Duo Aidfest and Kineo have announced that from this year, they will shift focus to their individual solo careers.
The duo, who rose to prominence in 2023 under Madness Entertainment, has built a strong following through hit songs, an album and several awards.
According to a statement Madness Entertainment released on Friday, the decision seeks to give the artists space to explore their individual musical journeys.
Reads the statement in part: “As we start a new year, Madness Entertainment would like to announce that our duo, Aidfest and Kineo, will focus on their solo music careers in 2026 and probably beyond.”
“To everyone who loves our boys as a duo, this is not the end, they will still be releasing projects together, just not as intensively.”
In an interview, Madness Entertainment founder Kelvin Ngumuya said the artists discussed the decision with management.
He said this will enable them to explore their creativity as solo musicians.
“This also gives them space to pursue personal interests in terms of the kind of music they want to lean towards,” said Ngumuya.
The announcement has sparked debate among fans and music observers, with some expressing fear that the transition could negatively affect the artists.
However, Ngumuya said they remain confident in the artists’ individual abilities and long-term prospects.
He said the duo’s ability to stand on its own has already been tested, noting that Aidfest and Kineo have previously released solo singles which were well received by fans.
“The response was overwhelming, showing that they can do it. We trust our artists and with a strong management team behind them, they can make it,” he said.
Commenting on the development on a Facebook post, Gleekie The Artist observed that separating the duo could be a risky move.
“From an industry perspective, this move feels premature and risky. Aidfest and Kineo were not just two artists working together. They were introduced, branded and consumed as a duo,” he said, adding that diluting that identity could lead to loss of momentum in an already oversaturated solo market.
On the other hand, a fan Collins Salem welcomed the decision, though cautiously, saying: “I respect their decision to try solo careers. But we can’t deny that their biggest strength has always been their chemistry as a duo.”
Aidfest and Kineo have ridden on the success of several hit songs, including Yekha, Mpweche and Nafe.
The two have also released individual songs with Aidfest’s Usamajombe while Kineo dropped Uzamufuna.
Madness Entertainment has howver clarified that while solo projects will take priority, Aidfest and Kineo will continue releasing joint material, assuring fans that this marks an evolution rather than a break up
