In its highly anticipated annual review, Spotify, the global music streaming platform, provided a fascinating glimpse into the music preferences of Kenyan listeners. The data revealed that Kenyans continue to express their enduring love for Hip hop, with international sensation Drake securing the top spot for the third consecutive year. Notably, Drake not only emerged as the overall top-streamed artist but also claimed the title of the most-streamed artist among the 18 to 34 age group, showcasing his widespread appeal across different demographics.
The list of top-streamed tracks took a notable turn towards Afrobeats dominance, with Darassa and Bien’s collaboration, “No Body,” being the only exception as it claimed the sixth spot. Examining the preferred genres, rap, pop, Afrobeats, hip hop, and R&B emerged as the top choices for Kenyan listeners, showcasing the diverse musical landscape that captivates the nation.
“The Kenyan music scene has grown exponentially since our last Wrapped, and it is refreshing to see a Kenyan artist in the top streamed list. Our mission to amplify homegrown artists to global stages continues steadfastly,” remarked Phiona Okumu, Spotify SSA’s Head of Music, reflecting on the platform’s commitment to promoting local talent on the global stage.
While female artists may be underrepresented in the top lists, there has been a remarkable 61 percent increase in streams in Kenya, outpacing the global increase of 27 percent. Artists like Karun, Nikita Kering, and Xenia Manasseh have gained significant traction, with Nikita Kering being the only female artist in the top ten most-streamed Kenyan artists.
Wakadinali, a prominent Hip hop duo, not only secured the eighth spot in the top-streamed list but also claimed the title of the most searched artist in Kenya on Spotify. Their album “Ndani Ya Cockpit 3” further solidified their impact, ranking as the tenth most-streamed album. Clearly, Wakadinali has resonated profoundly with the audience, making them a noteworthy force in the Kenyan music scene.
Nyashinski’s “Perfect Design” captivated music lovers and dominated charts since its release, marking a significant achievement. Additionally, the late Congolese Rhumba musician, Madilu System, continued to command a dedicated fanbase in Kenya, with his song “Ya Jean – Remix” securing the fifth spot on the throwback list, and “RTC Riva” claiming the 11th position. His album “Femme Legitime” also ranked as the 10th most-streamed throwback album, attesting to the timeless appeal of his music.
Surprisingly, in a country where K-POP might seem niche, 35-44 year olds emerged as the age group most engaged with this genre. Jung Kook and BTS emerged as the most-streamed artists in this age bracket, defying conventional expectations.
In the ranking of the top 10 most-streamed Kenyan artists, the list is as follows:
- Wakadinali
- Sauti Sol
- Bien
- Bensoul
- Nyashinski
- Nviiri The Storyteller
- Buruklyn Boyz
- Otile Brown
- Nikita Kering
- Lil Maina
This annual review not only celebrates the achievements of artists but also reflects the ever-evolving musical preferences of Kenyan listeners, showcasing the rich diversity present in the nation’s vibrant music scene.
