Top Kenyan songs of 2021

This year, new stars were born, Tiktok helped make hits. There were more pan-African collaborations and certainly more experimentation. In no particular order, we look at the most notable songs that have come out from the country so far this year, featuring Bensoul, Nviiri the Storyteller, Sauti Sol, Nikita Kering, Otile Brown, Okello Max and more. We will update this playlist regularly, so make sure you bookmark it for your constant listening pleasure.

My Jaber by H_art the Band ft. Brizy Annechild

‘My Jaber’ is off the trio’s latest album Simple Man. The track, which was co-written by Kasee Global Sound and Brizy Annechild, celebrates women from the Nyanza region who are known for their physical attributes. The video was directed by Skoko and Ivan Odie and features several celebrities dancing and singing.

Ex by Nikita Kering 

'Ex' talks about the troubled relationship between a couple struggling to be together due to one of them not being ready to commit to the relationship. This single is off Nikita Kering's debut EP, A Side Of Me, which was released in June 2021.

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.  

Rhumba by Wanavokali 

‘Rhumba’ is the first track off the award-winning acapella group’s upcoming self-titled album. Rhumba tells the story of two passion-fuelled strangers dancing the night away. The feel-good song is set against the backdrop of smooth, silky vocals and laced with modern trap beats. 

Luku by Khaligraph Jones ft. The Industry

A master rhymer, the award-winning rapper Khaligraph Jones made it fashionable to be lyrical, with incredibly dense bars and an unerring delivery. In ‘Luku’ he features some of the new and rising artists in the hip hop scene. 

Medicine by Bensoul 

Falling in love is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world. Medicine is the perfect soundtrack to those moments when one catches him or herself daydreaming about a shared future with a significant other. Signed under the Sol Generation record label, Bensoul has kept his releases precious but powerful, gracefully confirming himself as one of the most compelling artists of the now. Bensoul’s songwriting credits include Burna Boy’s album Twice As Tall alongside Sauti Sol. The LP was named the Best Global Music album at the 63rd annual Grammy Awards in March.

Baby Go by Otile Brown ft. Kizz Daniel 

Otile Brown makes a superb collaboration with the talented Nigerian singer Kizz Daniel to release ‘Baby Go’. This track is Otile Brown’s second record featuring a Nigerian artist after ‘Jamila’ featuring Reekado Banks in 2020.

Rhumba Japani by Sauti Sol ft. Bensoul, Nviiri the Storyteller, Xenia Manasseh, Okello Max and NHP

‘Rhumba Japani’ is influenced by Congolese rumba and is a testament that Sauti Sol is still in love with the music they grew up with. Nostalgia is a powerful force.

Balance by Femi One 

‘Balance’ has endless lines worthy of a laugh, highlighting the kind of quick wit and humour that earned Femi One the spotlight in the first place. This single is off the rapper’s debut album Greatness, which was released in June. 

‘Kitenge’ by Nviiri The Storyteller 

‘Kitenge’ paints a vivid picture of the thoughts, feelings, and baggage that comes with choosing to share your life with someone. The musician lives up to his moniker, The Storyteller. The track explores the realities of being in a relationship, the societal pressures and other nitty gritty’s of love that people don’t often share when discussing what it means to love another person.

Chini Chini by Matata ft. Mejja

‘Chini Chini’ is a party song, and given its thumping beats are an invitation to hit the dance floor.  

Nakufa by Okello Max, Bensoul and Amlyoto

Okello Max’s brand of emotive singing is warm, fuzzy, and instantly addictive. He is emerging as one of the most exciting new faces in the constantly changing music landscape due to his self-assured personality and sharp songwriting.

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 of the continent’s most revered rappers, Ghana’s Sarkodie, places him at the centre of East Africa’s hip hop scene.

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

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, who 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. 

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.