It’s been two years since Somali singer Nimco Happy‘s song “Isii Nafta” went viral on TikTok, garnering over 98,000 videos using the catchy chorus in multiple languages. In 2021, the song became a sensation on social media, with celebrities like Bella Hadid and Cardi B sharing it on their feeds. The song’s popularity on TikTok led to millions of streams on Spotify and other streaming platforms. It was credited with helping the single “Body” by Tion Wayne, and Russ Millions become the first drill song to claim the UK No. 1 spot.
Where is Nimco Happy Now?
However, despite the initial fame and recognition, Nimco Happy’s story took an unexpected turn. As of 2023, she is living in Nairobi, Kenya, and her popularity has dwindled compared to the heights of 2021. The once little-known Somali singer with minimal social media presence is now not as famous as she once was. This turn of events teaches African artists, particularly Somali artists, that opportunities can come and go, and it’s up to the individuals to work hard and sustain their success.
n 2021, Nimco Happy’s song was celebrated as a cultural reset for the Somali community. Somali TikTok star Akafi Ali, who has more than 870,000 followers, described it as a breakthrough moment where the Somali language was being celebrated and embraced by people worldwide. It was a source of pride for the Somali community. There were hopes for Nimco Happy to gain even more recognition, including performing at prestigious events like the Brit Awards in the UK.
However, despite the initial wave of success, Nimco Happy has yet to release the song herself and profited from its virality. Reports from BuzzFeed suggested that she would post her link to Spotify and other streaming platforms, but as of 2023, her popularity has waned.
Nimco Happy’s latest song in 2023, “Arday,” which translates to “Student,” did not garner significant views on YouTube.
Nimco Happy’s story serves as a reminder that fame can be fleeting, and sustaining success in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry requires constant effort and adaptability. It’s a lesson not only for African artists but for artists worldwide that seizing opportunities is essential, but so is perseverance and staying relevant in an increasingly competitive environment.
As Nimco Happy continues her journey in Nairobi, Kenya, her story reminds her of the unpredictability of fame and the need to keep working hard and evolving to sustain success in the music industry. Despite the ups and downs, her song “Isii Nafta” will always be remembered as a viral sensation that brought the Somali language into the spotlight and inspired many. As the music industry continues to evolve, artists like Nimco Happy are a testament to the resilience and determination required to navigate the ever-changing landscape of fame and success.