Kenyan music group Wadagliz has officially trademarked their iconic phrase “Anguka Nayo” and its associated logo, announcing the move with a statement shared on Instagram on January 30, 2025. The announcement comes amid growing popularity of the phrase and logo, which became synonymous with the group’s hit song “Anguka Nayo.” The track, which gained significant traction in 2024, resonated strongly with the public during anti-government protests, becoming an anthem of defiance.
In the statement, Wadagliz made it clear that the phrase and logo are now their intellectual property, emphasizing that any unauthorized use, reproduction, or commercial exploitation would result in legal consequences. The group warned the public of severe repercussions, including cease and desist orders, fines, and potential lawsuits for trademark infringement in line with Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) regulations. “We are pleased to inform our fans, supporters, and the public that the song ‘Anguka Nayo’ is now copyrighted, and the logo has been trademarked,” the statement read, reaffirming their commitment to protecting their intellectual property.
The track’s rise to prominence was a result of its relevance to the socio-political climate in Kenya, with many fans rallying behind the song’s message. In December 2024, “Anguka Nayo” was among the most searched song lyrics on Google in Kenya, reflecting its widespread impact. However, the song faced setbacks when it was unexpectedly taken down from YouTube on December 14, 2024. The group later claimed that the removal was an act of sabotage orchestrated by their rivals, the Hood Boyz, accusing them of maliciously targeting the song out of jealousy.
Despite the removal, the song was later reinstated, and Wadagliz has since been steadfast in defending their work. In the Instagram post, the group made it clear that they, alongside their record label, From The Hood Music, are the legally recognized proprietors of the song and all associated rights. They also stressed their determination to safeguard their brand identity against further infringement.
With the trademark now in place, Wadagliz’s move sets a clear precedent for protecting their creative works and asserts their rights over the growing cultural phenomenon that is “Anguka Nayo.” The legal steps taken by the group are a reminder of the importance of intellectual property rights in the music industry, particularly for artists whose work reaches wide and influential audiences.
