Top hits of of 2024

Mr Tee - Digii IV feat Joshua Baraka, Tenorboy

Among one of the breakout Arbantone stars of the year, Tee has skyrocketed to stardom and ubiquity with this jaunt of a record. Tapping Ugandan maven Joshua Baraka and peer Tenorboy, the three remixed a track that was already bubbling in the streets. Interpolating Brick and Lace’s “Love is Wicked” the record has been a mainstay in the clubs and social media.

Kudade - Fathermoh ft. Various Artists

A gleeful and playful anthem, Black Markets Record breadwinner Fathermoh enlisted collaborators from Harry Craze, Fancy Fingers, NDOVU KUU, Lil Maina just to name a few to conjure up a record that had replay value and catchiness all honeyed around it. Moh has had his best year musically and commercially cementing his name as a key component of contemporary urban music in Kenya. 

Lil Maina - Nakam Sai ft Sosa The Prodigy

Linking up with his collective’s Co-signee Watoto Wakorofi member, Lil Maina extended his dominance in the music industry with this boisterous cut. “Nakam Sai” came hot on the heels of his chart-topping debut opus ‘Maisha Ya Stunna’ and catapulted to the Q1 hits into the later part of the year. Maina has solidified his ambition as an artist by consistently producing bassy sounds that live in the club and in car rides all over Nairobi. 

Dyana Cods - Set It (ft. AJAY)

Riddled with controversy over copyrights and ownership, the drama looming around the record did not dim its shine one bit. Former Zoza Nation queen Dyana Cods popped out with a sizzling number alongside Buruklyn Boyz half AJAY to light up a year embattled with political turmoil and trauma. The track sparked the year into delirium inspiring TikTok dance challenges and content maintaining its reign at the helm of all charts for longer than any other track apart from the next contender. 

Wadagliz - Anguka Nayo

A surprise record, “Anguka Nayo” seized the year in unparalleled fashion. The group Wadagliz sprout out of thin air like many Arbantone purveyors to thrill fans with their magnetic dance moves and inescapable vibes. With a stutter dance move to accompany the bouncy beat, Wadagliz owned the year with a record that announced their entry into popular music’s fray even performing during national celebrations laying a marker for how major the record was. 

Njerae - Aki Sioni

Lover girl Njerae capped the year off signing with music powerhouse Universal Music Group’ East Africa division. But her record “Aki Sioni” has proved a timeless ode to love and belonging. Melting about her delusion of being in love, Njerae has fashioned being in committed relationships over club bangers and this has seen her become one of the most streamed artists on Spotify from Kenya, as well as one of the fastest up and comers to hail from Nairobi. She is one to watch next year. 

Vic West - Big, Bigger Biggest

For “Kuna Kuna” beatsmith and architect, Victor Amani famously hailed as Vic West - his formulaic approach to music continues to prove time-defiant. West’s offerings this year marveled and his latest approach to featuring TikTok creators on his titles have become a welcome tactic to boost his brand. Working with Colloblue proved a master stroke for this particular single, and roping in new talent in Malosh and Becky speaks to his ability to see promising exploits before it even yields. 

Matata - Inakubalika ft. Watendawili

Oslo-based faction Matata conflating their perspective with crooners Watendawili for a roaring banger was timely. The stapled liner “Niwache nyash iende kwani me ni nugu” has characterized the year along with other standout bars such as “Kifo cha Mende”. For Matata to pair up with one of the most influential groups in Kenyan Afropop lore was a decision many music fans can thank them for. A naughty anthem that was as sinister as was bullish, the track electrified the cultural scene this year. 

Iyanii - Kifo Cha Mende ft. V-Be

A slogan that has embodied the year, talisman Iyanni jerked the year with this emotive and hedonist song. Speaking to the pleasures of being sensual with a woman, Iyanni framed the feeling into a party-filled outing that casted Kenyan fusion boy duo V-Be. The record elicits positive energy and was another Cedo-curated piece that will be added to his illustrious list of records that can be easily classified as hit records. 

Bensoul - Extra Pressure ft. Bien

The head above shoulders anthem standout on his second studio album, “Extra Pressure” was spawned from the numerous studio camps the two Sol Gen members orchestrated. A regional crown jewel, the record dominated the charts in both Uganda and Kenya. The hip-breaker emphasizes Bien and Bensoul’s commitment to churn out records that orbit around fun, dance and love. 

Breeder LW - Dedi Dedilii

Since Breeder’s brazen turn to pivot into more pop-laden records, he has been as successful as any rapper in Kenya can get. From shows outside the country, Breeder trades his hardcore and baleful shell for more club-friendly and unorthodox cuts that feature easy quotables and bubble gum songs. The methodology has worked wonders for him and counterpart Maandy and this dancehall-esque cut allows him to diversify and maintain his commercial appeal and viability.

Tipsy Gee - Finish Khumalo

One of the most seminal catch phrases was birthed from the streets and made it into pop cultural echelons through this record. Tipsy who sprawled into the scene following the ginormous anthem “Tiktoker” has never looked back and this cut elaborates why he is one of the posterchilds for Kenyan urban music today. The Riddim-leaning song allows Tipsy’s succinct voice the space to take center stage and manipulate the record to his liking lyrically. Tipsy who continues to shape the culture beat by beat was on top form and this is a cut that could be in a debate for all-timer songs in Kenya now. 

Zzero Sufuri - Kudunda Kudonjo

Another term that was coined in the street, Zzero gave himself another lease of life in the relevant scope of things through this piece. With Arbantone easily the DNA of the youth today in Kenya, Zzero channeled a hit that celebrates the culture of enjoying life without the weight of the world. This thematic expression of happiness and happy go-lucky is a realm Zzero thrives in and he delivered some of his most adept performances on this record. Evolving from a Gengetone to Arbantone is a trait that a fair amount of artists have found a daunting task, however Zzero effortlessly floats on the beat and matches Kenyans’ energy for the nightlife. 

Stoopid Boy - G Bag A Jat 

Easily a platinum record in the streets, former Gotta City trendsetter and street lyricist Stoopid Boy gifted Kenyans the saying of the year. A track that pays homage to partying and good times, Stoopid Boy chronicles what an occasioned night for him with his confidantes and compatriots could be like. Assisted by heavyweights Mejja and Breeder LW on the remix, the two titans appearance on the accentuates version of the track is a nod to the impact the record stirred not only in the airwaves, but in the grassroots and street-level.