The Best East African Songs Right Now

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

A still from the video for “Bounce” showing Angell Mutoni and Kivumbi King standing behind her.

A scene from Angell Mutoni and Kivumbi King’s “Bounce.”

Screenshot from "Bounce," YouTube.

In July, politics seemed to have found its way into the new music, whether it be the campaign songs that soundtracked President Paul Kagame’slatest election win in Rwanda, or the new hits that are supplying the anti-government protests in Kenya.

Whatever the theme, this month’s new music continues to show the range of sounds coming from East Africa, including Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Angell Mutoni - “Bounce” ft. Kivumbi King (Rwanda)

Rwandan poet and rapper Angell Mutoni has released "Bounce,” a fun, summer anthem that mixes hip-hop and dancehall beats with an assist from rapper Kivumba King. “It is a confident song that I want the people to enjoy while at parties, clubbing, getting ready to go out, etc.,” she told The New Times. Following her 2023 EP, For Now, she is currently working on her official debut album, set for release in early 2025.

Skat Nati - “Nika!” | ስካት ናቲ - ንቃ (Ethiopia)

Ethiopian trap rapper Skat Nati continues to showcase his staying power in the country’s hip-hop scene with his new single, "Nika!" (“Wake Up!” in Amharic). He has been releasing music since he first debuted in 2015, but his first big hit was 2018’s "Sira” (“Work” in Amharic).

Gravity Omutujju - “Doozi” (Uganda)

Gravity Omutujju's latest release, "DOOZI," sparked controversy in Uganda as soon as it was released. The music video, which depicts Omutujju as a doctor performing an erotic medical procedure, caused a stir when the Uganda Medical Association filed a petition to have it removed. For his part, Omutujju issued a statement asserting that the song and video were taken out of context, defending his artistic expression.

Bien, Adekunle Gold and ShineTTW - “Wahala” (Kenya)

Kenya’s Bien, the lead singer of the now-disbanded Sauti Sol, is back with “Wahala,” the latest single from the deluxe release of his 2023 album Alusa Why Are You Topless? Collaborating with Nigeria’s Adekunle Gold and ShineTTW, it is clear Bien is aiming for a TikTok viral dance hit with this song. “Wahala is my love letter to the dance community,” he said on social media. “Thank you for always having my back!”

Drama T - “Kosho” (Burundi)

Burundian artist Drama T has a new hit with his song “Kosho.” In the six years since he released his debut single "Bebe," he continues to build his reputation as a hitmaker in the East African country.

Geniusjini X66 - “Far Away” feat. Jay melody (Tanzania)

Tanzanian Geniusjini X66 had an immediate hit on his hands in this collaboration with Jay Melody. The song reached 1 million views on YouTube within two weeks of its release.

Wadagliz Ke- “Anguka Nayo (Kenya)

As Kenyans continue to ramp up their anti-government protests, inspired artists are creating music to soundtrack the movement. Wadagliz Ke, a rapper duo consisting of Kantel Mdagliz and MannaZ, found the next protest anthem with “Anguka Nayo” (“Fall With It”). It has become a rallying cry, but also a viral TikTok dance craze.

Bwiza - “Ogera” ft. Bruce Melodie (Rwanda)

Campaign music is its own subgenre in Rwanda, with most of the songs released by artists during this year’s election cycle dedicated to President Kagame in his bid for a fifth term in office. Bwiza and Bruce Melodie’s “Ogera” was the most popular of the campaign music, played throughout the leadup to the election earlier this month — and even more once Kagame’s win was announced.

Jon Daniel - “Sake Kurfiyaye” | ጆን ዳንኤል - ሳቄ ኩርፊያዬ (Ethiopia)

With over 2 million followers on TikTok, Ethiopian singer Yohannes Daniel, known by his stage name Jon Daniel, continues to capture hearts with his latest release, "Sake Kurfiyaye" ("My Laughter" in Amharic). This love song hit one million views within just a week of its release, showcasing the emerging musical talent. Following the success of his previous hits “Aychlem” ("He Can’t" in Amharic) and "Anchin Kale” (“If He Has You”) Jon Daniel continues to solidify his place in the music scene.

Victoria Kimani - “MY SHINE” ft. Joshua Baraka (Kenya/Uganda)

Kenyan R&B songstress Victoria Kimani collaborates with Uganda’s Joshua Baraka on her new track, "MY SHINE," a single from her newly-dropped fifth studio album, Mood 4 Life. It has been three years since her last album, and many are anticipating her new sound.

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