Everyone has their favourite 2025 Kenyan albums and EPs of the year depending on their musical tastes. While some are true hiphop heads, others are gengetone geng geng. So, what makes this top 10 list different?
Well for one, there’s a little bit of everything: Kenyan R&B, reggae and even gospel. But if you know me, you know my heart belongs in Afrofusion. Because there’s something magical in fusing the old and the new, the traditional and the contemporary.
Some of these albums went unnoticed because they weren’t released by Kenya’s most-streamed Kenyan artists on DSPs, yet they quietly shaped the sound of the year.
One clear trend in 2025 was collaboration. Kenyan artists worked together more than ever, leaned into local languages, and embraced authentic African instruments. And if we’re being honest, our Luo kings and queens stood tall — delivering some of the year’s most romantic, lyrical, and emotionally rich projects.
So, what are the top 10 Kenyan albums and EPs of 2025 that probably missed your radar? Let’s explore them together, shall we…
The former background vocalist of Coster Ojwang’ makes her confident mark in the Kenyan music scene with her debut album which is just too short and sweet. Koko flows effortlessly between benga, rumba and highlife while singing about self-empowerment, family, and her miracle baby Aza. This Luo queen has a powerful authentic African voice, and wait till you see her live on stage!
Faves: Resistance, Visanga ni Visu, Asere
For more Afrofusion magic, listen to Kasiva’s debut album who not only plays percussion but also sings and plays guitar! Desturi encapsulates the sound of Africa borrowing inspiration from West Africans drums, Luhya rhythms in Amalemba and Sudanese melodies in Al Nuba. Produced by Hermann Ogulla and featuring Afrofusion kings Lulu Abdalla, Brian Sigu and Wd Abbo, Desturi has finally given Kasiva the wings to tour in international festivals as a solo artist.
Faves: Mbio za Sakafu, Ndikweteela, Korosho na Pipi
Njoki Karu’s debut album is as soulful, vulnerable and healing as her 2020 EP Tawasifu ya Moyo. Mwihoko feels like going to church with familiar Kenyan hymns such as the Swahili Panapo Upendo, the Kikuyu Njakaniria Tawa and Luo Tayanje Yesu. Best listened to on a Sunday evening when you’re in the mood to brood and meditate.
Faves: Fall, Interlude, Hope
When you bring two Luo kings together, you not only get ohangla but also benga pop. It’s not only the benga guitar that shines but also Senegalese talking drums in Jawaya Jathum, Luo orutu in Pokunena, and the popular folk song Wan Wadhi – amapiano style. To balance the masculine with the feminine energies, they also feature contemporary Dholuo queens The Only Rosa and Lisa Oduor-Noah who give this 2025 Kenyan album a sweet sultry touch.
Faves: Maria, Dala, Inemara
Do you remember what happened in June 25th 2024? Conscious Kenyan rapper Monaja reminds us of this historical moment through maandamano skits, sombre laments and powerful collaborations laced with sheng lyrics and wandindi melodies. A time capsule of the past and present maandamano, this is the most revolutionary Kenyan album of 2025.
Faves: Tunachachisha, Hii Furaha, Ukombozi
I first heard this album at Nairobi Dub Club where Kenyan reggae artist Zikki performed with the French producer Matthieu Bost on saxophone. Here Zikki shines a light on love, panAfricanism and freedom, and treats you to a special reggae version of rumba classic Sina Makosa by Les Wanyika. Featuring collaborations with German singer Sara Lugo, Kenyan Queen Bee 254 and Grammy-winning producers Bost & Bim, Angaza is one Kenyan reggae album with international standards.
Faves: Trouble, Simple Things, Love & Wars
Recommended by a friend, this 2025 Kenyan album begins with soulful Swahili ballads and is carried along by smooth rumba melodies. You’ll experience Kalenjin benga, Luhya amapiano, and Afrolatin kompa all in one fun album. Jefflawgan also features plenty of Kenyan kings such as Kenchez Muya, Shad Mziki, Yaba and Halisi the Band in his sophmore album.
Faves: Unagongewa, Luor Hera, Achamin
After recovering from post partum blues, the Queen of Afrofusion is back in full glory! Borrowing elements from her previous projects KUWE and Misimu, her sophomore album oozes with love duets, heartbreaking songs and self-empowerment anthems. As she proclaimed during her sold-out album launch concert at The Alchemist in Nairobi, SERRO jina kubwa.
Faves: Body, Nguyu, Mwanga
While we all need some healing in our lives, Okello’s comes in the form of romantic love. In this album, he’s deep in his R&B bag making Dholuo sound oh so sexy with Xenia Manasseh’s unmistakable airy vocals in the background. Produced by Hendrick Sam and RUN while featuring KodongKlan, it’s banger after banger over here.
Faves: Healing, Taya, International Foreigner
While Okello soared with kompa classic Taya, 2025 was also the year for the urban-taarab princess thanks to her hit song Tamu Sana. Her debut EP tells the familiar story of love found and lost – from desire to romance to heartbreak that any love girl can relate to. Anariko’s acoustic production, Chris Adwar mixing and mastering, and Erico’s percussion perfectly compliment Zaituni’s incredible voice.
Faves: Sasa Hivi, Tick Tock, Pressure
Special Mentions
And while I couldn’t fit all the best 2025 Kenyan albums and EPs in this top 10 list, here are some special mentions that deserve recognition for their brilliance.
- clrdsncs ii by mrnayed (alternative pop)
- Reveal and Release – Juliebrenda (RnB pop)
- Hot Box by SHLM (lo-fi pop)
- Musings EP by Clark Keeng, Zawadi Mukami, Chris Barr (alternative R&B)
- Thatched House EP – Küribã (house)
- Nani Alisema – Kayrop & Liboi (Afrohouse)
- Ua – Checkmate Mido (hiphop)
- Status Report – AirConditioner (experimental electronic)
- Just Chills by Haro Chilumo (R&B)
- Jacaranda Propaganda by Gitonga Mukira (Afropop)
In short – Kenyan music in 2025 was full of character, collaboration and culture. What will Kenyan musicians create in 2026? Stick around to find out. In the meantime, enjoy these fine Kenyan albums because you deserve it.
So, what was your favourite Kenyan album or EP of the year?