The songs were used in May 2022, giving Stella a significant boost in visibility, particularly among global Netflix audiences.
The Selling Tampa placement is far from Stella’s only success in the world of sync music. Her tracks have been featured in several high-profile films and TV shows. Notably, in March 2024, Stella shared a humbling moment with her fans on social media, revealing that her song “Runnin'” had been used in the hit TV series The Equalizer, which stars Queen Latifah. Reflecting on the journey that led her to this point, Stella wrote on Instagram, “If someone had told me back in 1997, when I had U.N.I.T.Y. memorized, that in 2024, @QueenLatifah would be running to my song on TV, I would have said ‘yeaaa riiight’..😄 OMG! I am so honored!” The sync deal with The Equalizer marked another career milestone for Stella, further solidifying her position as a rising global music force.
In addition to her appearances in The Equalizer, Stella’s music has been featured in several other noteworthy productions. Her tracks have graced the soundtracks of films like American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile and Save the Last Dance 2. On the television front, her songs have appeared in the popular TV series CSI: NY, Scrubs, and Survival of The Thickest. Such placements reflect the growing demand for her music across different media, showcasing her versatility as an artist capable of transcending genres and markets.
In 2018, Stella also achieved a milestone in her home country of Norway, where her song “10 Toes,” from the album Badili Akili, was featured in the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix song contest. This recognition was another testament to her international appeal and her ability to connect with audiences from different cultural backgrounds.
Beyond her musical career, Stella Mwangi is also known for her philanthropy. She serves as a goodwill ambassador for Rafiki Mwema, a nonprofit organization in Kenya focused on rescuing and supporting vulnerable children. Her involvement in this initiative reflects her deep connection to her roots and her desire to use her platform to make a positive impact in her community.
Stella’s rise in the music industry is a powerful testament to her talent, determination, and ability to adapt to changing trends. With placements in top-tier productions and a growing fanbase across multiple continents, her global spotlight is only getting brighter. As her music continues to resonate with listeners around the world, Stella Mwangi is proving that success knows no boundaries, and her legacy in the music industry is only just beginning to unfold.
