The Best East African Songs of 2025 OkayAfrica highlights the standout tracks shaping East African music in 2025, with top picks from Tanzania, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the diaspora. music December 11, 2025
The Best Music From East Africa in October 2025 OkayAfrica rounds up the best new music from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, and Rwanda, featuring Sheebah, Toxic Lyrikali, Phil Emon, Diamond Platnumz, and more. music October 30, 2025
Laeke’s Lawsuit Against Meedo Records Could Reshape Ethiopia’s Music Industry In a civil arbitration case in Ethiopia, the critically acclaimed Ethiopian artist and producer Laeke has accused his former record label of breach of contract, unpaid royalties, and exploitation. music October 13, 2025
Nyashinski’s Sophomore Album, 'Yariasu,' Marks New Chapter With Sony Music Deal The Kenyan music star shares his journey from Kleptomaniax fame to solo stardom and enters a new phase as he signs with Sony Music East Africa for his new album release. music October 7, 2025
Meklit Honors the Diversity of Ethiopian Folk Music on ‘A Piece of Infinity’ The Ethio-jazz maestro talks to OkayAfrica about leaning into tradition, the consistent evolution of culture, and the profundity of the Tizita. music September 30, 2025
The Top East African Songs Right Now: September 2025 Edition OkayAfrica rounds up the best new music to come out of Burundi, Tanzania, and Kenya. Enjoy the best new East African music below, featuring Diamond Platnumz x Ciara, Nyashinski, Kirikou Akili, Abigail Chams x Harmonize, and more. music September 25, 2025
How Matata Is Taking Kenyan Pop Global Without Losing Its Roots With viral hits like “Mpishi” featuring Bien, and “Tiki Tako,” the Oslo-based Kenyan band is proving that staying authentic is the best strategy to winning a global audience. music September 16, 2025
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
