Kenya's music scene in 2024 thrived with electrifying tracks that shaped moments, inspired activism, and defined pop culture. George D. Mwendwa
Kenya’s music industry scaled new heights last year, with a wave of infectious beats, heartfelt lyrics, and creative storytelling that captured the hearts of millions. From activism anthems to party hits and soulful melodies, here’s a roundup of the most popular Kenyan songs that defined the year.
1. Anguka Nayo – Wadagliz
Tony Otieno (Kantel) (left) and Allan Emojo (Manna Zzogo) members of the Wadagliz music group of the hit song Anguka Nayo on July 30, 2024.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
Wadagliz, the rap duo of Tony Otieno (Kantel) and Allan Emojo (Manna Zzogo), had the nation buzzing with their hit Anguka Nayo. Co-opted into the ‘Maandamano’, it was a blend of activism and dance vibes. The track served as a rallying cry during the Finance Bill protests in June, turning into a viral sensation on TikTok with its catchy choreography. Despite controversies around their Mashujaa Day performance and YouTube takedown issues, the song rebounded strongly, amassing over 10 million views.
2. Set It – Dyana Cods ft Ajay
Dyana Cods, the 23-year-old Kenyan dancehall star.
Photo credit: Pool
Dyana Cods teamed up with Ajay of Buruklyn Boyz to create “Set It”, a groovy track blending Kenyan slang, patois, and an irresistible beat. With its simple yet addictive chorus and Ajay’s standout verse, the song became a fan favourite, ranking #5 on YouTube’s top music videos in Kenya, boasting over 10 million views.
3. Extra Pressure – Bensoul ft Bien
Bensoul’s album The Party and The After Party gave us “Extra Pressure”, a love anthem featuring Bien. Produced by Hendrick Sam, the song’s universal appeal earned it over 7.2 million views on YouTube and millions of Spotify streams. Its success extended beyond Kenya, gaining traction across East Africa.
4. Kifo Cha Mende – Iyanii ft Mwanaa & Cedo
Iyanii, Mwanaa, and producer Cedo joined forces for “Kifo Cha Mende”, an irresistible track that united Kenyans with its chant-like chorus: “Kufa dereva makanga, Leo ni kifo cha mende…” Shot in Mathare, the music video celebrated Kenyan street culture and was crowned one of the top Kenyan songs on YouTube in 2024 garnering over 8.4 million views.
5. Kuu Kuu – Willy Paul ft JZyNo
Musician Willy Paul.
Photo credit: Pool
Willy Paul’s “Kuu Kuu”, featuring Liberian artiste JZyNo, became a standout from his Beyond Gifted album. With its 11 million YouTube views and over 900,000 Spotify streams, the song solidified Willy Paul’s position as one of Kenya’s top artistes.
6. Maintain (Ivo Ivo) – Ssaru ft Trio Mio
Musical artist Ssaru performs during BoomFest event at A.S.K Dome in Nairobi on April 6, 2024.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Sylvia Ssaru claimed the ‘Genge queen’ title with “Maintain (Ivo Ivo)”, featuring Trio Mio. The track, fuelled by TikTok choreographer ColloBlue, dominated airwaves and became a party anthem, ranking fourth on Kenya’s top music videos with over 9.8 million views on YouTube.
7. Kudade – Fathermoh, Harry Craze, Ndovu Kuu, Lil Maina & Johnny Johnny
“Kudade” was both a party anthem and a voice of activism. Featuring an all-star lineup and a remix by Fancy Fingers, the song’s infectious energy garnered 9.1 million views for the original and an additional million for the remix.
8. Inakubalika – Matata ft Watendawili
Eugene Ywaya and Israel Onyach together make up the musical duo Watendawili.
Photo credit: Pool
Matata’s “Inakubalika” featuring Watendawili brought Genge and Afropop together, creating an unforgettable tune. Its catchy lines and dance moves made it a must-have for every party playlist, further cementing Matata’s legacy in Kenya’s music scene. It rides high with over 8.5 million views on YouTube.
9. Dance Ya Kudonjo – Sean MMG ft. Ybw Smith
Musical artist Sean Mmg performs during BoomFest event at A.S.K Dome in Nairobi on April 6, 2024.
Photo credit: Boniface Bogita | Nation Media Group
Sean MMG and Ybw Smith’s “Dance Ya Kudonjo” combined irresistible dance moves with captivating lyrics. The track’s vibrant video, featuring Sean’s charismatic performance, earned it over 10 million views, making it one of the year’s top Arbantone songs.
10. Dedi Dedilee – Breeder LW
Breeder LW’s “Dedi Dedilee” brought fun and energy to the party scene in 2024. With its memorable chorus and infectious rhythm, it quickly became a staple in clubs and gatherings earning over 5.5 million views on YouTube.
11. Kufinish Kumalo – Tipsy Gee ft Spoiler 4T3 & SoundKraft
Tipsy Gee’s “Kufinish Kumalo” became a cultural moment, not just a song. Produced by SoundKraft, it blended upbeat rhythms with catchy lyrics that turned into a popular phrase, leaving an indelible mark on the year with over 4.7 million views on YouTube.
12. Show You Off – Savara
Savara Mudigi’s “Show You Off” was a love letter wrapped in Afropop beats. Featuring Kenya’s top TikTok influencers in its video, the song captured hearts and even earned a spot on Governor Sakaja’s ‘vibe list’, garnering over 3 million views on YouTube.
13. Kipepeo – Nadia Mukami ft. Bruce Melodie
Nadia Mukami’s “Kipepeo”, featuring Rwandan star Bruce Melodie, showcased her East African appeal. The TikTok #KipepeoChallenge added to its popularity, making it one of the year’s top Afropop songs enjoying 3 million views on YouTube.
14. Funga Mdomo – Guardian Angel
Guardian Angel’s “Funga Mdomo” brought inspiration and wisdom from Proverbs 17:27–28. With 8 million YouTube views and a remix featuring Young Fortune, the gospel track resonated with audiences across Kenya.
15. Miel Matin – Jabidii ft Mama Jabidii
Jabidii and his mother created magic with “Miel Matin”, a gospel song blending Luo traditions with modern sounds. Its unique style earned over 2 million views, making it a beloved gospel hit from 2024.
16. Maproso – Wakadinali ft. Suzanna Owiyo
This honorable mention blended drill and rhumba with themes of love, betrayal, and resilience. The song narrates a heartbreaking story of a man left devastated after his fiancée, Maproso, disappears before their wedding, taking his valuables. Domani Munga opens with a gripping hook, while Suzanna Owiyo’s melodious voice delivers wisdom on the importance of respect and understanding in love, as Sewer Sydaa and Scar Mkadinali add layers of emotion. It now enjoys over 2.4 million views on YouTube.
