Mario TJ Cassela, popularly known by his stage name Mario Trio, otherwise known as Mkurugenzi Wa Jijii, or better Mio Trio, is a vibrant and young Kenyan rapper, singer and songwriter signed to Trouble Music Kenya ferrying captivating melodies through the musical genres Hip Hop and Gengeton.

To all who never knew this, his initials TJ, stand for Thanks Jesus, meaning, he is an appreciation to what Jesus has done for his parents, or the ones who named him so.

Early Life and Education

Trio Mio was born in Nairobi, Kenya in 2004 to an Italian father of Congolese descent and a Kenyan mother. Trio Mio completed his high school education in 2022 and sat for the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams in 2022, in November.

Musical Career

With his manager in the person of his mom, Sofia Irma Sakwa, he has depicted his unique rap style and dynamism through the blending of Rap, Hip Hop and Afrobeats genres making him stand out among all other Kenyan artists.

Versatility and Brand

Mio Trio has built for himself an outstanding brand that makes him hailed not only in Kenya or Africa but globally. He has showcased his creativity and ingenuity by collaborating with other artists in and outside South Africa. He has collaborated with artists like Shari Afrika, Tunu, Moeazy, Wiz Khalifa, Wakadinali, A Pass, Masauti, Breeder, Sauti Sol and the like.

Discography

Trio Mio released his debut EP, “Son Of The City“, in 2020 which included “Cheza Kama Wewe“, and other notable songs such as “Kanairo” and “Serereka“. His EP was received positively and attracted a lot of critics and topped the Kenyan charts.

Mio has also been privileged to share stage with other notable artists both local and international during a peace concert in 2022 like Mercy Masika, Evelyn Wanjiru, Nadia Mukami, Sauti Sol, Octopizzo among others.

written by Ruth Ama Onumah