Kenyan artists are releasing nothing but hits and they definitely deserve a spot on your playlist.
These past two weeks have seen Kenyan artists come through with new jams that we are all jamming to, from certified hitmakers like Sauti Sol to fast-rising Bey T and Nikita Kering, as well as club bangers to love songs, there’s a wide selection of music for everyone to listen to.
With that said, here are seven hits that you should be listening to right now.
Otile Brown ft Jovial – Zichune
As reported by The Sauce, ‘Zichune’ by hitmaker Otile Brown featuring bootylicious singer Jovial is a hit that has garnered thousands of views and is currently getting airplay across many media outlets. The song is about a man who is madly in love with a babe who plays hard to get until the man spends some money.
Otile who wants to date the sexy Jovial is ready to give her everything from a Chanel bag, a trip to Paris to an iPhone but it’s still not enough to woo her. “Niambie mama utakalo sawa,niambie mama usemalo, coz I’m so in love…nifilisi unimalize, zichune”, sings Otile.
Sanaipei Tande – Simama Imara
Kenyan singer and actress Sanaipei Tande popularly known as Sana is not new to the game and she recently dropped a video for a previously released jam ‘Simama Imara’. As reported by The Sauce, ‘Simama Imara’ takes an upbeat feel with her signature coastal touch. The video is injected with massive energy from a choreography arranged by dance queen Aggie.
The lyrics take a strong sense of her Swahili background with firm warnings and wise sayings. ‘Simama Imara’ can be loosely translated to ‘Stand Firm’. In this context as people might spread lies about you, be who you are and those close to you genuinely know the truth.
Sauti Sol ft Sol Generation – Extravaganza
Everything that Kenya’s award-winning afro-pop band Sauti Sol touches just turns to gold, this time the four-membered group worked on a timeless piece titled ‘Extravaganza’ alongside a new crop of artists now known as ‘Sol Generation’ signed under their record label.
This jam takes us back to the roots walking you down the Rhumba times with the perfect touch of contemporary afro-soul. Easy, laid back with the lead, bass and percussion in the greatness of perfection to serve to Rhumba nothing but justice. Visuals serving nothing short of the 70s- 80s vibe with bright coloured Kaunda Suits. Fur and big hair for the ladies in melanin. The club scene is extra and colourful just like it used to be, reported The Sauce.
Nadia ft Masauti – Lola
Fast-rising musicians Nadia Mukami and Masauti teamed up to release a hit for the books titled ‘Lola’. Nadia is known for her hits like Si Rahisi, African Lover as well as her debut on Coke Studio Africa as one of Kenya’s breakthrough artists. Masauti, on the other hand, is known for songs like ‘Nurulain’, ‘Ipepete’ and ‘Kidogo’. As reported by The Sauce, ‘Lola’ is about a love triangle between two lovers who hustled together and acquired some wealth but the boyfriend, betrayed their love, by getting involved with another woman.
Nikita Kering – Tragedy
Curvaceous 17-year-old singing sensation Nikita Kering has a new song out. Debuting her Empawa Africa initiative, the R&B singer/songwriter dropped her much anticipated spirited single ‘Tragedy’. Paired with powerful vocals and deep hitting lyrics, the song is award-winning status. A young Adele unfolds before the Kenyan society in this sad medley. She creates awareness against domestic violence in society with this new song. The video is very graphic coming alive with the realities of gender-based violence rooted in relationship.
As reported by The Sauce, the teenager who released her debut single last year titled ‘Happy With You’ is an upcoming singer that Kenyans need to watch out for in 2019.
Bey T – Wololo
Rapper Bey T is slowly making a name for herself in the Kenyan music industry. Apart from being one of emPawa mentorship programme finalists, Bey T has managed to release hits like If They Dunno, Bad Bad and Face Time which have introduced her to the competitive space. She released her latest song ‘Wololo’ days after beefing radio presenter Tanasaha Donna and even released a hard-hitting diss track titled ‘Don to the Donna’, reported by The Sauce.
The 2.56 minutes feel-good song has fans impressed by its flow and catchy beat that has Bey T dancing to it on the simple yet well-shot video. “Baby tell me how you feel, isn’t this thing real, yeah we are realer than the deal… when I do like this, he says wololo, when I swing my hips, he says wololo,” sings Bey T.
Gilad – Kawaida Guy
Gilad Millo is no ordinary guy, he is a former Israeli diplomat turned Israeli – Kenyan pop star who has over the years impressed many with his vocal prowess, mastery of Swahili and his way of making every one of his ballads a hit from ‘Unajua’, ‘Sema Milele’, ‘Salama’, ‘Usiende’ to ‘Nakuahidi’.Gilad’s latest song a beautiful ballad ‘Kawaida Guy’ that can make anyone fall in love and sing along to. He tells his love interest that he is just an ordinary guy who is not perfect but he is trying.
Others who have released hits recently include Karun with ‘Glow’, Masauti with ‘Ipepete’, Tanasha Donna with ‘Radio’, Khaligraph Jones with ‘Superman’, ‘Nyashinski’ with Marathon Runner, Alvindo with ‘Boy Child’.
