Dabi Delperis is a trap and hip-hop artist from Kenya whose story carries the weight of survival, independence, and the kind of confidence that is earned through pressure. Her journey did not begin with a perfect plan or a polished industry rollout. It began with a surprise studio session on her 16th birthday, when her cousin took her to record what became her first hit, “JAM SESSION.” It was a freestyle from beginning to end, but that moment opened a door that would change the way she saw herself, her voice, and what music could become in her life.
Before stepping fully into her own artistry, Dabi was already surrounded by music. Her cousin was part of a group of four boys who would meet at his house to write, build ideas, and sharpen their craft. Watching them create made her ask herself a question that would become part of her fire: why was she not doing the same? As a woman from the ghetto, she understood what it felt like to be overlooked, especially in spaces where men were often given more room to speak, lead, and be heard. When she began writing ideas and helping polish some of theirs, she realized that music gave her a way to express herself with power. It became easier to speak her mind through lyrics, and once she saw that people respected her for it, she knew she could not stop.
That respect did not come without proving herself. Dabi remembers being the only female artist going up against six men after meeting @8sg, and instead of shrinking in that moment, she shined. Along the way, people such as @eujoebeats, @ringobeats, @colliecln, and @youngjoh played a role in helping her continue when things felt stuck. These early connections mattered because they helped her build momentum in an industry where female rappers are often questioned before they are respected. For Dabi, every studio session, every beat, and every opportunity became part of a bigger mission to show that she belonged in the conversation.
Her creative identity is built on authenticity and constant improvement. Dabi describes her approach as “me versus me,” meaning she is not creating to chase another artist’s lane or copy what is already working for someone else. Her focus is on making sure the next song is better than the last, sharpening her delivery, and staying true to the style that has carried her this far. That commitment matters because she is not interested in switching her sound just to be accepted. She believes her uniqueness is part of what has helped her receive global attention, even while keeping Swahili present in her music.
As an independent artist, Dabi has already built a catalog that speaks to her consistency and work ethic. Her projects include the BOOTY CRIMINAL album, the HAKIKA KILA DAKIKIA EP, the MAKESI EP, and six singles, along with her upcoming album LYRICAL SAMURAI, which she is currently remaking with global artists. She gives thanks to God for every step because she understands how much it has taken to get here without the full machine of a major label behind her. Every release, collaboration, and milestone reflects the determination of an artist who has had to create her own opportunities while still carrying the responsibility of representing where she comes from.
One of the most powerful parts of Dabi’s story is the way she sees her music as bigger than herself. She is proud to be a voice from the ghetto and a source of motivation for orphans who may feel like their circumstances limit their future. As someone who has had to build without both parents present in her life, she understands what it means to keep going with faith, hunger, and purpose. Her story reminds people that where you begin does not have to decide where you end, and that sometimes the world outside your local environment may be the place where your gift is truly recognized.
Dabi has reached a point where her name carries weight. In her own words, people now have to search her before doing a track with her, and to her, that means there is respect attached to what she has built. She has gained a loyal fan base, won trophies, shared her story to inspire others, advocated for youth and women’s voices, and helped push Kenyan artistry into global conversations. Her music being used in movies and fans creating content with it are blessings she does not take lightly. Each moment confirms that her work is reaching people in ways that go beyond streams alone.
Her collaborations have also become a major part of her growth. Redoing LYRICAL SAMURAI opened the door for global collaborations, something she does not take for granted. Meeting Dice King became another meaningful part of her journey because he believed in her and respected her creativity. The songs “BOUNCE” and “WAVE” reaching many listeners means a great deal to her because those moments show what can happen when the right people connect with the right energy. For Dabi, collaboration is not just about putting names together. It is about blending creativity, respecting the craft, and building something that benefits everyone involved.
Still, the road has not been easy. Dabi speaks openly about how many people do not take female rappers seriously until they search her and see the work for themselves. She has also faced confusion from streaming platforms, including Boomplay listing her as a male artist, which created confusion for listeners even though she is a female artist. On top of that, she has watched deep rap become less appreciated as more artists rush toward quick hits and temporary attention. For an artist who values lyricism, delivery, and meaning, that shift makes the journey even more challenging.
One of the hardest chapters in her career came through the process of remaking LYRICAL SAMURAI. Dabi says her former producer did not believe in her creativity, which led to a major fallout, a lawsuit, and the loss of a five-year friendship, business relationship, and two years of creative effort. That kind of setback could have broken her spirit, but instead, it became part of her restart. She has learned that sometimes blessings come through beginning again, even when the restart costs time, energy, relationships, and comfort.
Dabi has also had to navigate the darker side of the industry, including producers trying to take advantage of rates and expecting women to compromise themselves for opportunities. Her stance is clear: she is not exchanging her body for a free beat. That honesty shows the strength behind her independence. It also speaks to the reality many women face in creative industries, where talent is sometimes tested by the wrong people for the wrong reasons. Dabi refuses to move that way, and her refusal is part of what makes her voice powerful.
Another challenge is the pressure that comes from fans, comparisons, and public attention. Fans sometimes compare her to other female artists, creating unwanted tension and beef she never asked for. Some mainstream artists overcharge instead of simply admitting they do not want to collaborate, possibly out of fear of competition. Listeners also become impatient, asking where the new music is without always understanding how much time, effort, money, and emotional energy it takes to create something meaningful. Dabi understands that music without money to push it can feel like a museum collecting dust, because most people see numbers and assume money is coming in, when in reality much of what an independent artist earns goes right back into the work.
Behind the confidence, Dabi is also honest about the personal cost of her career. Sometimes she does not have enough time for loved ones, and keeping her private life private can be difficult. If she posts someone she is dating, gossip can follow, and although she may laugh about it at times, that kind of attention can create distance when the other person is not used to being watched. She also understands the weight of having to put herself out there every day because if she does not control her own story, blogs may try to tell it for her. There are moments when she cannot even post about hard times because she worries those struggles may be spread, which is why she prefers speaking to a therapist when things become heavy.
Despite everything, Dabi keeps moving because music is her life. She believes she has already started, so there is no stopping now. She carries too many ideas, too much purpose, and too many people who are watching her journey to give up. Her motivation comes from knowing that the world has not seen everything she has to offer yet. There are supporters who depend on her next move, and she does not want to let them down.
Her message to others is rooted in where she comes from and what she has survived. Dabi wants people to understand that being from the ghetto does not cancel your dreams. Being an orphan does not mean your story is over. Not being recognized locally does not mean your gift has no place. Sometimes your fate may be waiting in the global world, and the only way to find it is to keep going. She encourages people not to switch their style, because her own journey proves that staying true to herself, even with Swahili in her music, has helped her build global connections.
Currently, Dabi is focused on LYRICAL SAMURAI, her upcoming album featuring global artists. The project has taken years of patience, especially because some collaborators are not fluent in English, making translation and communication part of the creative process. She has had to translate Korean, redo certain parts, and search carefully for artists who truly match her vibe. After three years of work, she hopes to release the project later this year, and it stands as one of the most meaningful pieces of her career so far.
Looking ahead, Dabi wants to keep inspiring anyone who feels like giving up. She understands that life changes constantly, and as a versatile artist, she is open to collaborations, shows, tours, and new creative opportunities. She welcomes serious artists to reach out because when she works, she gives one hundred percent. Beyond music, Dabi is also a model, beautician, actress, and voice-over artist, showing that her creativity is not limited to one lane.
Dabi Delperis is not just building a music career. She is building proof. Proof that a woman from the ghetto can stand against the odds and still shine. Proof that independent artists can create global opportunities without losing themselves. Proof that restarts can become blessings. Her story carries pain, pressure, faith, and power, but above all, it carries movement. She is still growing, still creating, and still putting Kenya on the map in her own way.
To follow, support, stream, or collaborate with Dabi Delperis, connect with her on all social media and streaming platforms at @dabi_delperis. Every stream, like, share, playlist add, and show attended helps support independent artists. To her fans and everyone supporting this queen, she sends love and blessings.