Kenyan Songs Featured on Rolling Stone’s Best Afropop List 2023
Rolling Stone Magazine is an iconic American publication that has existed for over 50 years. Founded in 1967, it mainly features music, politics, and pop culture articles.
Since its inception, Rolling Stone has gained a vast following but has shifted its content to target a younger generation. Therefore, being featured in it is a big accomplishment for many artists.
In 2022, it started publishing an annual list of the Best 40 Afropop songs as part of its commitment to showcasing diverse musical genres.
Afropop is an umbrella term for Afrobeats, Amapiano, R&B, Hip-hop/Rap, Gengetone, Drill, etc., all of which are unique, vibrant, and exciting genres.
While some of the songs in the list can’t be classified as Afropop due to style differences, they were picked for their innovative fusion of Kenyan music with contemporary pop and hip-hop sound.
Here are the Kenyan Songs Featured on Rolling Stone’s Best Afropop List 2023;
34. Nviiri the Storyteller, Bien, and Bensoul – Nikilewa
The track “Nikilewa” from his album Inside Out deserves its place on this list. It features his musical peers Bien and Bensoul, lyrically and sonically bringing the best of both worlds.
31. Octopizzo – Wapi Compe
After Lamu Nights, Mr. Ohanga released this experimental track to make a statement, boldly claiming that he has no competition in the industry.
Octopizzo has consistently claimed to be the best rapper throughout his 13-year career and often has jabs with fellow rapper Khaligraph.
30. Wakadinali – Sikutambui
“Sikutambui” was a massive (yes, I said it, MASSIVE) hit, continuing Wakadinali’s streak of hits (insert “Geri Inengi” 😉). Fueled by TikTok, this bop blew up, further taking it to greater heights.
“Sikutambui” is a Swahili word that means “I don’t recognize you.” The song is set on a dancehall soundscape, giving Wakadinali an even bigger audience.
20. Bien – Ma Cherie
Bien wrapped up a phenomenal year with an album, Alusa, Why Are You Topless? which produced this gem. With his vocals on this one described as “effortlessly sexy,” this Lingala-influenced song ranks highest among the featured Kenyan tracks.
I can’t wait to see Kenyan Songs Featured on Rolling Stone’s Afropop list for 2024.
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