Top Kenyan songs of 2020

Since 2020 began, the below Kenyan songs have made thousands dance, whether in the clubs or now at home. The playlist features usual suspects like Khaligraph Jones, Sauti Sol and Nadia Mukami. Newcomer Tanasha Donna also makes an appearance.

The songs are in no particular order and are taken from music charts and based on selected streaming figures. We will update this playlist throughout the year, so make sure you bookmark it for your continuous listening pleasure.

Utawezana by Femi One ft. Mejja

This year would probably be remembered as the year of Utawezana, which translates to 'can you handle it?' By the time the video for this song was released, it had already claimed its share of notoriety on the TikTok platform with the #Utawezana dance challenge.

Suzanna by Sauti Sol

The '70s themed video was directed by Leke Alabi-Isama and shot in Nigeria. The song is off their Midnight Train album, set to be released on 5 June 2020. The album will be the group's first release after signing with Universal Music Africa earlier this year. 

Yes Bana by Khaligraph Jones ft. Bien

Khaligraph Jones is undeniably one of the few Kenyan hip hop artists who has been able to sustain a long career. In this track, he features Sauti Sol's singer, Bien. 

Toto by Arrow Bwoy

The singer and producer uses witty wordplay to describe a lady he likes. The song was co-written by Arrow Bwoy, Ilogos and Naiboi, and the video was produced by Enos Olik. 

La Vie by Tanasha Donna ft. Mbosso

The song is off Tanasha's Donnatella EP (2020) and features Tanzanian bongo flava singer Mbosso. The lyrics of the love song are in English, French and Swahili. 

Brighter Days by Sauti Sol ft. Soweto Gospel Choir

It is impossible to say who stole this song. The song features the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir. Although the song borrows from gospel music, Sauti Sol's urban aesthetic is not lost. 

Jipe by Nadia Mukami ft. Marioo

This love song is off Nadia Mukami's African Popstar EP set to be released later in the year. She features Tanzanian fast-rising singer Marioo. The audio was produced by Alexis on the Beat and the video was directed by Deska Torres.

Gere by Tanasha Donna ft. Diamond Platnumz

The song features Tanzanian heavyweight Diamond Platnumz. 

Hao by Khaligraph Jones ft. Masauti 

The song is about cyberbullying. The rapper gives examples of Kenyan celebrities who have suffered at the hands of haters and bullies. On the chorus is singer Masauti. 

Nikune by Willy Paul ft. Nadia Mukami

'Nikune' was released in April. Saldido International produced the audio while the video was directed by Sammy Dee.