20 Most Famous Kenyan Singers and Musicians


 

*Originally published by Pamela in June 2014 Updated by Vanessa R in October 2022 Updated by Vanessa R in September 2023 and Updated by Nellian in March 2024.

Kenya’s music scene has developed immensely; from beats like Kapuka, Genge, and now the new age Gengetone — the innovativeness and energy seen from artists can make you want to shake a leg regardless of your musical inclination.

Although Afrobeats, Kwaito, Bongo, and Dancehall music have had an impact in Kenya, activists proactively protesting to improve Kenyan sounds are a sure sign that Kenyan music will soon be at its legitimate spot.

Given that, let us investigate the Kenyan artists who have shown prominence in the music business both locally and on the worldwide scene.

Here are the 20 most famous Kenyan singers and musicians.

1. Sauti Sol: Harmonizing Africa’s Melodies

Sauti Sol was a famous Kenyan Afro-pop band. The foursome consisted of Bein Aime Baraza, Savara Mudigi, Willis Chimano, and Polycarp Otieno.

They constantly dropped new music since they came to fame. The likes of Lazizi (2009), Melanin (2019), Kuliko Jana (2015), Blue Uniform (2009), Nishike (2015), Isabella (2015), Unconditionally Bae (2016), and Sura Yako (2015) are their known hits.

Sauti Sol worked on several albums, collaborated with top stars, and gave incredible live performances winning prestigious awards and setting high standards for fellow artists. Their many tours opened doors for new artists to follow suit.

Furthermore, the group decided to take a break in 2023 to pursue solo projects after about 20 years of being together. However, the four members of the group said they would still be involved in each other’s projects. They treated their fans to a final concert as a group known as the Sol Fest on the 2nd and 4th of November in 2023.

Speaking about the Sol Fest at a Nairobi joint media interview in October 2023, Bien said, “This is happening for the 3rd time in three years it’s been a journey, I heard a lady saying it was the last performance it’s not the last it’s a hiatus a break we are taking a break, it’s a break from 20 years of being together and seeing each other every other morning it’s like marriage.”

2. Fena Gitu: The Queen of Rap

Music superstar Fena Gitu has been representing females on the musical platform for the longest time. Known for hits like Birikicho and Dutch both released in 2014, and her recent album Love Art Lust (2023) with hit singles like Sina Bae, Fena is showing the world how phenomenal she is.

Moreover, she is Kenya’s first female artist to drop a consolidated album and have it widely accepted. Her persistent nature in the music industry has seen her regularly change her sound to remain relevant and appeal to a broader audience. Her live performances are also incredible.

3. The Kansoul: Masters of Gengetone

The Kansoul, established in 2014, was a team of hitmakers, Madtraxx, Mejja, and Kid Kora. The trio individually produced several club bangers until around 2021 when the group split.

Besides, the team stood the test of time and managed to stay relevant dropping new music like Accelerator (2019), Bablas (2017), and No Woman No Party (2016) which have been significant hits appealing to Kenyan youth.

Madtraxx speaking about splitting of the Kansoul in an interview on the Iko Nini Podcast said, “Our priorities started shifting at some point when now we most became fathers and priorities kind of shifted”.

4. King Kaka: The Voice of the Streets

Kenneth Ombima otherwise known as King Kaka has a unique sound that is somewhat like ”spoken word”.

He raps about social and economic issues in Kenya and has been a champion for the eradication of period poverty in the country. One of his most controversial raps, titled Wajinga Nyinyi in 2020 caught the attention of all Kenyans proving his status as an icon in the Kenyan music industry.

5. Suzanna Owiyo: Celebrating Kenyan Heritage

It was while arrangements were underway for the centennial festivals of the city of Kisumu, that Suzanna was summoned to make a signature melody for the primary function. Before a limit horde of 60,000 individuals, “Kisumu 100” was conceived, and prompt achievement followed; delayed adulation and overwhelming applause.

Suzanna then chose to chip away at a collection that got extraordinary accomplishment on the radio and won her a designation in the Kora Awards 2002 in the “Most Promising Female Artist” classification. A similar collection won her a Kisima Award for the Most Promising Female Artist of 2003. Her single Sandore (2004) and the video cut with an incredible message on youngster work was additionally a triumph.

6. Mercy Myra: Kenya’s Pop Sensation

In 1996, Mercy joined the Calabash Band but left it the following year to join the R&B group Destinee, and later in 1997, she joined a band called Black Ice.

She later turned to a solo career and released her first single Sitaki toward the end of 1998, created by Samawati Studios. Her song Tie Dero (2006) was a hit and young Rapper Wangechi made a remix.

She performed in several shows abroad, including the 2004 Zanzibar International Film Festival and Festival Mundial in 2002 and 2003.

Mercy Myra was a member of the Divas of The Nile group, which included four other famous Kenyan female artists.

7. Eric Wainaina: The Maestro of Afro-Fusion

With two African music grants to his name in addition to different nominations, Erick Wainaina stays a prominent figure in the Kenyan music industry. He has various studio albums, singles, and a theatre musical to his name, not overlooking his patriotic hit tunes about his home, Kenya.

8. Khaligraph Jones: Kenya’s Rap Royalty

Award-winning rapper Brian Omollo otherwise known as Khaligraph Jones has been a power to deal with since he arrived in the music business. He has been in the industry for several years and has reliably dropped new music during this time.

Moreover, he is known for hits like Yego (2015), Gwala (2018), Disregard Me, Toa Tint (2017), Mazishi (2016), We Be Happening (2014) and Wavy (2021). Aside from debates, he is a star who comprehends showbiz and is very vocal across social media platforms.

He has done several collaborations in Kenya and internationally, winning awards and performing on global stages — this has made him famous as the self-proclaimed king of rap music in Kenya.

9. Blinky Bill: Pushing Musical Boundaries

Bill Sellanga prominently known as Blinky Bill, is a Kenyan musician, hitmaker, and DJ. He is likewise part of the Kenyan music group Just A Band. He is, without a doubt Kenya’s best-kept secret, and he claims to be a niche crowd.

Furthermore, Blinky’s fresh sound has earned him a spot on the worldwide stage, the likes of Afro-Punk Festival in Johannesburg where he performed on New Year’s Eve of 2019. Blinky is a pioneer of the urban music scene with hits like Atenshan (2018) and Mungu Halali (2018).

Apart from Sauti Sol, Blinky could be one of Kenya’s most toured artists increasing his notoriety to a bigger crowd than Kenya.

10. Nyashinski: The Comeback King

Nyamari Ongegu, otherwise known as Nyashinski, is Kenya’s ”prodigal son”. He began his career in the rap bunch Kleptomaniax and following a ten-year hiatus in America; he returned and effortlessly assumed control over the Kenyan music scene.

Additionally, he is famous as the come-back king, having released more than ten hit singles since his arrival in 2016 some of them include Now You Know (2016),  Aminia (2017), Free (2018), Bebi Bebi (2018), Marathon Runner (2019), and Perfect Design (2023).

Kenyans seem to love the old musical flow of Nyashinski. Nonetheless, his new sound has reliably been a hit, and his performance merits the dime, as he is one of Kenyan top paid artists.

11. Otile Brown: Kenya’s Romantic Crooner

Brown is a well-known figure, a musician of extraordinary talent who has been around the Kenyan music scene for a long time. James Obunga, the musician, is from Kisumu and goes by that name. He is an actor, songwriter, guitarist, and singer of the R&B genre.

But in 2017, he made his musical debut with Best of Otile Brown, his first studio album. He has therefore kept on producing hit after hit. Such Kinda Love, one of his recent songs, became a smash right away after its May release in 2021. His other famous hits include Dusuma (2020), Yule Mbaya (2017), and Asante (2024).

12. Sanaipei Tande: The Queen of Afro-Pop

Natasha Sanaipei Tande, often known as Sana, is a well-known Kenyan singer, karaoke host, songwriter, actor, and radio personality. She was raised in Mombasa, the seaside city, where she was born.

With her fellow candidates Pam Waithaka and Kevin Waweru, with whom she established a trio called Sema, she gained notoriety after winning the Coca-Cola Popstars, East Africa Edition talent hunt in 2004. Zouk, Neo-Taarab, R&B, and Reggae are all incorporated into Sana. Yako (2020), one of her latest love ballads, literally translates as “Yours.” Other recent releases include Nategea (2022) and Nakuja (2023).

13. Nviiri the Storyteller: Crafting Musical Narratives

A well-known singer, songwriter, and skilled guitarist from Kenya is called Nviiri the Storyteller. He has also worked as a video editor for Sol Generation (linked to Sauti Sol). His most well-known song, Pombe na Sigara (2019), saw a very positive reception with millions of YouTube views.

Better still, his most recent video, Niko Sawa (2021), demonstrates how far he has come. Nairobi, the location of the shoot, served as the backdrop. His other recent tunes are the Bwana Sherehe (2023) song and the Inside Out (2023) collaboration.

14. Avril: Kenya’s Pop Diva

Judith Nyambura Mwangi alias Avril, is a well-known songwriter, singer, and actress. She began her career with one of the best record labels, Ogopa Deejays, which has helped launch the careers of several Kenyan musicians. The smash singles Kitu Kimoja (2012), Mama (2012), Hakuna Yule (2013), and Chokoza (2012) made Avril famous.

Over the years, she has received numerous accolades, solidifying her position as one of the top female musicians. With Afrofusion beats, her most recent single is sung in Gikuyu, English, and Swahili.

15. Wahu: The First Lady of Kenyan Music

Longtime Kenyan singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and former fashion model Rosemary Wahu Kagwi is also known by her stage name Wahu. She debuted her first three singles, Niangalie, Liar, and Esha, in 2000 and has been in the spotlight ever since.

She won the MY+TV Africa Awards in 2008 for Best Female Artist, and she and her musician husband David Mathenge, aka Nameless, are still going strong. Wahu released the songs Sifa and My Everything in 2018 which she claimed were based on real-life incidents. It was also during this period she announced she had given her life to Jesus Christ.

Moreover, the celebrity couple (Wahu and Nameless) 2021 have been working as a duo in several releases.  For example, the ‘Mz’ album short for Mathengez, was released in 2021 spawning hits like Te-Amo, Feeling, and Back It Up.

16. Daudi Kabaka: Pioneer of Benga Music

The songs African Twist, Western Shillo, and Harambe Harambee all released in 1982 are the most well-known by Kenyan-born Benga musician Daudi Kabaka. Helule Helule (1982), which The Tremeloes covered, became well-known in the UK. Kenyan classic Harambee Harambee, which essentially encapsulates the nation’s ambitions in the post-colonial era, is one of Daudi Kabaka’s best-known works.

To add on, he and John Nzenze collaborated on the songs Nyumba za Tobacco, Bachelor Boy, and Masista all released in 1986. These songs were made available by Jambo Records, and they went on to become hits. Kabaka and Maroon Commandos released Pesa Maradhi Ya Moyo as an album in 1986.

17. Ayub Ogada: Ambassador of African Folk Music

He had a breakthrough when playing his Nyatiti in England and shortly after joined Real World Records, where he released his debut En Mana Kuoyo album in 1993 and went on a successful world tour, including a performance in front of the Roman Colosseum in Rome. He also recorded the album Tanguru during this time. Koth Biro (1993), which has been covered by numerous bands worldwide, is his best tune.

Besides, Samsara (2011), The Constant Gardener (2005), I Dreamed of Africa (2000), and The Good Life (2014) all have their music on their soundtracks. Additionally, his music has been used on the soundtracks for the NBC action TV drama The Philanthropist (2009), and the BBC comedies Long Way Round (2004) and Long Way Down (2007).

18. E-sir: The Legend Lives On

The country was greatly shocked by E-Sir’s passing in 2003, and industry fans continue to honor this creative talent with anniversaries. Nimefika (2002), his debut album and sole offering, became a mega-hit with nearly every song in it becoming a hit. Moss Moss, Saree, Leo Ni Leo, and Boomba Train, among other songs, were on the CD.

19. Fundi Konde: Maestro of Taarab Music

His professional career began during World War 2 when he performed for East African troops in South Asia. Upon his return, he produced some of the early recordings from this area, including the songs Mama Sowera, Majengo Siendi Tena, Kipenzi Waniua Ua, and Jambo Sigara. These songs were released from around 1947 up to 1956. Thus, after retiring in 1963, he did not resume performing or recording until the early 1980s. He died in 2000 aged 75 years.

20. Just A Band: Innovators of Kenyan Electro-pop

During their time as students at Kenyatta University, the group came together. A self-made animated music video for the song Iwinyo Piny (2008) was later released by them. Due to its unusual musical style, the song didn’t get much broadcast at first, but as time went on, it began to become more well-known through underground channels.

Relatively well-received was their debut album Scratch To Reveal (2008). On March 17, 2010, they made Ha-He, their second single, available along with a music video that starred a Makmende-like figure. The Wall Street Journal, CNN, and Fast Company have later referred to the film as Kenya’s first online viral meme. Additionally, the 2012 film House at the End of the Street featured their song Huff + Puff (2009). Their recent releases include the album Away from ech0 (2023) with singles like Do You Mind? 

Now you know these are the most famous Kenyan singers and musicians to give you a feel of the Kenyan sound. I hope you enjoyed reading this far. Before you go, take a look at the Kenyan Music Evolution below.

A Look Into Kenyan Music Evolution

Kenya has a rich musical heritage that has evolved greatly over the decades, from traditional folk music to the popular genres enjoyed today. Music has always been an integral part of Kenyan culture and daily life. Let’s take a look at how Kenyan music has changed through the years.

1. The Roots of Kenyan Music

Kenyan music finds its roots deeply embedded in the rich traditions and diverse cultures of the country’s indigenous communities. For centuries, music has been an integral part of Kenyan life, with songs and rhythms accompanying rituals, celebrations, and daily activities.

Moreover, traditional instruments like the nyatiti, orutu, and isikuti formed the backbone of these ancient musical expressions, showcasing the rhythmic complexity and melodic richness of Kenyan culture.

2. Colonialism Had an Influence on Kenyan Music

The colonial era brought significant changes to Kenya’s musical landscape, as Western influences began to permeate local traditions. European missionaries introduced hymns and choral music, while colonial administrators brought orchestral and brass band performances to urban centers.

Furthermore, these influences laid the foundation for the fusion of traditional African rhythms with Western musical elements, setting the stage for future developments in Kenyan music.

3. Traditional and Folk Music Contributed to the Kenyan Music Transformation

Kenya is home to over 40 ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions, languages, and musical styles. Common traditional Kenyan instruments include drums, rattles, flutes, and stringed instruments like the nyatiti.

Additionally, folk music often features call-and-response vocals and lively rhythms. Some well-known examples are the Luo benga style and Kikuyu music. Traditional Kenyan music laid the foundations for popular modern genres.

4. 1960s and 70s Saw The Rise of Benga

In the 1960s and 70s, benga music rose to popularity in Kenya. Drawing from traditional Luo and Kikuyu folk rhythms and Congolese guitar styles, Benga featured electric guitar, bass, and percussion.

On top of that, early Benga pioneers like D.O Misiani, George Ramogi, and Ochieng Nelly helped propel the genre into mainstream Kenyan culture. Benga remains one of the most influential genres in Kenyan music today.

5. 1980s and 90s: Innovation and Diversification Came

The 1980s and ’90s saw Benga integrate even more diverse elements, including Kenyan pop and Congolese soukous. Artists like Sukuma Bin Ongaro and others introduced influences from jazz and soul.

Besides, this era also saw the rise of Swahili rap, spearheaded by pioneers like Hardstone and Kalamashaka. Kenyan reggae bands like Them Mushrooms emerged, while musicians like Eric Wainaina blended pop, rock, and African styles. Greater access to foreign music increased international influence.

6. Then Came The Rise of Urban Genres 

As Kenya entered the 21st century, the music scene saw the emergence of new urban genres that reflected the changing tastes and aspirations of the youth. Hip-hop, reggae, and dancehall gained popularity, with artists like Necessary Noize and Redsan bringing a fresh wave of energy to the airwaves.

Meanwhile, the rise of Genge music, characterized by its gritty beats and raw lyrics, provided a platform for urban youth to express their struggles and aspirations.

7. The 2000s and Beyond Have Seen Gengetone Takeover

Recently, Kenya has seen the huge growth of Gengetone – a high-tempo, club-oriented dance genre fusing elements of Jamaican dancehall, Kenyan pop, and traditional music.

Additionally, young, innovative artists like Sailors, Mbogi Genje, and Ochungulo Family have led this wave, gaining millions of fans. Other contemporary artists like Suzanna Owiyo continue reinventing traditional music using modern instruments.

Thus, the Kenyan music scene today is defined by youthful creativity and digital distribution. Gengetone crossover stars like Ethic and Boondocks Gang now tour globally.

8. What Followed is Kenyan Musicians Embracing Globalization 

In the digital age, Kenyan music has embraced globalization, with artists using social media and streaming platforms to reach a global audience. The rise of Afro-pop and Afro-fusion has brought international recognition to Kenyan artists like Sauti Sol and Nyashinski, who blend traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds to create a unique and captivating musical experience.

9. Yet Kenyan Music is Ever-Evolving

From folk origins to viral dance hits, Kenyan music has tremendously evolved while retaining connections to its cultural roots. New generations of artists have constantly innovated, borrowing foreign influences while incorporating their heritage. Music continues to thrive as an integral part of Kenya’s national identity. The future holds endless possibilities for the growth of Kenyan music.

Having looked at the most famous Kenyan singers and musicians as well as the Kenyan music evolution journey, you now have a feel of the Kenyan music industry from its roots, to what it is today. Take time to enjoy these Kenyan tunes, to celebrate the authenticity and diversity they uphold. Enjoy!

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