Bien-Aimé Baraza has been crowned the most-streamed local artist on Spotify in Kenya for 2024, as revealed by Spotify Wrapped.
The former Sauti Sol frontman’s solo career has resonated with fans, with hits like “Lifestyle” and “Inauma” topping charts.
Sauti Sol maintains its influence, securing the 12th spot among the most-streamed artists, and the Midnight Train album continues to be a fan favourite.
“Kenyan music is making its mark both locally and globally. Sauti Sol, though not in the top 10, still holds a strong position at number 12 of the top most streamed artists in Kenya, proving their enduring popularity, Additionally, the increased export of local Arbantone tunes shows Kenya’s music is steadily gaining recognition on global stages,” Spotify said.
A Diverse Musical Landscape
Spotify Wrapped 2024 highlights Kenya’s diverse musical landscape. From Bien’s soulful tunes to Abel Mutua’s captivating Mkurugenzi podcast, Kenyans are embracing a variety of genres and formats.
Gen Z’s Arbantone Dominance
The younger generation has been captivated by the Arbantone genre, with Lil Maina and Sosa the Prodigyy’s “Nakam Sai” topping the charts.
Other notable Arbantone tracks like From the Hood Music’s “Anguka Nayo” and YBW Smith’s “Lele” have also gained significant traction.
Global Recognition
Kenya’s music scene is gaining international recognition. The increasing popularity of Arbantone music, particularly on platforms like TikTok, has contributed to this global exposure.
Beyond the Top Spots
Other prominent Kenyan artists, including Wakadinali, Bensoul, Nyashinski, Okello Max, Chris Kaiga, Nviiri the Storyteller, and Otile Brown, have also made significant contributions to the Kenyan music scene.
The Rise of Podcasts
Podcasts have become increasingly popular in Kenya, with shows like The 97s Podcast, So This is Love, and The Mkurugenzi Podcast topping the charts.
A Bright Future for Kenyan Music
While Kenya’s music industry has faced challenges in the past, the recent surge in local talent and the growing global recognition of Kenyan music indicate a promising future. With continued support and investment, Kenyan artists have the potential to make a significant impact on the international music scene.
Top streamed Kenyan artists
- Bien
- Wakadinali
- Sauti Sol
- Bensoul
- Lil Maina
- Nyashinski
- Okello Max
- Chris Kaiga
- Nviiri the Storyteller
- Otile Brown
Top streamed Kenyan tracks
- Lil Maina, sosatheprodigyy – NAKAM SAI
- Bien – Lifestyle
- Bensoul, Bien – Extra Pressure
- From The Hood Music – Anguka Nayo
- Bien – Inauma
- Bien – Ma Cherie
- YBW Smith – Lele
- Dyana Cods – Set It
- Matata – Oversized T-shirt
- Fancy Fingers – Kudade (Fancy Fingers refix)
Top streamed podcasts in Kenya
- The 97s Podcast
- So This is Love
- The Mkurugenzi Podcast
- The Messy In Between
- ShxtsNGigs
- The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
- It’s Related, I Promise
- Mic Cheque Podcast
- The Sandwich Podcast
- Success Addicted Podcast with the voice of Earl Nightingale
Top streamed genres in Kenya
- Afrobeat
- Gengetone
- Afrobeats
- Afropop
- Afro-house
- Gospel
- House
- Deep house
- Dancehall
- Tribal house
Top streamed global artists in Kenya
- Taylor Swift
- The Weeknd
- Bad Bunny
- Drake
- Billie Eilish
- Travis Scott
- Peso Pluma
- Kanye West
- Ariana Grande
- Feid
Top streamed global tracks in Kenya
- Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
- Benson Boone – Beautiful Things
- Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather.
- FloyyMenor – Gata Only.
- Teddy Swims – Lose Control.
- Djo – End of Beginning
- Hozier –Too Sweet.
- The Weeknd – One of the Girls.
- Taylor Swift – Cruel Summer.
- Lady Gaga – Die with a Smile
Top streamed global albums in Kenya
- Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department.
- Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
- Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet.
- Karol G – Mañana Será Bonito
- Ariana Grande – Eternal Sunshine.
- Taylor Swift – 1989
- SZA – SOS
- Taylor Swift – Lover
- Benson Boone – Fireworks and Rollerblades.
- The Weeknd – Starboy
