Top East African songs of 2021

As we get into 2021, there are many questions about what will unfold in the coming months. Will live concerts and festivals return by the end of the year? How will virtual events evolve? Despite this uncertainty, artists haven’t stopped releasing new music, and, as always, Music In Africa has delved deep into Africa’s main regions to curate dynamic playlists with new music.

In this playlist, we look at East Africa and the most notable songs that have come out of countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. We will update this playlist on a regular basis, so make sure you bookmark it for your constant listening pleasure.

Wavy – Khaligraph Jones ft. Sarkodie (Kenya/Ghana)

Khaligraph Jones has been a growing force in Kenyan hip hop for about a decade. This collaboration with one the continent’s most revered rappers, Ghana’s Sarkodie, places him at the centre of East Africa’s hip hop scene.

Sukari – Zuchu (Tanzania)

Zuchu is the latest flower to blossom from the Wasafi Classic Baby label. ‘Sukari’ is a love song and has been popular with TikTok users in the region. While her vocals place her at the top of Tanzania’s bongo flava scene, it’s Zuchu’s songwriting prowess that enables her to dominate the charts. Last year, Boomplay announced that her debut EP I Am Zuchu was the most played album in Tanzania. Last month, the BBC listed her as a music star to look out for in 2021.

This Is Love – Rema Namakula and The Ben (Uganda/Rwanda)

Rema Namakula is one of Uganda’s most positive and candid lyricist. Her songs frequently explore modern relationships. With close to a decade in the industry, she has built an immense social media following. ‘This Is Love’ is a ballad and her first single of the year, featuring celebrated Rwandan singer The Ben.

In Love – Otile Brown ft. Alikiba (Kenya/Tanzania)

Crowned Kenya’s love doctor due to his love-themed compositions, Otile Brown features Tanzania’s Alikiba on this hit. The two artists are mesmerised by their lovers’ beauty and struggle to find the right words to describe how precious they are.

Buligita – Fik Fameica (Uganda)

Fik Fameicahas been a rising talent for a few years and has scored collaborations with well-known artists from across Africa, including Patoranking and Joeboy. ‘Bulingita’ is the latest in a string of hit singles that have dominated Uganda’s airwaves. The song is about a woman he has fallen in love with called Buligita. Sasha Vybez directed the music video while Bomba Music produced the audio. Like Zuchu, Fik Fameica was recently listed by the BBC as a musician to look out for in 2021.

No Promise – Kemg KingFace (Rwanda)

Kemg KingFace is a young rapper and visual artist. He stepped into the spotlight last year with his debut single ‘No Promise’, whose visuals were released in late December. With the song, he has cemented his status as a newcomer to watch in the East African hip hop scene.

Kolo – Nadia Mukami ft. Otile Brown (Kenya)

After a month of teasing a possible collaboration, Nadia Mukami and Otile Brown finally delivered ‘Kolo’. The two display their strong songwriting on this track, which fans have taken note of since their emergence. One wonders why they didn’t link up earlier.

Infidèle – Alikiba (Tanzania)

A brutally honest lyricist, Alikiba is one of the region’s few artists who have managed to stay relevant despite being in the industry for close to two decades. ‘Infidèle’ is one of those songs that simultaneously forces a smile and tighten your throat with sadness. It tells the story of a man who discovers that his girlfriend has cheated on him with multiple men. He confronts her, but she plays the victim. The lyrics, which are delivered in English and French, capture the heartache caused by infidelity. This is juxtaposed with a catchy melody, urging the listener to put the song on repeat.

Nairobi – Bensoul ft. Sauti Sol, Nviiri the Storyteller and Mejja (Kenya)

Bensoul has already cemented his status as one of Kenya’s top newcomers. On ‘Nairobi’ he recruited well-known acts including popular band Sauti Sol, which contributed star power towards the track’s success. If he keeps making addictive hits throughout the year, he will have to adapt to life as a superstar.

Shusha – Baba Levo ft. Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

Baba Levo and the region’s biggest artist, Diamond Platnumz, team up to address their critics in the industry. While this track is a hit, the video also delivers high production value.

Leila – Masterland (Burundi)

Masterland is a Burundian record producer and recording artist. ‘Leila’ follows the release of ‘Ndagufuhira’ featuring Miss Erica in November last year.