Nairobi -Kenyan gospel artist Kris Erroh has stirred conversation in the local music scene after alleging that his decade-old hit “Mmh Baba” inspired Wakadinali’s latest release “Kum Baba”. The hip-hop group, known for its gritty lyrics and street-smart flow, has yet to respond.
The claim first surfaced in a social media post where Erroh, whose real name is Chris Mwai, expressed concern over what he saw as creative borrowing without credit.
“They never even asked for permission,” he wrote on Instagram. “Mmh Baba walked so Kum Baba could run.”
Erroh’s “Mmh Baba”, a high-energy gospel anthem released in 2011, was one of his early breakout hits and helped shape his image as a bold, boundary-pushing artist within the gospel space. The song’s title, an abbreviation of “Mungu Msaidie Huyu Baba,” loosely translates to “God, help this father.”
Wakadinali, on the other hand, released “Kum Baba” just days ago. The track is already generating buzz online for its catchy hook and hard-hitting verses featuring prominent artists such as Abbas Kubaff and Masterpiece King. Its title, while playful, takes on a grittier, urban twist-characteristic of the group’s Gengetone-drill fusion style.
While Erroh didn’t directly accuse the trio of plagiarism, he strongly implied that there were striking similarities between the two songs-particularly in how the titles sound and the repeated use of the word “Baba” in the chorus.
Fans have since weighed in, with some pointing out thematic differences between the two tracks. “Kris Erroh was talking to God. Wakadinali are talking to the streets,” said Nelly Okatch, a Nairobi-based music blogger. “It’s possible the similarities are coincidence—or even homage—but it’s hard to say without more from both sides.”
Wakadinali have remained silent on the matter, neither confirming nor denying the alleged connection. Attempts to reach their management for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Music experts say such disputes are not uncommon in the industry, especially when songs echo familiar phrases or sounds.
“There’s often a fine line between inspiration and imitation,” said Victor Mwaura, a music copyright consultant based in Nairobi. “Unless there’s a clear copy of melody or lyrics, proving influence can be difficult.”
For Erroh, the issue seems less about royalties and more about recognition.
“We laid the groundwork for this sound,” he said in a follow-up story on Instagram. “All I ask is that people remember where it started.”
As the debate unfolds, “Kum Baba” continues to rack up views, while “Mmh Baba” enjoys a renewed wave of attention—more than a decade after it first hit the airwaves.
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