Celebrated Kenyan artist Sofiya Nzau has revealed that visa challenges have cost her several career-defining opportunities on the international stage.

Speaking in an interview with Jeff Kuria on Youtube, the award-winning singer disclosed that she had been scheduled for a series of high-profile performances in America and Europe but was unable to attend due to visa denials.

“I have lost so many opportunities because of being denied a visa,” Sofiya shared during the interview.

The revelation highlights the struggles faced by many African artists seeking to expand their global reach despite their immense talent and influence.

Sofiya Nzau’s career has been on a meteoric rise, propelled by her hit single “Mwaki”, which has broken records across East Africa and beyond.

The song has amassed over 300 million streams on Spotify, making it the most-streamed song ever in East Africa.

Additionally, the track has become the most viewed Kenyan song on YouTube, recently surpassing 100 million views—a first for any Kenyan artist.

The global success of “Mwaki” has earned Sofiya Nzau recognition as one of Kenya’s most influential musicians.

Her unique blend of Afro-fusion and contemporary beats has resonated with audiences worldwide, proving her capability to compete on an international level.

However, the visa setbacks have been a source of frustration for the artist, who expressed regret over the missed opportunities to connect with her fans abroad and showcase Kenyan music on some of the world’s biggest stages.

Despite these challenges, Sofiya remains optimistic and determined to overcome the obstacles.

As Sofiya continues to make waves in the music industry, her fans and supporters hope that she will soon have the chance to share her talent with live audiences across the globe.

Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of resilience in the face of adversity and the global potential of African music.

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