Ngesh burst onto the scene with her infectious tune, quickly becoming a household name. Her collaboration with the comedic sensation 2Mbili seemed to solidify her status as an emerging star. However, the sudden popularity was accompanied by immense pressure. “Ngesh was overhyped, and as soon as she tasted fame, she made impulsive decisions that would later haunt her,” says music critic Nyambura Mwangi. In a bid for greater financial gain, she reportedly severed ties with 2Mbili to sign a deal with a local tycoon, a decision that many in the industry now view as a misstep.

The initial excitement surrounding Ngesh and her hit song led to a whirlwind of high-profile encounters, including meetings with politicians like Mike Sonko and socialite Karen Nyamu, as well as performances in some of Nairobi’s most exclusive clubs. Yet, as time passed, the novelty of her music began to fade. Critics noted that Kenyans quickly grew weary of the gengetone trend. “Every new trend has a shelf life, and unfortunately for Ngesh, hers expired sooner than expected,” remarked cultural commentator Juma Karanja.

Following the decline in interest, Ngesh attempted to reignite her career with new releases alongside her crew, but these efforts failed to resonate with audiences. “It was as if the magic had vanished overnight,” commented fellow artist and friend, Laila.