The Best East African Songs Right Now

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

A colorfully dressed Zuchu is caught mid-dance in her “Hujanizidi” music video.

Tanzania’s Zuchu dancing in the music video for her latest hit, “Hujanizidi.”

Screenshot from "Hujanizidi," by Zuchu, YouTube.

A new year brings new music — of course! As we dive into 2025, we're spotlighting the tracks keeping East Africans grooving.

Zuchu's "Hujanizidi," featuring D Voice, reaffirms her status as East Africa's reigning queen, while Marioo and Bien pay homage to Kenya's capital with "Nairobi," a heartfelt cross-cultural anthem. Moving further south, Rwanda's Zuba Ray and Nel Ngabo bring us "Everyday," a soothing ode to love and reassurance already winning hearts.

These and other January releases showcase the chart-topping talent East Africa continues to offer, setting the tone for an exciting year in music.

Zuchu – "Hujanizidi" feat. D Voice (Tanzania)

Tanzanian stars Zuchu and D Voice reunite for their latest track, "Hujanizidi," an example of their undeniable musical chemistry. Zuchu, East Africa's reigning music queen, has started 2025 strong. With D Voice's steady support, the duo delivers yet another hit. Will Zuchu maintain her dominance this year? Time will tell!

John Blaq – "Silina" feat. Iryn Namubiru (Uganda)

Ugandan artist John Blaq kicks off 2025 with fresh music, teaming up with celebrated songstress Iryn Namubiru for the captivating track "Silina." The song blends Blaq's modern Afrobeat style with Namubiru's legendary vocal prowess. Speaking about the release, Blaq shared his excitement,saying, "We're dropping something sweet tomorrow with the legendary @irynnamubiru."

ETHIC – "Ukitaka" (Kenya)

Kenyan gengetone pioneers ETHIC bring their signature bold and energetic style with "Ukitaka." Though their releases have been sparse in recent months, "Ukitaka" has quickly cemented itself as a quintessential party anthem.

Zuba Ray – "Everyday" feat. Nel Ngabo (Rwanda)

Rwandan artists Zuba Ray and Nel Ngabo come together to sing a soothing ode to love and reassurance. "I can't wait for y'all to feel the magic we cooked up,"Ray told her fans.

Marioo – "Nairobi" feat. Bien (Kenya/Tanzania)

It's an East African feast when Kenya's Bien and Tanzania's Marioo deliver a cross-cultural anthem celebrating the spirit of Nairobi. With smooth Swahili lyrics and a blend of Kenyan and Tanzanian influences, this song is a love letter to the women of Kenya's capital.

Rayvanny – "Naoa" feat. Alikiba (Tanzania)

Rayvanny's The Big One keeps delivering hits over a month since its release. The latest, "Naoa," is a soulful love song with smooth zouk vibes featuring the ever-reliable hit-maker Alikiba. Their collaboration is a melodic triumph, cementing Rayvanny's bongo flavadominance.

Toxic Lyrikali – "Sick" (Kenya)

Kenyan artist Toxic Lyrikali continues to redefine dancehall with his intense delivery and modern gengetone sound. Known for his breakout hit "Chinje," he is an underground rapper to watch, and "Sick" gives us a glimpse of what else to expect in 2025.

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