Nairobi’s Studio Can-V Is the Future of Kenyan Nightlife & Music Get to know the new accessible music studio in Nairobi, gaining lots of buzz, empowering young DJs, and reshaping the future of Kenya’s nightlife scene. music September 9, 2025
The Best East African Songs Right Now: August 2025 Edition OkayAfrica rounds up the best new music to come out of Rwanda, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania this August. Enjoy the best new East African music below. music August 27, 2025
US Unchanged Policy on Somalia Stalls Somaliland Recognition Quest The unrecognized state in the Horn of Africa is betting its Red Sea access and mineral wealth can convince the Trump administration to break with international consensus after decades of diplomatic isolation. news August 19, 2025
The Best East African Songs Right Now: July 2025 Edition OkayAfrica rounds up the best new music to come out of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania this July. Enjoy the best new East African music below. music July 31, 2025
Willis Chimano Moves Past His Sauti Sol Roots with One-Man Show ‘Heavy Is the Crown’ In his deeply personal solo show, the Kenyan vocalist blends music and storytelling to explore his life and identity as a queer artist. music July 30, 2025
15 Years of OkayAfrica, 15 Defining Moments in Pop Culture, Innovation and Activism From Afrobeats going global to groundbreaking films, creative innovation, and youth-led protest movements, this video dives into the African moments that have defined the continent’s identity and transformation since OkayAfrica launched in 2010. video July 16, 2025
Uganda’s Bebe Cool Returns with 'Break the Chains' and a Hard-Earned Blueprint for Staying Relevant The 47-year-old is embracing new sounds, younger collaborators, and a digital-first mindset this time around. music July 14, 2025
The Best East African Songs of 2025 So Far — Mid-Year Roundup OkayAfrica highlights the standout tracks shaping East African music in 2025 so far, with top picks from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the diaspora. music June 28, 2025
Inside the First Ever Boiler Room in Ethiopia How the artist known as Ethiopian Records brought a bold and rooted vision to Addis Ababa's first take on the electronic music event. music June 4, 2025
The Best East African Songs Right Now OkayAfricarounds up the best new music to come out of Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya this May. music May 26, 2025
Motherland Sounds Is LA’s Must-Attend East African Party An event where East African culture, community, and music collide is rewriting the Ethiopian-Eritrean diaspora story in Los Angeles. music April 28, 2025
Savara Is Building the Soundtrack to a New Kenya Savara’s solo era after the disbandment of Sauti Sol is less about fame and more about legacy, rhythm, and standing up to be counted. music April 21, 2025
Tanzania’s Abigail Chams Is on the Brink of Superstardom With her hit “Me Too” quickly climbing the charts, the Tanzanian singer talks toOkayAfricaabout rewriting what it means to be a Tanzanian pop star today. news April 10, 2025
The New ‘Assassin's Creed’ Video Game Has a Distinctly East African Soundtrack Fusing psych rock and East African rhythms, the newAssassin's Creed: Shadowssoundtrack by Thunderdrum and Tiggs Da Author is worth your while. music April 9, 2025
Uganda’s Vinka is Here to Make You Dance — and She’s Just Getting Started From backup dancer to chart-topping star, Vinka has built a career on high-energy hits. She opens up about her latest dancehall anthem, working with Latin star Rafa Pabön, and why being a mom hasn’t slowed her down. music March 5, 2025
Op-Ed: How John Legend's Rwanda Concert Challenges the Politics of Boycotts With growing scrutiny over Rwanda’s alleged support for M23 rebels, many are asking artists to boycott performing in the country. But do such boycotts work, or do they punish the wrong people? music February 27, 2025
Rwanda’s Bruce Melodie is Ready to go From Kigali to the World In his debut album, ‘Colorful Generation,’ the East African star proves he’s more than just a singles artist who has conquered the region — he’s building a global legacy. music February 26, 2025
Faiza Hersi is Changing the Blueprint for East Africa’s Music Industry From launching Nairobi R&B to building Soul Headquarters, the Kenyan music executive is carving out space for artists and pushing the region onto the global stage. music February 20, 2025
How East Africa’s Biggest Jazz Festival is Shaping Kenya’s Next Generation of Jazz Lovers Once seen as a niche genre, jazz in Kenya is gaining new audiences and nurturing homegrown talent, thanks to the Bob Collymore International Jazz Festival. music February 14, 2025
Emmanuel Jal Wants His People to Shower With Milk From hip-hop to Afro-house, the former child soldier turned recording artist finds joyful ways to spread a message of peace and unity that is becoming ever more relevant. music February 4, 2025
Mixed Reaction from Fans as Tems Cancels Rwanda Concert Amid Regional Tensions Tems withdrew from her Kigali performance, citing the unfolding crisis between Rwanda and the DRC, while pressure mounts on John Legend to follow suit. music January 31, 2025
