Komanda X makes history as first Kenyan Swahili rapper on ABC’s triple j Unearthed

Kenyan-Australian rapper Komanda X is stepping into the spotlight with his latest single, “More Energy,” after quietly building his craft since 2021.

The track marks a major milestone for the rising rapper, who recently made his debut on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) triple j Unearthed platform, becoming the first Swahili rapper from Kenya to reach the platform.

For Komanda X, however, “More Energy” is less a command and more a chant; an anthem that listeners can interpret and apply to whatever they are going through.

“There really isn't any specific type of energy I was targeting. I like to leave it more unto the viewer to apply the energy in their current situation,” he says.

The song blends Swahili and English over hard-hitting hip-hop production, drawing heavily from East African influences while reflecting Komanda X’s experience of building a creative career between Kenya and Australia.

He describes “More Energy” as a turning point in his musical journey, particularly because of its chant-like structure and the response it has received since its release.

“This is my first time rolling out with such a unique track built on a chant-like anthem, making it special. I really like the impact it’s making so far,” he says.

The track has already caught the attention of ABC’s reviewers, with one describing it as “too tight” and praising the effortless movement of Swahili and English throughout the song.

For Komanda X, the growing attention is about more than personal recognition. He sees his music as a way of connecting two creative worlds that rarely get the opportunity to interact - Kenya and Australia.

“I would like to strengthen the bridge between creatives in Kenya and Australia,” he says, while acknowledging Kenyan-Australian artist Elsy Wameyo as an inspiration.

The rapper believes his position gives him a distinct identity in both scenes, particularly because relatively few artists are creating music from the perspective of someone navigating both East African and Australian cultures.

His journey began in Kenya before taking him to Australia, where he has continued developing his sound while maintaining a strong connection to his roots. That dual identity has become central to his music, allowing him to blend East African influences with the sounds and experiences of his adopted home.

Now, after years of experimenting and finding his creative direction, Komanda X is looking to expand his reach through collaborations with artists from both countries.

For the rapper, the ultimate goal extends far beyond Australia or Kenya. The reception to his music has given him the motivation to keep pushing and eventually introduce his sound to a global audience.

“It gives me the drive to push myself to reach greater heights,” he says. “One day it'll be my turn to share with the whole wide world who Komanda X is.”

With “More Energy” opening the door, Komanda X appears ready to turn years of quiet groundwork into a much louder arrival.