Top 10 Kenyan Albums of 2023
Read through to find out our Top 10 Kenyan Albums of 2023 picks
In 2023, the Kenyan music scene was awash with creativity, new artists, and a ton of new music. The year had everything from the rising popularity of “ArbanTone,” fueled by TikTok challenges, to soulful music.
Another major highlight was the Spotify Africa x ColorsStudios collaboration, where six Kenyan R&B artists (Lisa Oduor-Noah, Xenia Manasseh, Karun, Bien, Nyokabi Kariũki, Maya Amolo, Zowie Kengocha, and Matt Ngesa) showcased their vocal prowess on COLORS.
With so much music coming out, many Kenyan artists surprised the masses by releasing new albums. Let’s look at the top 10 Kenyan albums of 2023.
10. ME AGAINST ME – KATAPILLA
Starting strong with the politically charged “World War 3,” Katapilla set the tone for ME AGAINST ME. Utilizing his rapid-fire rap style, he crafted a masterpiece that eventually earned him an Unkut Hip-hop award for Album of the Year.
On collaborations with Wakadinali’s Scar and SewerSydaa as well as Skillo and Hassano, the album delved into themes of renewed hope and surviving the struggle, as evident in the tracks “Mwanaume ni bidii” and “Different Energy.”
The line “Niangushe album mbili alafu niende tour,” off the lead single “Pressure,” served as a statement, illustrating that Katapilla was not here to play; the pressure was on, indicating a determined approach to the year ahead.
9. LOVE ART LUST – FENA GITU
8. LION OF SUDAH – BENSOUL
7. ASALI (SWEETER) – MAYA AMOLO
6. EMOTIONAL GANGSTER – WANGECHI
Wangechi solidified her comeback with a second release in two years on Emotional Gangster. The album cover reflects the title and vividly represents her persona: set against a black background, she dons a white durag that seamlessly transforms into a white veil paired with a white vest and pants.
On Emotional Gangster, she carefully curated her collaborations, letting her shine. She featured only three artists: Buruklyn Boyz on the lead single “Mzigo,” Domani Munga on “Chachisha,” and Kaa La Moto on “Wanitaka.”
The album highlights themes of growth and reflection, coupled with a touch of bravado on tracks such as “Kiki 2,” “Msichana Mrembo,” and “Mzigo.” The outro of “Kidogo” features an excerpt reminiscent of her 2014 grisly road accident.
5. FREEDOM – SABI WU
Hailing from Nairobi’s Kilimani estate, Sabi Wu finally dropped his highly anticipated LP Freedom in 2023 after an 8-month hiatus.
His versatility shines as the LP boasts a wide range of sounds and features; he showcases his ability to seamlessly blend genres, from Rap, R&B, and Afroswing to Gengetone. Songs like “African Body,” “Maandamano,” and “Mungiki Freestyle” depict his artistry, with each offering a unique sonic experience. Additionally, “Nyamaza,” “Tired!,” and “Nitakusema” add an extra layer to the album, blending sheng and uptown vibes.
Not a stranger to consistency, Sabi Wu has released an album every year since 2020. Freedom continues this trend, further solidifying his presence in the music scene.
4. LAMU NIGHTS – OCTOPIZZO
Released on 26th October 2022, Lamu Nights was a surprise package for Octopizzo fans. Taking on a different sonic approach, Namba Nane’s finest opted to work with a new crop of young artists. Inspired by the culture and beaches of the coastal island of Lamu, the album takes you on a journey throughout Kenya, incorporating different styles, genres, and languages.
Opening with the soulful vocals by Lisa Oduor-Noah on “Vacation,” to the Dhuluo woven cuts “Bad Vibes” and “Achupa,” and back to his hip-hop roots on “No Signal” featuring Buruklyn Boyz and the outro “Zigi Zaga,” the album is an embodiment nationalism, demonstrating the level of diversity Octopizzo is capable of achieving.
The album was a great listen and helped cement him to his core fanbase, earning him a new set of endearing R&B fans.
3. LOVE / HATE Pt. 1 – XENIA MANASSEH
2. ALUSA, WHY ARE YOU TOPLESS? – BIEN
Man a Bald Man Bien emerged and blessed the music scene with this undeniable masterpiece. With a meme-worthy cover, the album reminded us (just in case we had forgotten) what Bien is capable of musically. Arriving barely two weeks after SolFest, Alusa, why are you topless? capped off an eventful November for Bien.
The musical journey begins with “Legend (Intro),” setting the tone for the album before fan favorites “Chikwere,” “A Student,” “My Baby,” and “Ma Cherie,” which placed at number 20 on Rolling Stone’s Top 40 Afropop list.
Towards the album’s end, in true bald man fashion, the phrase “Kipara Bila Pesa Kidonda” on “Lifestyle” leaves the listener contemplating. Throughout the album, Bien takes the listener on a journey courtesy of his vocal abilities. Within a few weeks, the album’s success is a game-changer, leaving fans with a body of work to enjoy.
1. NDANI YA COCKPIT 3 – WAKADINALI
Kaa hunitambui, sikutambui
Munga domani (wakadinali)
These three words from the hook of “Sikutambui” vividly captured Wakadinali’s nonchalant attitude. The Hip-hop trio, hailing from Umoja estate in Eastlands, topped the 2023 most streamed Kenyan artist(s) on Spotify list, ultimately securing the year’s top album.
Despite coming out in December 2022, Ndani Ya Cockpit 3 was on heavy rotation and made waves throughout the year. The release of visuals for the singles “Sikutambui,” “Case Closed,” “Mariwanna,” and “Chunga” further pushed the album. Crafted by long-time collaborator Aress 66 (who produced and mastered most of the album), the album differed sonically from the trilogy.
Another driving force was the well-picked collaborations with Wangechi, Khaligraph, and Zoza Nation artists (Skillo, Mc Gijo, and Riddiq), plus an array of artists on the final two tracks, “Rong Reggae” and “Rong Cypher 2.0” coming full-circle.
Ndani Ya Cockpit 3‘s great reception underscores its well-deserved crown, and we can’t wait to see what Wakadinali has in store for us in 2024.
Honourable mentions:
Flavor – Maandy
Uptown Chokoraa – Kahu$h
Midas Touch – Breeder LW
Maisha ya Stunna – Lil Maina
Pressure – Groovy Jo
Rich Before Fame – TwennyEights
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