10 young Kenyan artistes you need to start paying attention to

The Kenyan music industry has come under great scrutiny from various stakeholders over the past few months.

Some critics have argued that the existing longtime artists have not been doing enough to raise the Kenyan flag while some have argued that the state of the music industry is not worth raising alarm over.

However, the young upcoming musicians are often left out of the conversation while at the same time are quietly making waves in the industry.

Nikita Kering

Nikita Kering started her music career at an early age, however, she cemented her career in the music industry when she released her song titled ‘Tragedy’ in 2019.

The 19-year-old artist has since released songs such as ‘Happy with you’, ‘Crossing lines’ and her latest released and the most successful one is ‘Ex’.

In November 2021, Nikita well represented the country after scooping two Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Nigeria.

Trio Mio

Trio Mio came as a surprise to many Kenyans when he released his song ‘Cheza kama wewe’ sometime in early 2020.

His flow and well-structured bars have put him on the map as one of the best rappers of his generation in Kenya.

The young rapper also has a unique voice that puts him on the map as an A-list rapper in Kenya.

Xenia Manasseh

Xenia Manasseh is an alumnus of Berklee School of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

Manasseh made headlines early last year upon the release of American based singer Teyana Taylor’s album release when it was discovered that she wrote lyrics to one of the songs in the album, titled ‘Shoot it up’

Manasseh has also featured in Afro-pop band Sauti Sol’s hit song ‘Rhumba Japani’ featuring Bensoul, Nviiri the Storyteller, Okello Max & NHP.

She also lent her vocals to King Kaka on his 2019 slightly controversial song ‘Dear stranger’ in which he seemingly had different messages for his ex-Kaka Empire signees.

The young musician brings with her into the Kenyan music industry a fresh, new, and pure sound.

Bey T

Bey T, born Betty Atsedu, rose to fame in 2018 with her hit song ‘Bad Bad’.

Bey T further convinced Kenyans with her rap flows and finesse when she featured in Khaligraph Jones’ song ‘Khali Kartel 3’ alongside Breeder LW, Silverstone Barz, Rekles, and Chiwawa.

The young rapper has so far impressed with her beauty and her ease at rapping, which does not come easy.

Lil Maina

Lil Maina, born as Jeremy Maina, initially went viral after a comical video of the young boy dancing to a Jamaican song while his grandparents seemed unbothered circulated around social media.

However, the young comedian has now ventured into music and he seems to have a good go at it even though he says he is doing it just for fun.

The young man a few days ago released a hit song featuring fellow artist Ndovu Kuu, titled ‘Kishash’, and the song has received great online buzz after joining a list of popular songs that are on a Tiktok dance challenge.

Brandy Maina

Brandy Maina came into the limelight when she was featured in the popular Amapiano themed Kenyan song ‘Danger Dinji’ by Movaz Warombosaji Nation in December 2020, and another Amapiano hit song ‘Weka Piano’ featuring Rekless which was released four months ago.

The artiste is also a great dancer and she blends dance choreographies in her music videos.

Brandy has other well-received songs such as ‘Mary Jane’ and ‘Christmas Vibe.’

Iyanii became recognized with his popular song ‘Pombe/Above the head’ which was released in September 2021, which introduced the now popular party catchphrase “Kila mtu ako na pombe?”

Iyanii also released another hit song ‘Furaha’ barely a month ago that has created quite the online buzz. He seems to have created his niche around party songs and the fans are loving it.

Ethan Muziki

Singer and songwriter Ethan Muziki is fast cementing his place in the Kenyan music industry.

He has worked with artists such as King Kaka and Charisma.

Ethan was previously signed to ‘Kaka Empire’ as part of Jadi the band, but he however left to “ start my own solo career.”

Ethan has released songs such as ‘Kesho kutwa’ and ‘Wanakazana’ featuring Charisma, Mbithi, MWTB.

Sandra Solit

Singer and songwriter Sandra is a contemporary R&B singer that captures smooth and emotional lyrics in her singing and writing.

She has released songs such as ‘Love me’ and ‘Alive again’. 

Brokuod Music

Brokuod is a Kenyan trio boy band with an African pop sound that consists of Petro, Mbithi and Mabeya.

Brokuod has released songs such as ‘Sherehe’ ‘Far away’ and ‘Nishikilie.’