01/12/2025
From Rabuor to the Mic: The Rise of LOTENS – A Story of Grit, Art, and Resilience
- November 29, 2025
From Rabuor to the Mic: The Rise of Lotens – A Story of Grit, Art, and Resilience
In the buzzing heart of Nairobi’s underground hip-hop scene, Lotens stands out — not just because of her bold lyrics or fearless attitude, but because of the deeply human story she carries. Born as Lourine Adhiambo Osew in Rabuor, Kisumu, her journey to becoming a voice of the streets is nothing short of powerful.
A Tough Start, A Tougher Spirit
Life took an early turn when Lotens lost her mother at just 10 years old. Disconnected from her maternal side for most of her youth, she didn’t truly reconnect with that part of her identity until she was 24 — only to discover that music was already in her blood. Her uncle was a producer, her grandfather a musician. Visiting their studio in Western Kenya reignited something deep. It was here that she recorded her first track, BAZENGA— a rap that fused street energy with a childhood lullaby her grandmother once sang to her.
From Pain to Plates: Lotens’ Tracks & What They Mean
Lotens hasn’t just survived — she’s been turning her pain, her hustle and her hope into sound. These are some of the tracks she holds close to her heart, each one a chapter in her journey:
- “Bazenga” — her first ever song, born from childhood memories and a lullaby her grandmother sang.
- “Benzema”
- “Shukran”
- “Fear Not”
- “Omutibu”
- “Octopizzo” — a tribute track she wrote to honour the man who believed in her when almost no one else did.
- “Wanted”
And for this December, she’s preparing more:
- “Ndoa ya Machozi”
- “Nisamehe”
- “Orutupiano”
The track “Octopizzo” is especially important. As she puts it: she wrote it to show respect and pay homage to a living legend — the one who helped steer her path, opened doors with his foundation, and believed in her art when times were hard.
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Art Found Her First
Before rap, Lotens was already thriving in art and design. Raised in hardship, she attended a top high school with rich art resources — the only place she found peace when life felt impossible. She recalls being kicked out of math class for not having a calculator. “Naenda art room,” she says — the one place she belonged.
Her raw talent didn’t go unnoticed. At just 16, she stunned crowds in a talent showcase, catching the attention of Safaricom, who gave her a stage — twice— at the Michael Joseph Center to showcase her fashion designs. “Nilikua star mbaya,” she reflects, remembering how surreal it felt to shine when everything else seemed dark.
From Celebrity Stylist to Microphone Slayer
Lotens’ early career saw her working as a celebrity stylist, closely rubbing shoulders with rappers. It was here, in the gritty world of Nairobi street fashion and rhythm, that she found her voice. Rap, she says, was the best way to express the Nairobi lifestyle, the street pain, and her own layered story.
Today, she is not just a rapper — she’s a storyteller. Her music reflects the chaos, beauty, and resilience of urban life, from Dagoretti where she now lives, to the wider realities of youth across Kenya.
The Power of Community
:Lotens is living proof that your past doesn't define your future — your response does. From struggling through school with nothing but grit, to becoming a rising voice in Kenya’s rap scene, her journey is a reminder that talent, heart, and community can light the way even in the darkest corners
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Living in Dagoretti, Lotens doesn’t walk alone. She has a tight community and a group of dancers that amplify her message and energy. Community, to her, is everything — a source of support and a space to give back.
And her dreams? To inspire others the way she was inspired. She believes in using her voice to empower girls, young creatives, and anyone struggling in silence. “Sanaa is one thing no one can take away from you,” she says — a mantra that got her through her lowest days.
A Message That Saved Her
When things got dark — when college fees became impossible and dreams felt too far — one message kept her going. It came from none other than Octopizzo, the iconic rapper and founder of the Octopizzo Foundation which Lotens is proudly part of. His heartfelt encouragement reminded her that her voice matters, that her art is valid, and that she’s being silently supported, even when it feels like no one’s watching
Her Advice to the Youth
Your journey doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s,she says. Run toward your calling with everything you’ve got. Stay creating. Keep believing- -Lotens
Through creative arts of drawing and fine arts of designing, she seeks to rewrite her story.
“Right now I don't want to venture into a collabo with much big names koz obviously msanii mkubwa atakuja anioshe kwa ngoma yangu. Plus sitaki kua msee anaskizwa ju ya mtu mwingine " That's what Lotens has to say.
She urges the young minds out there to focus on their dreams and not rely on luck coz there is nothing like luck. It's hard work and determination.
Wasanii wajikaze wakujee tutoe mangoma-Lotens
You can find her through her social media plartforms as _lotens on Instagram and YouTube YouTube
