Top 10 Kenyan songs of 2019

Last year saw a number great albums such as Blinky Bill’s Everyone Is Just Winging It And Other Fly Tales, Eric Wainaina’s Dreams In Stereo, and Ciano Maimba's Serve Chilled.

There were also songs that registered impressive stats across streaming platforms, including ‘Short and Sweet’ by Sauti Sol, 'Bebi Bebi’ by Nyashinski and 'Chaguo La Moyo' by Otile Brown and Sanaipei Tande.

Once again, it is time for a definitive playlist of Kenyan music for 2019. The following releases have been drawn from a variety of genres and established artists – both established and upcoming . Check our picks throughout the year, as we will be adding new tracks as the year progresses.

This below playlist has been compiled by the author of the article and does not necessarily reflect objective data or the views of the publication.

10. ‘Tumaini’ by Joyce Omondi

When the time comes to doubt God's plan, find clarity in ‘Tumaini’. Omondi says God knows our every thought and has already predetermined our lives. “Umenipangia mema, Tumaini la baadae nilipate." (You have good things planned for me in the future), she sings.

9. ‘Oooyah’ by Eko Dydda

“If hard work pays, show me a rich donkey.” This is a line from Eko Dydda’s ‘Oooyah’. The rapper is known in the gospel music scene for his creative concepts, witty lyricism, flow, wordplay, and overall artistic appeal.

8. ‘Mmmh’ by Willy Paul ft. Rayvanny

In recent years, Willy Paul, who has for a long time branded himself as a gospel singer, has come under fire from critics for releasing music that is not overtly Christian. So you can imagine the rage that ensued when the love song ‘Mmmh’ was released alongside Tanzanian bongo flava artist Rayvanny. Ironically, the singer’s releases have become some of the most popular in the country. At this point, he might as well make a permanent shift to secular music.

7. 'Welcome to Kenya' by Zikki

‘Welcome to Kenya’ shows Zikki’s pride in being Kenyan. He celebrates the beauty of the country's wildlife and landscape. Its chorus is an invitation to all: “Welcome to Kenya, this is my jam-down. Welcome to Kenya, this is where we are free."

6. 'Rio’ by Redsan

'Rio’ has to be one of 2019's simplest yet most effective lyrics: “Let me take you to Rio / You can teach me the tango while I play the piano / We can do the bailando". The self-proclaimed king of the dance floor stamps his authority on this breakthrough track, and the Latin feel is further accentuated with what sound like Redsan singing in fluent Spanish.

5. ‘Japo Kidogo’ by Otile Brown ft. Khaligraph Jones

The only proper way to pay tribute to the dance floor is to make a song that dominates it, and that's precisely what these two artists have accomplished. ‘Japo Kidogo’ (Just For a Little Bit) was released towards the end of March and is getting close to hitting 1 million views on YouTube.

4. 'Lucy' by Bensoul 

'Lucy' is a career highlight for the talented young artist who still has a lot of great music ahead of him. Bensoul does a fantastic job sharing his passion with 'Lucy' and pushing expectations to create a sound that is both familiar and innovative. What a way to announce your entry onto the music scene.

3. ‘Hiyo One’ by Femi One

From the moment the first bar is played, you know Femi One is no stranger to the rap game. The flow and lyrical precision in ‘Hiyo One’ prove that she is the queen of Kenya rap. “I am in a class of my own so usitry kunitest” (...so do not test me). This release sets high expectations for other female rappers planning to release tracks in 2019.

2.'Radio Love' by Nadia Mukami ft Arrow Bwoy 

‘Radio Love’ carries the energy that you can only find in a club. The lyrics conjure the image of sweaty, uninhibited bodies moving in unison with the possibility of succumbing to the throb of the beat.

1. ‘Orudo Aye’ by Makadem

You need not know the Luo language to enjoy ‘Orudo Aye’, which translates to 'Illiterate Go Away'. The title is adopted from a school song that reminds students of the importance of education. The Afro-fusion artist has stepped outside his comfort zone and done something unique by injecting electro sounds in his music, while his powerful vocals glide smoothly between the beat in Luo and his famous 'Africanised English'. The result is a breath of fresh as far as Kenyan releases are concerned.