The Odi movement began as organically as other trends begin in Kenya. It is not easy to pinpoint the origin dates but we can all agree that the Odi Dance song made it mainstream. Since then, there have been countless beats with the same youthful vibe reminiscent of the Kapuka era, which heavily favoured upbeat Kenyanized hip hop and dancehall baselines.
The Odi step dancing style can best be described as an on-the-spot march in tandem with fingers sort of poking the air, but rhythmically. Odi culture has steadily grown, influencing Kenyan pop culture to the point where one could imagine a future in which an Odi themed national party could happen. Here are six of the most iconic moments in Odi culture:
2017 Odi Dance by Timeless Noel
This article wouldn't be complete without the original.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqmIT3dVQyY
2017 Chogoria Boys Odi Dance
After the dance went viral Kenyans jumped in, creating interesting videos under the odi dance challenge hashtag. We love how much fun these kids are having in the video.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhbK9NVn0UA
2018 Lamba Lolo by Ethic
After the Kenya Film Classification Board chairman Ezekiel Mutua called it immoral, the song scaled up to fame status. A heated debate ensued among Kenyans on the validity of these accusations, but this is the song that put these four underground rappers from Eastlands on the map.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0ZkjfsQKnk
2018 Position by Ethic ft Kansoul
This song marked the birth of a merger between "old" Genge style music and the "new" Odi style. The Kansoul (Meja, Madtraxx, and Kid Kora) brought their old school swag to Ethic's new one. Some people have referred to it as Gengeton but the name was vehemently rejected by some purist camps.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGi4RHfs6oI
2019 Wamlambez by Sailors
Kenya's new anthem? Enough said.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilnOAwKuZLQ
2019 Figa by Ethic Entertainment
Odi culture went international after this hit was produced by Ethic, who had just been signed by Universal Music Group-owned AI Records.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7R8fhgmSBYE
