From Club Hit to Cultural Code: The Meteoric Rise of "WanTam"

What began as a little-known track from Riggy Gee, a fast-rising Kenyan artist, has snowballed into a nationwide sensation. “WanTam” — the catchy chorus hook from the track — is now a power phrase echoing from Nairobi’s high-rises to the backstreets of Nakuru.

At first, it was just a vibe — a dancefloor filler with a catchy refrain. But almost overnight, the phrase “WanTam” took on a life of its own, used to mean everything from I want it all to we’re winning out here. It became a linguistic badge of confidence and ambition. You don’t just sing the song now — you live the slogan.

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The Twitter Eruption: #WanTam as Digital Firestarter

Once the song gained traction, Kenyan Twitter lit up. Users began sharing life milestones, personal wins, and goals under the viral hashtag #WanTam. What made the trend magnetic wasn’t just the positivity — it was the energy of unity. Strangers congratulated each other. Communities lifted up stories. It wasn’t just noise; it was a movement.

Here are just a few examples from the firestorm thread that lit up timelines:

@mutuagaethenji: “Graduated top of my class and just landed a scholarship in Germany. Hii nayo tunawantam!”

@theeBizQueen: “Just closed a 12 million shilling deal after 9 months of chasing. From tears to triumph — WanTam ni lifestyle.”

@pato_ka_turbo: “First car ever. From trekking to driving my own Subaru. Si tunawantam kweli?”

@NyamaChronicles: “Opening a second branch in Kisumu next month. WanTam tastes even better by the lake.”

For every tweet about wealth or success, there were also deeply human ones: beating depression, paying school fees, starting side hustles. #WanTam has become the online diary of a dreaming, doing nation.

When Business and Politics Caught the Wave

Before long, Kenyan companies started jumping on the trend. Megawatt Energies shared a company-wide video of their managers doing a “WanTam Friday” dance challenge in their corporate offices. Banks reworked their youth-facing marketing to include the term. Billboard ads popped up across Nairobi and Mombasa featuring bold “WanTam” branding.

Even politicians entered the conversation. One MP recently ended his county address with “Tunawantam maendeleo,” receiving cheers and trending status. What was once a street slogan is now being spoken in parliament.

Offline Manifestation: From Matatus to Merch

Offline, the phrase is everywhere. Painted on matatus. Scrawled across kiosks. Printed on phone covers and T-shirts. Young artists are drawing murals in Kariobangi with phrases like “WanTam Hustle” and “Chase It Like WanTam.”

And it’s not just about show — it’s about symbolism. WanTam has grown into a philosophy. It says: I’m not ashamed to want more. I’m not apologizing for ambition. I’m here to celebrate every damn win, however small.

Riggy Gee: From Microphone to Movement

Riggy Gee himself is watching the whirlwind unfold with awe. He’s gone from a Nairobi performer to a household name. In a recent interview, he shared that he never planned for this — “It was just a jam for the streets,” he said. Now, he’s working on a new project: a mini-documentary titled We WanTam: The Soundtrack of a Hustling Nation.

The song that sparked the fire is also evolving. Acoustic remixes. Gospel renditions. TikTok dance challenges. Even primary school kids are chanting it during playtime. The phrase has surpassed Riggy’s own expectations — and now belongs to the people.

WanTam is a Mirror: Reflecting the Spirit of a Nation

Ultimately, “WanTam” is more than a moment. It’s a mirror of the Kenyan spirit — bold, hopeful, and unwilling to settle. It reflects a generation that’s unashamed to chase joy, to fight for progress, and to uplift others while doing so.

In a country often defined by political noise and economic tension, one phrase has cut through with clarity: We WanTam. And as long as Kenyans continue to dream, strive, and celebrate, that fire won’t burn out anytime soon.