Kenyan music group P-Unit, one of the pioneers of Genge music, recently marked an incredible milestone—20 years in the industry. The trio, made up of Bon’Eye, Frasha, and Gabu, celebrated their two-decade journey with a grand event at MassHouse Live in Nairobi.
The Formation of P-Unit
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, Bon’Eye reflected on how P-Unit came to be, crediting their shared love for music and their environment as the main inspiration. He revealed that his passion for music was deeply influenced by his grandmother, Waruguru, who was a member of the legendary Nyakinyua Dancers in the 1980s.
Bon’Eye also recalled meeting Frasha at just 12 years old, a moment that sparked a long-lasting friendship and musical partnership. “I had then met my brother in crime,” he reminisced, emphasizing how their passion for music laid the foundation for P-Unit.
P-Unit’s Biggest Career Moments
Reflecting on their journey, Bon’Eye highlighted key songs that shaped their career. Their breakthrough hit Juu Tu Sana gave them the confidence to pursue music seriously. This was followed by Kare, which gained massive traction across East and Central Africa. However, it was You Guy that cemented their dominance on the continental stage, making them one of the biggest Kenyan groups of their time.
Bon’Eye shared that staying creative and true to their cultural roots has been a crucial part of their success. “As an artiste, please free your imagination, capture our musical heritage through its culture, and elevate it to the world,” he advised.
P-Unit Denies Rift, Announces Nationwide Tour
Despite rumors of a fallout, P-Unit has reaffirmed their commitment to making music together. Bon’Eye rubbished claims that the group had split, revealing that they are actively planning a nationwide tour to celebrate their 20-year milestone.
“We are taking the #PUNITat20Live and #GengeFestival experience across the country with a tour. Bookings are in from the region and within, and we plan to have a blast and leave our fans with unforgettable memories,” he announced.
Bon’Eye’s Vision for Gikuyu Pop
Looking ahead, Bon’Eye expressed excitement about the rise of Gikuyu Pop, a fusion of modern music with traditional Gikuyu influences. Through Decimal Records, he is working with artists like Brian Nadra, Konkodi, and Eric Musyoka to push this new movement forward.
A Missed Opportunity with Diamond Platnumz
In a past interview, Bon’Eye revealed that P-Unit once turned down a collaboration with Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz. He admitted that they made him wait for hours and were not impressed by his image at the time. The revelation sparked an online debate, with some fans criticizing the group for passing up what could have been a major opportunity.
P-Unit’s 20-year journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and staying true to one’s roots. As they gear up for their nationwide tour, fans can expect more music and electrifying performances from the legendary Genge group.
