Kenyan drill duo Buruklyn Boyz have marked a major achievement in their music journey after their debut album, East Mpaka London, officially attained Gold status.
The duo, made up of Ajay and Mr Right, celebrated the milestone by unveiling custom plaques recognising the project’s success, with the album surpassing 30 million streams.
The achievement places the 2022 project among the notable releases that have helped push Kenyan drill music to a wider audience.
“The love and support have been unmatched,” the duo shared as they celebrated the achievement.
The album, which carries the story and sound of Nairobi’s Eastlands, became an important project in introducing a Kenyan version of drill music to listeners beyond the country.
Buruklyn Boyz built their identity around street storytelling, energetic flows and a style influenced by global drill movements while keeping their local experiences at the centre.
Success comes during a heated rap rivalry.
The Gold recognition comes at a time when the group has been at the centre of one of Kenya’s most talked-about rap rivalries with rapper Toxic Lyrikali.
The disagreement between the two camps has developed into a lyrical battle, with both sides releasing music aimed at each other.
Toxic Lyrikali released tracks including Dumpsite, while Buruklyn Boyz responded with releases such as Stima and Genje Sana, attracting strong reactions from fans online. The rivalry has dominated conversations within Kenya’s hip-hop scene, with fans debating the different styles, lyrical ability and influence of both artists.
Despite the tension surrounding the beef, the latest milestone highlights the commercial impact of Buruklyn Boyz’s earlier work.
A project that shaped the Kenyan drill
Released in 2022, East Mpaka London helped establish Buruklyn Boyz as key figures in Kenya’s growing drill movement.
The album connected Nairobi’s neighbourhood stories to the wider drill culture that had gained international popularity.
The duo’s rise has also shown the growing role of streaming platforms in helping Kenyan artists reach audiences outside the country.
The 30 million-plus streams, celebrated with Gold plaques, represent years of building a loyal fanbase and creating music that resonated locally and internationally.
For Ajay and Mr Right, the Gold status of East Mpaka London is a reminder of the impact of their music beyond online debates and rap battles.
Their latest recognition adds another chapter to the growth of Kenyan drill, a genre that continues to find its place in the country’s evolving music industry.
