Mubaba, Mbabaz/ Wababaz Meaning In Kenya

Mubaba, Mbaba, Mbabaz or Wababaz is a new slang/sheng word introduced by Kenyans. It is one of the most trending word in 2022. The singular being ‘Mbabaz’. So what is the real meaning of Wababaz, Mbabaz or Mubaba and where did the word originate? In this article I am going to show you the real meaning of Wababaz and where the word or phrase originated.

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Mubaba, Mbabaz or Wababaz Meaning

Mubaba, Mbaba, Mbabaz or Wababaz may have two meanings here in Kenya

Mubaba, Mbaba, Mbabaz or Wababaz to mean a dad or a big person. This is referenced from a kid perspective. So here in Nairobi, you find that most kids refer to a big person as ‘mbaba’ or ‘mbabaz’. So you can hear a kid talking about ‘mbaba mwingine hapo’ which means another father or another man there in English.
Mbabaz or Wababaz to mean someone influential, someone who has money and can spoil a lady with everything she want. So the lady can say this is my ‘mbabaz’ in simple terms a sponser. The word Mbaba was added letter ‘Z‘ to make it sound good and relatable to the youth. But most men don’t like being called ‘Mbabaz’. Also some ladies don’t like being associated with the word ‘mbabaz’. Sometimes it may sound rude especially if a lady works hard and they say she has a ‘Mbabaz’, I mean someone who is giving them a good lifestyle.

Mbabaz / Wababaz origin in social media

The word mbabaz also used interchangeably with mubaba originated when the word ‘Sponsor‘ became over-used so the ‘streets’ had to change it. You know sheng/slang evolves everyday. What you may know today may mean another thing tomorrow. For example in the past years we had the name ‘Sugar daddy’ being used to reference ‘sponsor’ now it means ‘Mubaba or mbabaz’.

Kenyan Dictionary

Kenyan dictionary is a collection of Kenyan words, phrases, sayings and slangs which have specific meanings in Kenya. Following @kenyandictionary on Instagram will let you know most of the trending Kenyan slangs at the moment.

Eastlands vs Westlands

There are certain slangs which are referenced by the people from the Westlands also known as cool kids and others which originates from the Eastlands. So a word may be popular in the East and another may be popular from the west. But all in all social media lovers are now appreciating sheng and embracing it.

This is the culture and proud of it.

Wababaz Hangout

Wababaz hangout is a platform to celebrate all dads. The first event happened at Carnivore grounds on 19 June 2022. The event was graced by dads, fathers and party lovers just to show love for dads. The hashtag #WababazHangOut was used to promote the event on social media. Check out the poster below.

wababaz hangout poster
wababaz hangout

Mubaba/Wababaz songs and comedy

Musicians and comedians have not been left behind on creating awareness about the mbabaz/wababaz culture or effect. So we have various songs and comedy which praises wababaz and also teaches more on wababaz. Check out below