Vipi Radio
Buruklyn Boyz and Google teamed up to showcase the most used Sheng words on Google Search.
The challenge which was launched by Google, provided data of the top 10 most used Sheng words on the platform and challenged rappers to create an original verse that incorporated the top 10 Sheng words in the lyrics.
The words included; Mbwakni, Mbogi, Rieng, Dem, Rada, Saseni, Omoka, Dere, Chwani, and Mabeshte.
Top 10 Sheng words used on Google Search and their meanings
- Mbwakni – Derived from Dholuo word mbwakni which means to be jumpy/fidgety/irritating. Sometimes Mbwakni used to mean fake.
- Mbogi – Crew, group, squad.
- Rieng – Plan/plot
- Dem – Female
- Rada – Understand or to be aware of a situation. Derived from the English word Radar
- Saseni – Greetings
- Omoka – Derived from Luo word “moko” which means to get rich. Jamoko means rich person
- Dere – Driver
- Chwani – Sh50
- Mabeshte – Friends group, squad
The song that kicked off the Challenge (open verse challenge) was a collaboration between Hip Hop group Burukyln Boyz & Producer Kagwe Mungai, – Both were commissioned by Google to co-create the song using the top 10 most used Sheng words on Search. As seen above,
The “Kwaheri Remix” is an adaptation of the Kenyan classic “Kwaheri” which was originally released in 2008 by Jua Cali and Sanaipei Tande under Calif Records.
An Open Verse Challenge is a social media trend that allows upcoming artists to showcase their skills by creating their own version of a viral song.
The winners of the Open Verse Challenge –
- Shalom Charles Kianga (Spinx_Mafia),
- Mwongeli Mutuku,
- Brian Mawira Mbae (Ma_wira).
The Search In Sheng campaign was inspired by new research from Google, which shows that Kenyan Hip Hop culture could be behind the increase of Sheng words on the platform.
