Meet Alma Cisse | Musical Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alma Cisse and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alma, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Samwel Muhoro Mbui, popularly known by his stage name Alma Cisse, is a Kenyan Afro-Pop recording artist, actor, dancer, pianist, and businessman. Born in Naivasha and raised in the less-privileged neighborhood of Kasarani in Nakuru County, Alma Cisse’s humble beginnings have played a significant role in shaping his sound and artistic journey.

His passion for music began at an early age, often accompanying his friends to local studios where he gradually developed an interest in music production and songwriting. By the age of 13, Alma Cisse had already begun writing his own music while living in the ghettos of Kasarani.

After recording a few tracks in Naivasha, he made the bold move to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital city, to pursue music on a larger scale. There, he collaborated with renowned producers such as Kennyrush, Mudrum, and Tee Hits.

Alma Cisse rose to fame with his hit single “Shilole”, following his standout appearance on Talanta Mtaani, one of Africa’s biggest singing competitions. His unique sound, authentic storytelling, and energetic performances continue to capture the hearts of fans across Kenya and beyond.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a reflection of where I come from, what I’ve survived, and what I dream about.
I blend Afro-Pop with elements of soul, street stories, and a bit of that raw ghetto honesty. What sets me apart is that I don’t try to copy anyone I tell my truth, in my voice. Every lyric, every melody I write, is born from lived experience whether it’s love, struggle, hope, or the streets that raised me.

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come from Kasarani, Nakuru County. I started by just tagging along with friends to studio sessions, just observing. I didn’t even know back then that music would choose me. But I started writing at 13, and slowly, music became my language, my therapy, and eventually, my career.

Getting here wasn’t easy.
There were days I couldn’t afford transport to the studio, nights I went hungry, and moments I questioned if I was wasting my time. But what kept me going was purpose knowing I had something real to say. I stayed patient, stayed hungry, and when I couldn’t run, I crawled.

One of my biggest lessons has been: no one is coming to save you. You’ve got to work, believe, fail, and rise again. But at the same time never forget those who believed in you. People like **Labaan Shabaan**, **Mzazi Willy M Tuva**,and the producers who gave me a shot early on their support lit the fire that’s still burning.

What do I want the world to know?
That Alma Cisse is more than a stage name it’s a movement, a voice for the unheard. My brand is built on authenticity, resilience, and vibes that heal and uplift. Whether you’re from uptown or the block, there’s something in my music for you. And we’re just getting started.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend pulled up for a week, I’d make sure they leave with stories for a lifetime.**
Here’s how I’d give them the *real* Kenyan experience Alma Cisse style:

Day 1 – Welcome to Naivasha (Home First!)
Check-in:** Straight to **Lake Naivasha Resort** a hidden gem along Moi South Lake Road. It’s peaceful, green, and luxurious with beautiful gardens, cozy cottages, great food, a spa, a gym, boat rides, bird watching, and even views of hippos chilling in the water. It’s where comfort meets the wild.
– **Afternoon:** Boat ride on the lake, maybe some bird spotting or just soaking in the calm energy.
– **Evening:** We head into Naivasha town and grab dinner at **Njambi’s Hotel** one of my favorite spots. It’s a 24-hour local joint where the food is always fresh and full of flavor. Whether it’s chapati-madondo or beef stew, Njambi’s never disappoints.

Day 2 – Roots & Real Ones**
Morning:** I take them to Kasarani in Nakuru County where I was raised. We walk the same streets I wrote my first lyrics on, meet the homies, and visit local spots that shaped my journey.
**Lunch:** Back at **Njambi’s Hotel** — trust me, you can’t just go once.
**Afternoon:** Studio visit to where I recorded my early tracks. Let them feel that raw, hungry creative energy.
**Evening:** Bonfire by the lake. Good people, good music, stars above, and stories from the soul.

Day 3 – Adventure Day**
**Morning:** Hike up **Mount Longonot** — it’s a workout, but the views are worth every step.
**Afternoon:** We head to **Hell’s Gate National Park** — do some biking through the canyons, feel the wild energy, maybe even spot a zebra or giraffe.
*Evening:** Chill dinner at **Enashipai Resort** — nice spot to unwind and eat good after a full day of exploring.

Day 4 – Nairobi Vibes Begin
**Morning: Road trip to Nairobi, quick stop at the **Rift Valley Viewpoint** for that breathtaking panoramic view. *Afternoon:** Lunch at **Mama Oliech Restaurant** for that real Kenyan fish and ugali combo.
**Evening:** Walk at **Karura Forest** then wind down with some drinks at **J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen** in Westlands good crowd, live music, chilled energy.

**Day 5 – Culture + Studio Life**
**Morning:** Start at **The Nairobi National Museum**, maybe hit up a local gallery after.
**Afternoon:** Back to the grind — studio session with some of my favorite producers like Kennyrush or Tee Hits. Let my guest see how we make magic.
**Evening:** We hit **The Alchemist** — food trucks, live DJs, art, and some of Nairobi’s most creative people all in one space.

**Day 6 – Street Vibes + Style**
**Morning:** Explore **Gikomba** or **Toi Market** for some second-hand gems and street drip.
**Afternoon:** Chill at **Shamba Café** peaceful, creative, and green.
**Evening:** Catch a local performance at **Alliance Française** or **The GoDown Arts Centre**. Poetry, music, raw talent Nairobi’s heartbeat.

**Day 7 – Celebrate Life**
**Daytime:** Relax — maybe hit a spa or chill with some home-cooked meals and studio playback sessions.
**Night:** Final night out at **Kiza** or **40Forty Lounge**. We dress up, dance, toast to new memories and lifelong friendship.

**People to watch out for?**
Real ones like **Mzazi Willy M Tuva** and **Labaan Shabaan**, who helped put me on.
Local talents in Nairobi and Naivasha who make the culture what it is.
My day-ones in Kasarani — always showing love, always keeping it real.

**Bottom line:**
If you hang out with me, you’re not just visiting Kenya you’re *living* it. From lakeside calm to city heat, from studio sessions to bonfire stories this is the full Alma Cisse experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shoutout to the village that raised me literally and artistically.
First and foremost, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my late grandfather, who taught me what resilience truly looks like. He didn’t have much, but his love and strength were everything. My mom and Dad, too the silent soldiers behind so many of my moves.

Big love to my day-one brothers from Kasarani, Nakuru County the ones I used to follow into those small studios just to watch, listen, and dream. You sparked something in me without even knowing it.

To the producers who believed in me early Kennyrush, Mudrum, Tee Hits thank you for giving me space to create before I even had a name. And of course, to **Talanta Mtaani** that platform changed everything for me.

Special shoutout to **Labaan Shabaan** and **Mzazi Willy M Tuva** thank you for believing in me and giving me my first-ever media interviews. That moment gave me wings.

Lastly, a massive shoutout to every fan who’s streamed my songs, shared my music, or screamed my name at a show. You’re the real MVPs. I see you. I appreciate you. This journey is ours.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam.almacisse/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/almacisse/

Twitter: https://x.com/IamAlmaCisse

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/almacisse

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/This.is.almacisse

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlmaCisse