Fanaka Nation: Legacy in Motion, Big Booty Bass, and the Soul of Minneapolis Hip-Hop

Bobby Shoes
1 day ago
3 min read

Minneapolis hip-hop has always had layers—storytelling, rhythm, and movement. And within that dynamic energy, Fanaka Nation is carving his space, not just as an artist but as a cultural architect. Whether it’s shaping the sounds of Minneapolis Afrotrap, pushing storytelling through lyricism, or quite literally jumping off balconies onto stages- his presence is undeniable.

WaterWave TV tapped in with Fanaka Nation to talk about his early rap inspirations, creative process, and why Minneapolis hip-hop is finally hitting its stride.

“You’ve got a cinematic energy to your music—does that storytelling aspect come naturally to you?”

“Honestly, storytelling was always part of my life. When I was a kid, I used to rap along to the theme song of All That—my sister would sing the chorus, and I’d handle the bars. My mom thought it was cute, so she broke out the camcorder. I was nine years old, just spitting lines with no clue that years later, I’d still be building a narrative through music.”

That same instinct—rooted in nostalgia, sharpened over time—fuels the way Fanaka approaches his art. It’s about painting pictures, drawing people in, making them feel something.

When it comes to live performances, he takes that storytelling beyond the music—Lady Gaga once said, “The goal of a song is to strike a nerve,” and Fanaka lives by that idea.

“Your process is unique—what’s the blueprint to a Fanaka Nation track?”

“The process unfolds differently every time. One of my go-to methods over the years? Beatboxing the song first. I’ll describe the bass, the hi-hats—maybe hum a synth line. I’m okay at engineering, but my friends are way better at it than I am. So I start with the rhythm, and fortunately, my people understand me enough to bring it to life.”

Beyond instinct, there’s theory.

Afrotrap- a key element in Fanaka’s sound, started with a thesis.

“I asked myself—what would Kenyan television look like here? What about Kenyan music?” That train of thought led to Melanin Music, and with each new track, he keeps pushing those cultural intersections forward.

“If I had to make a track in your style, what’s the golden rule?”

“You gotta implement BBB—Big Booty Bass. That’s essential. As soon as the bass hits right, the words, thoughts, and vibe start flowing out naturally. That’s the key.”

“You’ve had some wild experiences, from shaping the Minneapolis Afrobeat scene to performing with Soulja Boy. What moment stands out the most?”

“Sharing a stage with Soulja Boy was surreal. He was one of the first rappers I saw really control a crowd, really get jiggy like that. I owe some of my inspiration to him for sure. I remember one night on tour, I jumped off a balcony onto a stage. I decided, if I was gonna do it, it’d be that night.”

“Minneapolis hip-hop—what makes it special?”

“It’s kind of like that dish at the potluck some people are afraid to try. But once they do, they realize it’s fire, and suddenly, everyone wants a taste. Minneapolis artists are really punching the ceiling right now. I’ve heard people refer to our scene as ‘weird’, but we’re valid. More than that—we’re thriving.”

Fanaka Nation’s latest track, "LOKOMOTION (mr. fuego)", is making waves, featuring Kenya’s own Trio Mio (@triomio_official). The song blends Afrotrap energy with a boom-bastic sound, reinforcing Fanaka’s signature style.

The music video, shot in both Kenya and Minneapolis, reflects Fanaka’s signature storytelling approach—vibrant visuals, cultural depth, and a dynamic performance style. The production was handled by @mavoonthebeat‬ and Tamu Records, with cinematography from @ALLWAYSfp‬ (Minnesota team) and Stevo Magana @MagnumTheDeejay‬ (Kenya team).

The track itself leans into Fanaka’s Afrotrap roots, blending rhythmic bass with sharp lyricism. It’s a celebration of movement—both in sound and visuals—showcasing the global reach of his artistry.

What’s Next for Fanaka Nation?

Whether it’s setting the stage for Afrotrap in the Twin Cities, dropping eclectic, high-energy tracks, or shifting how Minneapolis hip-hop is perceived, Fanaka Nation is moving with purpose.

From announcing the Mr. Fuego Homebound Tour (see below)—to collaborations with figures like King Swank (@_kingswank) and Jada Brown (@downtownjadabrown), his momentum is unstoppable.

And this summer? Kilimanjaro Records is launching into Tamu Records, bridging the Minneapolis scene with East Africa.

Minneapolis isn’t just where Fanaka Nation started—it’s where he’s defining his legacy.