Top East African songs of 2023

Music In Africa takes a look at some of the stand-out songs East Africans have been rocking to so far in 2023:

Nitongoze – Rayvanny ft. Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

This hit by Rayvanny and his mentor Diamond Platnumz is a production masterpiece on many levels. Millions were spent on the video alone with more than 200 people involved in the creative process.

Kaskie Vibaya – Fathermoh and Ssaru (Kenya)

This gengetone banger is yet another testament to the musical abilities of Fathermoh and Ssaru, who play the role of lovers on the hit. Things come to a head when Ssaru strays and enters into a relationship with none other than Fathermoh’s father – and a shouting match, that lays bare the sugar dating phenomenon, ensues. You might need to take cover.

Kwikwi – Zuchu (Tanzania)

This amapiano- and Afrobeats-infused bongo flava track adds to the Tanzanian star’s growing number of hits.

Kuna Kuna – Vic West ft. Brandy Maina, Savara, Fathermoh and Thee Exit Band (Kenya)

The thing that makes ‘Kuna Kuna’ such a vibe is that whenever it’s played, even the stiffest among us will be seen swaying to it. The song will no doubt boss 2023.

Action 'n' Energy – John Frog (South Sudan)

‘Action 'n' Energy’ demonstrates John Frog’s creative ability to infuse high energy into his music, making it the perfect song to vibe to at any event.

Basi Sori – Passy Kizito ft. Chriss Eazy (Rwanda)

Rwandan artist Passy Kizito collaborates with Chriss Eazy, a Rwandan rapper on the rise, on this playful hit that has re-energised his career.

Nobody – Darassa ft. Bien (Tanzania/Kenya)

These two make it look easy, don’t they? ‘Nobody’ is a seamless collaboration between Kenyan vocal genius Bien Aime Baraza and Tanzanian rap flow grandmaster Darassa – a deceptively simple offering oozing years of music-making brilliance.

Siri Regular – Spice Diana (Uganda)

The debut video off the Star Girl EP, ‘Siri Regular’ has performed exceptionally well over the past few months. The song imagines a potential romance between a male boss and a female member of his cleaning staff.

Single Again – Harmonize (Tanzania)

After his well-publicised split from his long-term girlfriend Kajala, Harmonize dropped ‘Single Again’. The result is this raw, heartbreaking offering.

Bailando – Vinka (Uganda)

In Swahili street parlance, Vinka’s ‘Bailando’ would easily be described as ngoma imeanda shule, which loosely translated means ‘a jam that has gone to school’. Why? Bailando has every ingredient required for a successful pop anthem: the thump, the colour and the dangerously seductive lead vocals of… who else but Vinka.

Nyan Nhiar – Arizona JJ ft. Jay Dynamic (South Sudan)

‘Nyan Nhiar’ has become the go-to for South Sudanese TikTokers who are drawn by the smooth vocals of the pair. 

Nana – Joshua Baraka (Uganda)

Baraka’s slick vocals and engaging delivery make ‘Nana’ an undeniable dancehall smash hit.

Kashe – Element Eleéeh (Rwanda)

Kashe is a blend of electronic beats, soulful vocals and ethereal soundscapes from Element Eleéeh’s 2022 album of the same name.

Sasa Hivi – Vijana Barubaru ft. Ashley Music (Kenya)

Based on a true story, ‘Sasa Hivi’ was a hidden gem uncovered by TikTok challenges. The song challenges the modern perception of what love should be.

Funga Macho – Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)

‘Funga Macho’ is a catchy feel-good song with visuals that you’ll want to add to your daily playlist right away.

Aya Beledi – MT7 Degreez (South Sudan)

This song, tackling the current state of affairs in South Sudan, has the whole world listening to it.

Balo Balo – Mudra D Viral (Uganda)

Produced by Sasha Vybz, ‘Balo Balo’ showcases a playful and inventive side of Uganda through epic visuals and vintage flair.