East Africa’s music scene has seen a surge in talent, with a mix of sounds and narratives. Amapiano has made its mark in Tanzanian music, merging well with local styles. Collaborations within the region and beyond have sparked innovative musical fusions.
The popular Kenyan band, Sauti Sol, has seen its members pursue solo projects amid the group’s break.
Featuring artists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and DR Congo, this list highlights the distinct music styles they bring to the table.
D Star – “Hoozambe” (Uganda)
Ugandan artist D Star’s “Hoozambe” has become a hit in East Africa, narrating a tale of infidelity with catchy tunes and a playful music video, gaining popularity in clubs and on social media.
Diamond Platnumz – “Mapoz” feat. Mr. Blue & Jay Melody (Tanzania)
Diamond Platnumz, a Tanzanian icon, collaborates with Mr. Blue and Jay Melody on the bongo flava track “Mapoz,” adding to his list of hits.
Fathermoh, Harry Craze, Ndovu Kuu, Lil Maina and Johnny Johnny – “KUDADE” (Kenya)
The Kenyan collaboration “KUDADE” by Fathermoh, Harry Craze, Ndovu Kuu, Lil Maina, and Johnny Johnny infuses gengetone beats, making it a party favorite and a remix by Sauti Sol’s Fancy Fingers.
Rayvanny & Harmonize – “SENSEMA” (Tanzania)
Tanzanian stars Rayvanny and Harmonize shine in “SENSEMA,” embodying amapiano’s influence on the Tanzanian music landscape.
Element Eleéeh – “MiLELE” (Rwanda)
“MiLELE” by Rwandan artist Element Eleéeh is a soulful track blending traditional Rwandese sounds with Afrobeats, gaining traction for its emotional depth and beautiful composition.
Savara – “Wewe ni Fire” feat. Murumba Pitch (Kenya)
Savara, from Sauti Sol, collaborates with South Africa’s Murumba Pitch on “Wewe ni Fire,” part of his solo album released following the band’s hiatus.
Zuchu – “SIji” feat. Toss (Tanzania)
Tanzanian singer Zuchu teams up with South Africa’s Toss for “SIji,” blending bongo flava with Amapiano beats in this vibrant track.
Ya Levis – “Rien a dire” (DR Congo)
DR Congo’s Ya Levis strikes a chord with “Rien a dire,” dominating the East African airwaves.
Lil Maina and SosaTheProdigy – “Nakam Sai” (Kenya)
Kenyan artists Lil Maina and SosaTheProdigy deliver an energetic collaboration in “Nakam Sai,” capturing the essence of Kenyan youth culture.
Mbosso – “Kunguru” (Tanzania)
Tanzania’s Mbosso melts hearts with “Kunguru,” a love song filled with his smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
Chriss Eazy – “Sekoma” (Rwanda)
Rwandan artist Chriss Eazy infuses traditional Rwandan sounds with modern beats in the lively track “Sekoma,” a favorite at both parties and cultural events.
Nikita Kering – “Let You Down” feat. Kemena (Kenya)
Kenyan R&B star Nikita Kering returns with a soulful collaboration with Nigerian artist Kemena after a hiatus.
Bien – “Ma Cherie (remix)” feat. Fally Ipupa (Kenya/DRC)
Sauti Sol’s Bien teams up with Fally Ipupa on the remix of “Ma Cherie,” showcasing his solo career after the group’s break.
Nandy – “Dah!” feat. Alikiba (Tanzania)
Tanzania’s Nandy features Alikiba on the hit song “Dah,” an instant success with millions of views on YouTube.
Marioo – “Hakuna Matata” (Tanzania)
Marioo’s love ballad “Hakuna Matata” strikes a chord with fans, blending love and amapiano vibes.
Nyashinski – “Vibes” (Kenya)
Kenyan artist Nyashinski’s “Vibes” exudes a laid-back flow, resonating with fans as one of his recent releases.
Fancy Fingers – “All Over Me” feat. Xenia Manasseh by (Kenya)
Sauti Sol’s Fancy Fingers collaborates with Kenyan singer Xeniah Manasseh on the sensual track “All Over Me,” part of his recent solo album Love Language.
Comment