In honor of Africa Day, Spotify is paying tribute to Kenya’s timeless songs and talented artists with a specially curated playlist named ‘Zilizopendwa.’
Featuring 110 handpicked tracks, the playlist aims to evoke a wave of nostalgia, reminiscent of the golden age of music that has been cherished across generations. During this era, when radio options were limited, genres like Rhumba, Soukous, Lingala, and jazz ruled the airwaves.
Among the highlights of the playlist are Les Wanyika’s iconic “Sina Makosa,” Them Mushrooms’ lively tune “Kazi ni Kazi,” Gabriel Omolo’s hit sensation “Lunchtime,” and the captivating “Nakae Nairobi” by Mbilia Bel, among others. According to Spotify, these uniquely African songs have garnered a significant fan base and remain favorites among both Gen X and surprisingly, Gen Z. It is evident that there is a genuine thirst for the cultural essence, musicality, song composition, and even fashion and style of this nostalgic era.
Maxwell Nguku, Spotify’s East Africa Editor, expressed that the curation process aimed to not only showcase fan favorites but also songs that would instantly transport listeners back to cherished memories. He further emphasized the significance behind tracks like “Zangalewa” by Zangalewa and “Mamou” by Franco & Madilu System, as they resonated beyond borders and received substantial airplay in their time.
Nguku stated, “In the past, music often carried valuable advice. For instance, Orchestra Super Mazembe’s song ‘Shauri yako’ provided insights on money-making and spending. You’ll find numerous nuances within these songs.”
In addition to the Kenyan classics, the playlist also features timeless hits from other African countries, aiming to inspire and celebrate the spirit of Africa Day.
