The Best East African Songs Right Now

The best new music to come out of Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda in October.

DJ Neptune and Joshua Baraka in a colorful outdoor setting, surrounded by partygoers.

DJ Neptune and Joshua Baraka bring vibrant energy to the music video for “Tonight.”

Screenshot from "Tonight" by DJ Neptune and Joshua Baraka/YouTube.

East Africa's music scene has been buzzing this October with high-energy releases and powerful collaborations that showcase the region’s diversity and innovation.

DJ Neptune’s “Tonight,” featuring Uganda’s Joshua Baraka, brings dancehall to the dance floor, while “IyoFoto” by Rwanda’s Bruce Melodie and Kenya’s Bien has crossed three million YouTube views, underscoring its regional impact. Uganda’s Sheebah expresses gratitude in “Neyanziza,” and Nyashinski’s “Jitu” unites Kenyan stars Khaligraph Jones and Savara in an anthem of resilience.

These and other tracks out this month prove that East African music is both chart-topping and boundary-breaking.

DJ Neptune - “Tonight" feat. Joshua Baraka (Nigeria/Uganda)

DJ Neptune's track "Tonight" features Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka. Baraka’s 2022 debut, "Belinda," quickly gained attention, followed by his hit "Nana." His rising popularity in East Africa makes this collaboration a strategic move to expand his reach and showcase his unique sound.

Whozu - “Attention” feat. Zuchu (Tanzania)

“Attention,” the latest track from Tanzanian stars Whozu and Zuchu, is a playful back-and-forth between a couple demanding each other’s time and attention. This dynamic adds charm to both the song and its lyric video.

Sheebah - “Neyanziza” (Uganda)

Uganda’s Sheebah Karungi's latest release, "Neyanziza," is a heartfelt tribute expressing gratitude towards her fans for their unwavering support throughout her 14-year musical journey. Expect to see her for many more years!

Nyashinski - “Jitu” feat. Khaligraph Jones & Savara (Kenya)

In “Jitu,” Nyashinski joins forces with Khaligraph Jones and Savara (formerly of Sauti Sol) for a bold anthem of resilience. The second track from his EP To Whom It May Concern, “Jitu” blends hip-hop and Afro-pop, showcasing the trio’s versatility and the dynamic energy of Nairobi.

Bruce Melodie - “Iyo Foto” feat. Bien (Rwanda/Kenya)

Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie teams up with Kenya’s Bien (formerly of Sauti Sol) on “Iyo Foto.” The song’s video has already crossed the three million views mark on YouTube in just under a month, highlighting the track’s wide appeal and the powerful synergy between these East African stars.

Bahati - “Mwikali” feat. Maima (Kenya)

With “Mwikali,” Bahati launches his new album, Village Love, celebrating Kenya's linguistic diversity. Teaming up with Maima, Bahati delivers the song lyrics in the Kamba language, setting the tone for other tracks in Luo, Maasai and Kalenjin in the album. The song marks Bahati’s musical return after the success of The Bahati’s Empire on Netflix.

Marioo - “Statue” feat. Fathermoh, Sean Mmg, Ssaru & Motif (Tanzania/Kenya)

In “Statue,” Tanzania's Marioo dives into Kenya’s Urban Tone genre, collaborating with Kenyan heavyweights Fathermoh, Sean MMG, Ssaru and producer Motif. Amassing over 2.3 million views in just four weeks on YouTube, the track is already a certified hit.

Mr.Tee, Joshua Baraka and TENORBOY - “DIGII IV” (Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria)

In “Digii IV,” Kenya’s Mr. Tee, Uganda’s Joshua Baraka, and Nigeria’s Tenorboy come together for a high-energy, cross-cultural track with dancehall riddims.

Nadia Mukami - Kipepeo feat. Bruce Melodie (Kenya/Rwanda)

In “Kipepeo,” Kenyan pop sensation Nadia Mukami teams up with Rwandan star Bruce Melodie to deliver a smooth, upbeat track that brings together Mukami’s melodic hooks and Bruce Melodie’s signature vocal flair.

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