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As the Korean Wave surges across Kenya, new groups like 82MAJOR exemplify the global appeal of K-pop. This is a deep dive into the six-member group making its mark on the international stage.
GLOBAL – In an increasingly interconnected world, the cultural phenomenon of South Korean K-pop continues to expand its global footprint, finding a vibrant and growing fanbase in Kenya. Data from Spotify in 2022 revealed a staggering 140% increase in K-pop streams within the country, part of a broader 93% growth across Sub-Saharan Africa. This surge, driven largely by listeners under the age of 30, highlights how the Hallyu (Korean Wave) is not just a passing trend but a significant cultural movement creating new communities and economic opportunities.
Within this competitive landscape, new groups must offer a unique identity to capture international attention. One such act is 82MAJOR (에이티투메이저), a six-member boy band from Great M Entertainment that debuted on Friday, October 11, 2023, with their single album "ON." Their name is a statement of intent: "82" is South Korea's international calling code, and "MAJOR" reflects their ambition to become a leading global act representing their home country.
Managed by Great M Entertainment, a company founded in 2020 by former FNC Entertainment director Kim Young-sun, 82MAJOR was developed with the goal of creating "monster rookies" with a pre-debut fanbase. The agency's profile was further raised in May 2025 when industry giant SM Entertainment acquired a significant stake, becoming the second-largest shareholder and integrating 82MAJOR into its multi-label strategy.
The group is composed of six members, each bringing a distinct skill set and personality. They were first introduced as a trainee group called RAREHOUSE before their official lineup was confirmed.
82MAJOR's musical style is heavily rooted in hip-hop, with members actively participating in the creation of their music and lyrics. Their debut single album "ON" featured the double title tracks "First Class" and "Sure Thing," the latter being a pre-release single. They have since expanded their discography with the mini-album "Beat by 82," released in April 2024, and a second EP, "X-82," released in October 2024.
The group's fandom, officially named "82DE" (pronounced 'Attitude'), is a combination of "82" and the word "attitude," symbolizing a sincere and heartfelt connection between the artists and their supporters.
While 82MAJOR has not yet announced any tour dates or official activities in Kenya or the wider East Africa region, their emergence is significant for local fans. The rise of new groups, accessible through global platforms like YouTube and Spotify, allows Kenyan audiences to participate in a fandom from its inception. This digital access is a key driver of K-pop's local growth, fostering online communities that often translate into real-world events like Nairobi's K-Pop Fest. As 82MAJOR continues to build its international presence, their journey will be closely watched by a growing and passionate Kenyan fanbase, eager to connect with the next wave of global music stars.
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