20/06/2026
DON SANTO (born Chrisantos Michael Wanzala on April 13, 1986) is a versatile Kenyan singer, rapper, songwriter, record executive, and entrepreneur. Popularly known as "The Badman Killa" or "The African Lion," he is a prominent cultural figure in the East African music industry. He serves as the global leader of the creative movement The Klassik Nation and the president of Global Media Ltd.
Music and Artistic Career
- Genre Pioneer: He is widely credited as a pioneer of Kalpop, an innovative music genre that blends elements of African rhythms, Afrobeat, Reggae, Zouk, and Hip-Hop.
- Early Beginnings: His musical journey started at the age of four when he sang in his local church choir.
- Major Accolades: He won Artist of the Year at the East Africa Music Awards in 2015, where his track "Sina Makosa" also secured Song of the Year.
- Key Projects: He has released a vast catalog of work, including notable albums and EPs like African Lion, Am BLACK, Calvary EP, and the late-2025 release What's Wrong?.
- MEMA Awards: His contributions earned him multiple nominations at the inaugural MEMA Awards 2026, recognizing him as an artist and producer under his production moniker "Blame It On Don".
Media and Entrepreneurship
- Business Leadership: Beyond music, he handles executive responsibilities as the head of Global Media Ltd and oversees multiple entertainment branches like the El Klassik Band.
- Digital Consultant: He operates as a Nairobi-based consultant specializing in business and leadership strategy for the digital era.
- Author & Content Creator: He is an author and regular content producer, curating deep-dive commentary shows like the So Political Show.
