Wakadinali tops streaming in Kenya as Marioo leads in Tanzania

Wakadinali is also the sole Kenyan group in the top streamed artists, at No 7, in a list dominated by American and Nigerian stars. It’s also the most searched group in Kenya, whereas its album Ndani ya Cockpit 3 is one the most streamed albums overall at No 10.

Canadian hip hop star Drake is the most streamed artist in Kenya for the third year in a row. Drake is also the top streamed artist among 18 to 34 year olds, and the most searched on Spotify in Kenya.

The top streamed tracks list, on the other hand, is dominated by Afrobeats, with the only exception being Darassa and Bien’s collaboration ‘No Body’ in sixth place as rap, pop, Afrobeats, hip hop and R&B top Kenyans’ favourite genres.

Female artists may be lacking in the top lists, but, according to the report, there has been a 61% increase in their streams in Kenya, compared to a 27% rise globally. Karun, Nikita Kering’ and Xenia Manasseh are in the top 10 most exported Kenyan artists list, whereas Nikita Kering’ is the only female artist in the top 10 most streamed Kenyan artists.

“The Kenyan music scene has grown exponentially since our last Wrapped, and it is refreshing to see a Kenyan artist in the top streamed list,” Spotify SSA’s head of music, Phiona Okumu, said. “Our mission to amplify homegrown artists to global stages continues steadfastly.”

Meanwhile, Marioo is the most streamed artist in Tanzania followed by Diamond Platnumz and Drake in second and third positions, respectively.

In Uganda, Burna Boy, Drake and Ayra Starr are the most streamed artists, while Geoffrey Oryema, Lucien and Eddy Kenzo are the top three most imported artists, respectively. In an impressive showing, Ugandan singer and songwriter Azawi broke the mould, making it as the only local artist in the top 10 streamed albums at No 10.

Top streamed Kenyan artists