The year 2021 is finally coming to an end and we have seen highs and lows and survived them all. I’m sure something that got people through this year is music. Here are our picks for some of the best Kenyan albums that were released in 2021.
Love Like This Album – Bahati
Kevin Mbuvi Kioko, better known for his stage name Bahati is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding musicians of 2021. His ten-track album titled ‘Love Like This’ made him not only a hot topic of discussion on social media but also earned him immense success. The Ten tracks in the album include; ‘Wewe Ni Mungu’, ‘Kiss’ ft Rayvanny, ‘Take It Slow’, ‘Pete Yangu’ ft Nadia Mukami, ‘Caro’, ‘Julie’ ft Lydia Jazmine, ‘Sweet Darling’ ft Sat B, ‘The One’, ‘Size Yangu’ ft Jovial, and ‘Fikra Za Bahati’.
Nabo – Sanapei Tande
Kenyan singer and actress Sanaipei Tande’s new debut Album titled “Nabo” is a 6-Track Ep that features artists; Nyashinski and Khaligraph Jones. “Nabo” is a Masai word which means the Number One. She titled the project Nabo, since it’s her first Extended Playlist project after many collaborations with other artists.
The African Experience Album – Willy Paul
‘The African Experience’ Album which houses 19 songs was one of the most anticipated albums from Willy Paul. The album featured some of the top names from the African music industry including; Eddy Kenzo, Kelly Khumalo, Jux, Fik Fameica, Daphne, and Gyptian.
Black Child Album – Mr Seed
Mr Seed Launched on 12th September 2021, Mr Seed’s Black child album brought together 4 top music producers from East Africa. The four were; Teddy B, Alexis on the Beat, Giddy Vibes, and Producer Rash from Rwanda. The album featured top artists that include; Kate Actress, Masauti, Vivian, Nimo, John Blaq, Lil Baalil, Bella, and Nedy.
Father Studies Album – Fancy Fingers
Sauti Sol’s official guitarist Fancy Fingers presented a pleasant surprise to his fans with his first-ever music project ‘Father Studies’ album that has 10 songs. Dela, Nyashinski, and Mordecai were featured on the album.
V The Album – Brown Mauzo
Brown Mauzo released the album as a special dedication to his wife and daughter. ‘V’ the album houses 12 tracks. The name of the album stemmed from Vera Sidika who is Brown Mauzo’s girlfriend and to whom the album was dedicated. The album features collaborations from; Masauti, Ndovu Kuu, Mwasi, and Baraka The Prince from Tanzania.
Greatness Album – Femi One
Ranked among the top female rappers in the country, Femi One this year cemented her outstanding legacy in the music industry with an album dubbed ‘Greatness’. The 14-track album is a special dedication to the fans who have been loyal and supportive in her music career. “Greatness is upon us!! All these songs are a labor of love to my fans who have been following this journey,” Femi One stated. The songs on the album include; ‘Mgongo’ ft Jadi, ‘Greatness’, ‘Balance’, ‘Feelanga Free’ ft Zakah, ‘Duru’ ft Joh Makini, ‘100’ Bob, ‘Selekta’ ft Oksyde, ‘Vako’, ‘Jiongeleshe’, ‘Wapewe’ ft B2C, ‘Kuzina Nawe’ ft Feffe Busi, ‘Diva’ ft Jayrox and ‘Sina Haja’ ft Sanaipei Tande.
Wanavokali Album – Wanavokali
The self-titled album released in November has 11 songs and features only one collaboration with Hart The Band. The album is a mixture of several genres including Rhumba, Gospel, and Gengetone.
Frisky Album – Maandy
Maandy released ‘Frisky’ album in November at the height of her breakthrough. The 12-track album features collaboration from various artists like Breeder LW, Fena Gitu, and Ndovu Kuu.
Happy Hour EP – King Kaka
Celebrated rapper King Kaka dropped his first EP in 13 years on November 30th after undergoing a long-term illness. The ‘Happy Hour’ EP features collaborations with Rich Mavoko, Amos and Josh, Ykee Benda, Wakadinali, Kristoff, Okello Max, and Ndume.
Genge La Bundoski EP – Boondocks Gang
The Gengetone group dropped a 7-track EP that saw each of the members work on a solo project. The seven tracks on the EP include; ‘Commando’, ‘Mamamia’, ‘Tango’, ‘Ukam’, ‘Sijazoea Hivo’, ‘Dhidhi’ and ‘Usijiforce’. Some of the notable collaborations on the project include; Mbuzi Gang, Reckless of Ethic Entertainment, Guzman of Mbogi Genje, and VJ Chris.
Unaware – Joint EP by Matata, Nviiri The Story Teller and Bensoul
Popular Norway-based Gengetone group Matata collaborated with Nviiri The Story Teller and Bensoul on a 4-track EP. The EP dubbed ‘Unaware’ houses the following songs; Tulia Nikupange, Matatu, Pombe na Kizungu Mingi, and Unaware.
Other albums that stood out include; ‘Spirit’ by Abril, Bazenga Mentality by Breeder, Medicine EP by Bensoul. Kitenge by Nviiri, Bald Men Lover Better by Bien and Aaron Rimbui, and Thanks for Coming by Guardian Angel among others.
This article was first published by Mdundo
