This month, the music scene in East Africa has been buzzing with a mix of political influences and fresh hits. From the tunes that marked President Paul Kagame’s recent victory in Rwanda to the songs fueling anti-government movements in Kenya, the music landscape reflects a diverse array of sounds from Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Angell Mutoni – “Bounce” ft. Kivumbi King (Rwanda)
Rwandan rapper and poet Angell Mutoni delivers a lively summer anthem with “Bounce,” featuring rapper Kivumbi King. The track blends hip-hop and dancehall vibes, setting the stage for Mutoni’s upcoming debut album slated for early 2025.
Skat Nati – “Nika!” | ስካት ናቲ – ንቃ (Ethiopia)
Ethiopia’s trap artist Skat Nati continues to make waves in the local hip-hop scene with his latest single, “Nika!” (“Wake Up!” in Amharic). Having started his musical journey in 2015, Nati’s music resonates with audiences, following his previous hit, “Sira,” released in 2018.
Gravity Omutujju – “Doozi” (Uganda)
Ugandan artist Gravity Omutujju stirred controversy with his track “Doozi,” portraying himself as a doctor in an explicit medical scenario. The music video sparked debate and faced backlash, with Omutujju defending it as a form of artistic expression.
Bien, Adekunle Gold and ShineTTW – “Wahala” (Kenya)
Kenyan artist Bien collaborates with Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold and ShineTTW on “Wahala,” aiming for a TikTok dance hit. The track is a tribute to the dance community, resonating with fans for its catchy vibe.
Drama T – “Kosho” (Burundi)
Burundian artist Drama T makes a mark with “Kosho,” continuing his reputation for delivering hit singles in the East African region since his debut track, “Bebe,” six years ago.
Geniusjini X66 – “Far Away” feat. Jay Melody (Tanzania)
Tanzanian artist Geniusjini X66 achieves instant success with his collaboration with Jay Melody on “Far Away,” reaching 1 million views on YouTube within two weeks of release.
Wadagliz Ke- “Anguka Nayo (Kenya)
In the midst of anti-government protests in Kenya, duo Wadagliz Ke drops “Anguka Nayo” (“Fall With It”) as a rallying cry that doubles as a viral TikTok dance craze.
Bwiza – “Ogera” ft. Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)
Rwandan musicians Bwiza and Bruce Melodie deliver “Ogera,” a popular campaign track dedicated to President Kagame during this year’s election cycle, gaining traction throughout the voting period and after Kagame’s win.
Jon Daniel – “Sake Kurfiyaye” | ጆን ዳንኤል – ሳቄ ኩርፊያዬ (Ethiopia)
Ethiopian artist Jon Daniel, known for his TikTok presence, releases “Sake Kurfiyaye” (“My Laughter” in Amharic), garnering one million views shortly after its launch. The track adds to his growing repertoire following previous hits like “Aychlem” and “Anchin Kale.”
Victoria Kimani – “MY SHINE” ft. Joshua Baraka (Kenya/Uganda)
Kenyan R&B sensation Victoria Kimani teams up with Uganda’s Joshua Baraka on “MY SHINE,” a track from her recent album “Mood 4 Life,” signaling a fresh sound from the artist after a three-year album hiatus.
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