Henry Ohanga, professionally known as Octopizzo, is a Kenyan rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist from Kibera, Nairobi. He is known for his contr…
Octopizzo | |
|---|---|
| Born | Henry Ohanga Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Genres | Hip hop, rap, Afro hip hop |
| Occupations | Rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Years active | 2008–present |
Henry Ohanga, professionally known as Octopizzo, is a Kenyan rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist from Kibera, Nairobi. He is known for his contributions to Kenyan hip hop, his international media visibility, and his work in youth empowerment and refugee advocacy.[1]
Octopizzo has been featured in international outlets including CNN, BBC, The Guardian, NPR, Quartz and Rolling Stone Africa for his music and social impact work.[2][3]
Octopizzo was born and raised in Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements. He has described his upbringing as marked by poverty and limited opportunities, which later influenced his music and public messaging.[4]
He attended local schools in Nairobi before pursuing music full-time.
Octopizzo began his career in Nairobi’s underground hip hop scene through freestyle battles and early mixtapes including Strugglers of Nairobi (S.O.N) and Young Gifted and Black (Y.G.B).[5]
He gained recognition with early tracks such as “Noma Ni” and “Ivo Ivo Ivo”, which helped establish his presence in Kenyan hip hop.
His work has been described as part of a broader movement of African artists reshaping global perceptions of urban African culture.[6]
He has also been featured in interviews discussing his artistic journey, branding, and evolution in the music industry.[7]
Octopizzo is widely recognized for reframing Kibera’s global image from a poverty narrative to one focused on creativity and resilience. His work in this area has been highlighted in international development journalism.[8]
He has also spoken publicly about fame, identity, and socioeconomic mobility in Kenya.[9]
Octopizzo has worked with refugee communities in Kenya through music and arts-based initiatives.
He has been involved in projects in Kakuma Refugee Camp focusing on creative empowerment for displaced youth.[10]
He has also been featured in Quartz Africa for his refugee-focused creative programs.[11]
The Octopizzo Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 2015 focusing on youth empowerment, education, creative arts, and community development.
The foundation operates primarily in informal settlements and refugee communities, using music, sports, and education as tools for social change.[12]
Programs include: - Youth mentorship - Arts and music development - Refugee empowerment initiatives - Food relief programs - Civic education activities
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the foundation supported food distribution efforts in Kibera.[13]
The foundation has been covered in Kenyan media including Capital FM, Citizen Digital, and The Standard.[14]
| Songs |
|---|
| "Noma Ni" |
| "Ivo Ivo Ivo" |
| "On Top" |
| "Toboa" |
| "Wakiritho" |
| "Oliel" |
| "Kila kitu ni sawa" |
| "Blackstar" |
| "Strugglers of Nairobi" |
| Songs |
|---|
| "Kamikaze" |
| "Bila Chills" |
| "TBT" |
| "Kanye" |
| "Rong Reggae" |
| "Single" |
| "Ler" |
| "Nikupate" |
| "No Signal" |
| "Bank Otuch" |
| "Che Che" |
| "Fuego" |
| "Morio Anzenza" |
| Song | Notes |
|---|---|
| "Tergat Gang" | Tergat Gang collective |
| "Kesi" | featuring Fena Gitu |
| "Acha Ivo" | — |
| "Mamba" | — |
| "Chocolate City" | — |
| "Refugeenius" | Refugee artist collaboration project |
Octopizzo has been featured by international and regional media including BBC, CNN, NPR, The Guardian, Music In Africa, Vice, and OkayAfrica for his music and cultural influence.[15]
Category:Living people Category:Kenyan rappers Category:Kenyan philanthropists Category:Musicians from Nairobi
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