{"id":84091,"date":"2021-07-12T15:45:44","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T13:45:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/?p=84091"},"modified":"2021-12-27T16:27:05","modified_gmt":"2021-12-27T15:27:05","slug":"the-best-kenyan-songs-of-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/the-best-kenyan-songs-of-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"The best Kenyan songs and collaborations of 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">They say Kenyan music clutches at straws for identity; that it\u2019s a concoction of various sounds, difficult to classify under a singular umbrella. In fact, maybe that\u2019s 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\u2019s constituting the playlist of Kenya\u2019s listeners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"FEELING -  NAMELESS AND WAHU  (Official video) (The Mz)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jehpMhnp4KQ?feature=oembed&#038;autoplay=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Nameless &amp; Wahu \u2013 Feeling&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>July 07, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fans love to refer to them as the Jay Z &amp; Beyonce of Kenya. Nameless and Wahu have exuded relationship goals for most aspiring young Kenyans over the years. \u201cFeeling\u201d is inspired by several true stories including that of Nameless and Wahu at the beginning of their courtship. <em>\u201cThis is a song that describes a conflict between emotion and societal conditioning. In this video, a saved college girl is conflicted between her love for a man and the fact that he is not born again\u201d, shared The Mathenges. <\/em>\u201cFeeling\u201d is the second collaboration from the couple who have each been releasing solo music since they debuted in the music scene almost two decades ago. The song is produced by Cedo.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Masauti  ft Trio Mio - No Stress (Official  Music Video) For SKIZA SMS &#039; SKIZA 5961956&#039; To 811\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iQyKpu-wNWI?feature=oembed&#038;autoplay=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Masauti \u2013 No Stress&nbsp;<strong>(feat.<\/strong><\/strong> <strong>Trio Mio)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>June 25, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Masauti and Trio Mio are part of the new generation flag bearers of Urban Kenyan music, with a distinct youthful sound. On No Stress, they exhibit the follies of youth; fun, drugs and beautiful ladies, living young, wild and free. This is the typical music you\u2019re likely to hear in popular clubs and on mainstream media across the country. No Stress was produced by Mavo on the Beat.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"BAHATI Feat. NADIA MUKAMI - PETE YANGU (Official Video) FOR SKIZA SIMPLY DIAL *812*825#\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/A9iAHRJvkHg?feature=oembed&#038;autoplay=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bahati&nbsp;\u2013 Pete Yangu<\/strong> <strong>(feat.<\/strong> <strong>Nadia Mukami<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>June 14, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nadia Mukami and Bahati link up on this Afropop ballad, exchanging sweet nothings over a lively instrumentation that evokes mushy feelings of romance. \u201cPete Yangu\u201d is a single off Bahati\u2019s recently released Album, Love Like This, that saw the previously gospel artist cross over to the secular scene. On \u201cPete Yangu\u201d the two utilize Swahili lyricism to convey tender confessions of love to each other in a nuptial context.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"H_ART THE BAND - MY JABER ft. BRIZY ANNECHILD (Official Audio) TO SET AS SKIZA DIAL *811*343#\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_y10xrbPqno?feature=oembed&#038;autoplay=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>H_art The Band \u2013 My Jaber&nbsp;(feat. Brizy Annechild<\/strong>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>June 4, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When searching for music with discernible messages and storytelling, away from trendy catchphrase-driven compositions, one can almost always bet on H_art The Band to deliver. The trio returned with their third full body of work titled Simple Man, an EP that carries their signature poetic lyrics, this time delivered in English, Kiswahili, French and Sheng (street slang). One of the leading singles from the project is \u201cMy Jaber\u201d, a collaboration with Brizy Annechild who hails from Kisumu, the western part of Kenya. The upbeat song praises the beauty of women, especially from Western region of the country. This is another Cedo production.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Femi One - Adonai Ft. Bern Mziki (Official Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l3NkrpST3v8?feature=oembed&#038;autoplay=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Femi One \u2013 Adonai&nbsp;(feat. Bern Mziki)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>May 17, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Femi One is a Hip Hop artist who has greatly evolved over time, growing her brand beyond Kenya, to the neighboring East and Southern Africa. She recently launched her debut album, Greatness, featuring \u201cAdonai\u201d as the lead single. She collaborates with Bern Mziki who, in addition to producing the track, also sings on it, harmonizing her raps with sweet melodic delivery on the hooks. \u201cThis song is for all of us who are thankful to God for coming through in our lives\u201d, she says. \u201c<em>Adonai\u201d means My Lord,<\/em>&nbsp;it is&nbsp;one&nbsp;of the many ways we can refer to God when praising Him and thanking Him. This basically sums up the meaning of the track, with&nbsp;Femi&nbsp;giving thanks to God for all the success she has and continues to have. \u201cMy relationship with God has always been close and my musical journey has solidified this relationship more.&nbsp;Adonai is my gratitude song for the greatness that He has given me personally and how He has shown up for me in my life and career. Adonai took me from being overlooked to being overbooked.\u201d She adds.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"KING KAKA X OTILE BROWN - FIGHT (Official Music Video) (Sms Skiza &#039;76310245&#039; to 811)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C5liVYABXCk?start=226&#038;feature=oembed&#038;autoplay=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>King Kaka &amp; Otile Brown \u2013 Fight<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>July 07, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>King Kaka and Otile Brown are back with a second collaboration, four years after their first hit, Alivyonipenda, which introduced listeners to their seamless musical chemistry. The groovy and danceable \u201cFight\u201d narrates the yearning of artists to live stress-free, without unnecessary confrontations, either from people or circumstances. The fusion of King Kaka\u2019s wordplays, with Otile\u2019s smooth melodies makes for a joyful listen on \u201cFight\u201d, effortlessly attracting a replay. It\u2019s pleasing to know that, beyond the collaborations, the artists are also admirers of one another\u2019s work and career, as King Kaka endorsed Brown as Kenya&#8217;s current best artist. <em>&#8220;Wewe ndio the number one artist in the country, niko na number one artist in the country man<\/em> (I\u2019m with the number one artist in the country, you are the one)&#8221;, Said Kaka.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Bensoul - Nairobi ft Sauti Sol, Nviiri the Storyteller, Mejja (Video) SMS [Skiza 5801553] to 811\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7cV9DpE7yy8?feature=oembed&#038;autoplay=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sol Generation \u2013 Nairobi&nbsp;(feat. Mejja)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Jan 15, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it\u2019s been months since Bensol and Sol Generation partnered with Mejja to release this epic single early in the year, you will hear it around every corner of Nairobi like it\u2019s just dropped. Perhaps it has something so intertwined with the city that goes beyond the title. Well, Nairobi is a true reflection of the culture and sonic mishmash in Kenya\u2019s capital. Lyrically, it narrates the messy urban life of trickery, backstabbing, materialism and individualism: where everyone&#8217;s for themselves, and boundaries, even in relationships, are blurred. Sonically, Nairobi sees the convergence of the city&#8217;s various music elements, fusing Trap, Rhumba and Gengetone. The song has contributing vocals from Bensoul, Sauti Sol, Nviiri the Storyteller &amp; Mejja, with background vocals by Akisa Wangari.<em>&nbsp;<\/em>It boasts of a handful of production credits namely SoFresh254, Bensoul, Savara &amp; Mbogua. Hornsphere and Yvan Kwizera contribute additional strings and horns.<em> <\/em>Safe to say it\u2019s actually beautiful when the lines are blurry all through.Find some of these tracks in our One Dance playlist on&nbsp;Spotify&nbsp;and&nbsp;Deezer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>They say Kenyan music clutches at straws for identity; that it\u2019s a concoction of various sounds, difficult to classify under a singular umbrella. In fact, maybe that\u2019s 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\u2019s constituting the playlist of Kenya\u2019s listeners.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":84130,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7833,9400],"tags":[20359,23741],"location":[8092],"yst_prominent_words":[8403,8414,8447,8435,35419,15648,8543],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84091"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/75"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84091"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84091\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/84130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84091"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84091"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84091"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=84091"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pan-african-music.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=84091"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}