The Dynamic Duo
This electrifying pair—Daniel Githinji Mwangi (Mbusii) and Cyrus Afune (Lion)—co-host the wildly popular drive-time reggae show Mbusii na Lion Teke Teke on Radio Jambo, a flagship station under the Radio Africa Group. Blending infectious reggae rhythms, Sheng slang, and unapologetically raw storytelling, they’ve become the voice of Nairobi’s streets, captivating listeners with segments like the controversial “Toboa Siri.” From humble slum origins to millionaire status and national awards, Mbusii and Lion embody the grit and glamour of Kenyan media. But who exactly are these radio kings, and how did they rise to fame?
Mbusii
Mbusii, born Daniel Githinji Mwangi in Nyeri and raised in Nairobi’s notorious Korogocho slums, is the epitome of a rags-to-riches tale. Now in his early 40s as of 2025, Mbusii’s childhood was defined by survival. He attended Eastleigh Airport Primary School and Maina Wanjigi High School, but formal education took a backseat to hustling—selling soup in the slums and, at his lowest, dabbling in drug sales to feed his family while living in a cramped mabati (iron sheet) house for KSh 1,500 a month.
His entry into the spotlight began at the Kenya National Theatre (KNT), where he honed his acting chops in set book plays. A brief stint on the TV show Crazy Kenyans alongside stars like Cheiph and Mshamba in the early 2000s gave him a taste of fame, but creative clashes led him to exit in 2005. Radio became his true calling. Starting as a low-paid messenger and traffic voice artist at Ghetto Radio—earning just KSh 3,000 monthly, topped up by side gigs—his raw talent caught the eye of station manager Maji Maji. Promoted to host the reggae show Goteana with Bonoko, Mbusii’s star ascended quickly.
Poached by Radio Jambo alongside Lion, Mbusii now commands one of Kenya’s top radio salaries—rumored at over KSh 600,000 monthly, though he humbly downplays it. His 2017 Head of State Commendation award for youth empowerment even earned him a sit-down with then-President Uhuru Kenyatta. Off-air, Mbusii is a family man, married to Mama Stacy with two daughters, crediting her as his rock. From his first KSh 5,000 paycheck to a sprawling suburban mansion, Mbusii’s journey is a testament to resilience.
Lion
Cyrus Afune, better known as Lion (or Lion Deh/Liondeh), brings a complementary fire to the duo. While details of his early life remain more private, Lion shares Mbusii’s roots in Nairobi’s underbelly, using Sheng to connect with everyday Kenyans. A veteran in his own right, Lion’s career mirrors Mbusii’s: starting at Ghetto Radio before their joint move to Radio Jambo, where his energetic delivery and cultural savvy shine on Teke Teke.
Lion has navigated personal storms with grace. In 2022, he battled severe anemia requiring hospitalization, and in a heartbreaking turn in January 2025, he lost his 18-month-old son, Lion Junior, in a tragic balcony accident. The outpouring of support from fans and colleagues highlighted his widespread impact, forcing a brief hiatus from the airwaves. Reflecting on career regrets—like turning down U.S. opportunities—Lion stays grounded, focusing on authentic broadcasting that speaks to the youth.
The Magic of Mbusii na Lion
What sets Mbusii na Lion apart is their unbreakable chemistry, forged in Ghetto Radio’s trenches and refined on Radio Jambo. Their show isn’t just music—it’s a cultural pulse, tackling urban life with humor, debate, and occasional controversy (like “Toboa Siri’s” brush with government ire for stereotyping). From shared humble beginnings to dominating airwaves, they’ve turned personal stories into national conversations, empowering listeners from similar backgrounds.
As Kenyan radio evolves in 2025, Mbusii na Lion remain fixtures, proving that true stardom comes from staying real. Tune in to Radio Jambo for a dose of their vibe, and remember: in the game of mics, these two are unbeatable.
