They say Kenyan music clutches at straws for identity; that it’s a concoction of various sounds, difficult to classify under a singular umbrella. In fact, maybe that’s the beauty of it. The first half of the year has seen some exciting collaborations emerging in the Kenyan urban music scene, featuring Rhumba, Afropop, Trap and Gengetone, from seasoned acts to new entrants. Here is a glimpse at what’s constituting the playlist of Kenya’s listeners.

From Ghana, Tunisia and Kenya to Egypt, Togo, Guinea… PAM presents a selection of ten tracks that have been making waves in the world of African rap in the second quarter of 2021.

The British rapper is back with a new anti-capitalist track. The Ghanaian-born London giant has released “Pound Signs,” a societal critique that references the British currency. The single opens with an excerpt from an interview with […]

Niariu offers a sociological reflection on romance in the early 21st century, filled with her own desires and uncertainties. “Sun” is the first single from her debut EP, Story of a Sad Mermaid. In the […]

The Manchester duo has teamed up with the rapper and chorographer MC Blackhaine for “B£E,” a single that heralds the release of their upcoming album, slated for  late August. Watch the new visual on PAM. […]

Accompanied by singer Anariii, the South London rapper has announced a new mixtape entitled Vic’s Lifestyle: Glory Days Pt. 3, scheduled for release on July 28. On “Cigar Talk,”  Vic Santoro reflects on his new […]

The Senegalese rapper has released a new video that sees him as the king of the scene in his native country. Elhadji Diallo (aka Elzo Jamdong) sings and raps in Wolof for the most part […]

The group from Niamey explores compositions inspired by traditional West African music as well as DIY hip-hop and electronic dancehall. Formed in 2002 by Aziz Tony, Bachou Issouf, and Salif André, Mamaki Boys was part […]