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Tag: serro

  • The Top 10 Kenyan albums and EPs that defined 2025  

    The Top 10 Kenyan albums and EPs that defined 2025  

    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…

    1. A song for my miracle baby – Koko Koseso

    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

    1. Desturi – Kasiva Mutua

    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 

    1. Mwîhoko: Ûtheri wa Ngoro – Njoki Karu 

    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

    1. Jawaya Jathum – Fancy Fingers and Winyo

    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

    1. June 25th – Monaja 

    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 

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    1. Angaza – Zikki and Bost & Bim

    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

    1. Son of Chesebe – Jefflawgan 

    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

    1. Dusk to Dawn – Serro 

    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

    1. Okello Max – Healing

    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 

    1. Zaituni – Labor of Love

    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.

    1. clrdsncs ii by mrnayed (alternative pop) 
    2. Reveal and Release – Juliebrenda (RnB pop) 
    3. Hot Box by SHLM (lo-fi pop) 
    4. Musings EP by Clark Keeng, Zawadi Mukami, Chris Barr (alternative R&B)
    5. Thatched House EP – Küribã (house)
    6. Nani Alisema – Kayrop & Liboi (Afrohouse)
    7. Ua – Checkmate Mido (hiphop)
    8. Status Report – AirConditioner (experimental electronic) 
    9. Just Chills by Haro Chilumo (R&B)
    10. 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?

  • The Best of 2020: Have You Listened to these Kenyan Albums and EPs?

    The Best of 2020: Have You Listened to these Kenyan Albums and EPs?

    For a year that felt like gloom and doom, there have been so many Kenyan music projects released in 2020. Too many in fact.

    So which ones should you listen to?

    In the spirit of resilience, most Kenyan musicians did not let this unprecedented year mess up their plans. As Tetu Shani once said, I got plans for 2020… Corona will not stop me.

    The lack of live gigs only seemed to fuel their creative fire. They’ve been busy cooking in the music kitchen. 

    And every other week, another Kenyan artist would announce on Instagram they have a new project out. Meaning more music to chill with as we worked (and played) at home.

    Because of this, I have sampled plenty of new Kenyan albums and EPs in 2020. And there are many more I haven’t listened to yet. 

    If I were to name them all, this article would turn into a book. 

    So let’s cut to the chase. The following albums and EPs impressed me from the first listen. Here are my top 10 – in order of release date.

    Albums:

    1. Lucky You – Nyashinski

    This one came as a big surprise. After churning hits after hits, the biggest comeback in Kenyan music history gave us something we never expected.

    Lucky You is melodic and dance-worthy, infused with Nyashinski’s legendary lyricism. This Lucky You album review by Sanaa kwa Sana says it all. 

    Favourites: Lucky You, Traveler, Sweet Aroma

    2. KUWE – Serro

    The first thing that enticed me to this Kenyan album was the Voguesque black and white cover art. Serro was determined to release her debut album with a bang! (no pun intended)

    3 years in the making, KUWE is a clear display of Serro’s versatility as an Afrofusion artist. Whether it’s sampling benga, bango, reggae, Afrosoul, or singing in 5 different African languages, Serro has done it all. 

    And yes, Mutoriah produced it.

    Favourites: Okello, Hey Baby, Mama

    3. Midnight Train – Sauti Sol

    Mwanzo might still be our favourite Sauti Sol album but Midnight Train pulled up in 2020 to steal the show. The globe-trotting Kenyan band have cemented themselves as African legends with this classic Kenyan album which pays homage to the past while looking towards Babylon.

    Between tantalizing Afropop records, fusing rhumba with trap music, surprise international features, and even putting Luhya on an Afro-house record, what’s not to love about Midnight Train. 

    Favourites: Insecure, Nenda Lote, Rhumba Japani

    4. The Kaya Collective

    After an electrifying opening performance at Kilifi New Year 2020, The Kaya Collective transferred their explosive energy into the studio. Their eponymous debut album is a mchuzi mix of punk rock, benga, jazz, reggae, and everything in between. It’s like hearing the Kenyan-British band live for the first time.

    Favourites: Nairobeat, Tell Me, The Beast Was Slain

    5. Changanya- Nabalayo 

    I first knew about this female Kenyan musician through a Reform Radio Nairobi Connect mix by DJ Lasta. And after hearing the chakacha laden Mwana wa Gorofa ya Nabalayo, I was hooked! 

    You will be lured in by her honey vocals, Swahili lyricism, and wild experimentation with all kinds of sounds that will surely changanya you.

    Favourites: Mwana wa Gorofa, Cry me a river, Gari ya moshi

    EPs

    6. Qwarantunes – Bensoul

    What a blessing we got from Bensoul while we were dealing with constricting curfews and being locked down at home. Qwarantunes was made during the quarantine season and it includes everything we love about Papa Soul: soulful ballads, 420 anthems, and naughty references from the big Dzaddy of the year.

    Favourite: Forget You

    7. JBWFDMWB – Tetu Shani 

    After a whole year of releasing one song a month in his OSAM challenge, Tetu Shani finally released his debut EP in 2020. 

    JBWFDMWB is the epitome of Kenyan alternative rock that might remind you of those X FM days – with a touch of AfroLatin. It was recorded at Fadhilee Itulya’s Nairobi penthouse, where the Omutibo King also recorded his second album Shindu Shi. 

    Favourite: Just Because We Fight Doesn’t Mean We’re Broken

    8. Tawasifu ya Moyo – Njoki Karu

    Now, this is what you call music therapy for the soul. Njoki Karu’s heavenly voice and ethereal melodies swept me away from planet earth and took me to bliss in 22 minutes. This autobiography of her heart will do the same for you. 

    Favourite: Mawio

    9. Fire – Ayrosh

    FIRE is that project we never knew we needed. Ayrosh seduces both you and your lover in Gikuyu while DJ Mura lays down the most sensual R&B and lo-fi beats ever. Basically, this 4-track EP is absolute fire!

    Favourite: Ya!

    10. Sazile – Kato Change, Winyo and Suraj

    This Gondwana label EP closes the year as the golden sunset does to a glorious day. Winyo’s sweet voice, Kato Change’s signature guitars, and Suraj’s superb production combine to create authentic Kenyan house music that will make you dance! What else do you expect from the musicians who made the Kenyan house anthem Abiro?

    Favourite: Oriti

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    Since they couldn’t fit in this top 10 list, here are some special mentions:

    • My Way by Wendy Kay – Four tracks, four producers, one lead singer. My Way is our official introduction to the soulful songstress who keeps on reinventing herself. 
    • Nairobass by XPRSO – The NuNairobi producer collective gave us an eclectic and bass-driven project in 2020. From the club popping Party to the conscious track Thinking, it has something for every youngin.
    • Odes by Queens and BLK2541 by Waithaka – The US-based prolific producer broke a record: two albums in one year. While Odes is an all-female Kenyan album, BLK2541 features both boys and girls from Afrika and the diaspora.
    • Vikky Secrets by Steph Kapela – Steph’s sultry R&B side comes out to play on his debut album. Expect plenty of Trey Songz’ Trigga vibes on this one.
    • Njaa ya Nai by RIZE – They say there’s a certain hunger for success when you’re living in the fast and furious city of Nairobi. Rising star RIZE puts it out there in Gikuyu, Swahili, and English while featuring Steph the rapper (who also released her own Change EP in 2020).

    I know I have barely scratched the surface with this list. They are too many gems lying underneath. 

    If your favourite project isn’t mentioned here, share it in the comments with a short and sweet synopsis.

    So, which 2020 Kenyan album or EP took you through this gloomy year?

    P.S. If you want some more Kenyan magic (who doesn’t) then check out the best Kenyan albums and EPs of 2021 here.

  • Waithaka presents Odes by Queens: The first all-female Kenyan album

    Waithaka presents Odes by Queens: The first all-female Kenyan album

    We met on Instagram. 28th September 2017. Since it goes down in the DM, I hit him up asking if he could send me a Kwame song to play on my radio show The Music Junkies. He quickly obliged.

    Since then we’ve been talking online, him sending me his new songs and me sharing my feedback.

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  • Dear Musician, This is How You Do Social Media Like A Pro

    Dear Musician, This is How You Do Social Media Like A Pro

    I’m not good at this. How do I use social media to engage my fans?

    If I could count the number of times Kenyan musicians have asked me this, I would probably run out of fingers – and toes. 

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  • The reason why “Kasyoki Wa Mitumba” by Serro went viral

    The reason why “Kasyoki Wa Mitumba” by Serro went viral

    There have been a lot of great Kenyan songs released in 2019, but not like this one. I have never seen a song pick up that fast other than Extravaganza or Khali Cartel 3. Which to be fair, featured a cluster of Kenyan music superstars. 

    But what is it about Kasyoki Wa Mitumba that made Serro suddenly blow up?

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  • The GoDown Gig begins 2019 with a Big Bang

    The GoDown Gig begins 2019 with a Big Bang

    When I saw the lineup, I literally screamed with joy. “This cannot be happening. We are not ready for all this fire on one stage in one day”, I exclaimed while looking at the event poster of the first Godown Gig of 2019.

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  • How to be charmed by the intimate Uani by Serro event

    How to be charmed by the intimate Uani by Serro event

    They say you never forget your first time. Whether it’s your first sloppy kiss or your first live concert as an adult. It’s kinda true. For that same reason, you might never forget your first Uani by Serro event.

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  • Here’s what happened when I went to the secret Fadhilee’s Garage

    Here’s what happened when I went to the secret Fadhilee’s Garage

    I have this habit of always being late for events. My friends and I have already gotten used to it. However, I really wanted to be on time for this one. My first ever Fadhilee’s Garage. I mean, how would you look if you were late for your first date?

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