Producer Eric Musyoka Reveals Bobby Mapesa’s Song ‘Ndai’ was Recorded in 2008

Veteran producer Eric Musyoka has shed light on the origins of Bobby Mapesa’s viral track “Ndai,” popularly known as “Chong’i Ng’i Ng’i,” revealing that the song was actually recorded over 18 years ago.

In a recent social media video, Musyoka disclosed that the now-trending song was originally produced in 2008, long before it found its way to social media and captured the attention of modern audiences. “In 2008, DJ John from Homeboiz called and told me he has vocals for Bobby Mapesa and that I should listen and come up with something. I came up with a reggae song called ‘Ndai,'” Musyoka explained.

The producer revealed that he crafted a reggae-inspired beat for the track, which remained shelved for years until Bobby recently decided to release it on social media platforms. However, the song’s vintage production style and lyrical content have sparked mixed reactions online. While older fans have embraced the nostalgic old-school feel, younger Gen Z listeners have been quick to point out that they cannot fully relate to the track’s central theme, the iconic “chong’i ng’i ng’i” sound of a car engine starting.

Many Gen Z social media users have humorously noted that modern vehicles are now push-to-start and no longer produce the classic ignition sound that inspired the song’s catchy hook. Despite the generational divide in reception, the song has successfully ignited conversations across Kenyan social media.