12 Kenyan Artistes Who Made 2022 Worthwhile To Their Fans

[Image Source: Instagram]

Written By: Brian Sikulu

Download the Best Kenyan Hits Mixes On Mdundo 

The last 12 months were full of activities in the Kenyan music industry. It was one of the most lively periods of the decade that was characterized by well-organized concerts, prestigious music awards, and the release of high-quality songs and albums. All this was thanks to the artists who worked extra hard to not only advance their music careers but also entertain their fans while at the same time strengthening the music industry.

1. Femi One

2022 was the year that Kaka Empire's Femi One was crowned as the best female rapper in Africa at the AFRIMMA awards. The youngster became the first East African artist to receive the award. She also produced some of the most successful and viral hit songs of the year including; 'Hepi', Nyashinki's 'Properly', and many others.

2. Nikita Kering'

The songster build the perfect foundation in 2021 for her takeoff as a global RnB star with her viral 'Ex'  song. In 2022, she cemented her presence in the global music market with the release of 'The Other Side Album'. The album produced some of the year's biggest hits including 'On Yah'. She also had the chance to perform at the BBC Xtra Afrobeat Concert, becoming one of the few African artists to grace the stage.

3. Khaligraph Jones

Hip Hop music star Khaligraph Jones had one of the most successful reigns this year. His 16-track 'Invisible Currency album saw him dominate the airwaves and music charts both within and beyond Kenya. Khaligraph's collaboration with Canadian rapper Dax on the 'Hiroshima' track expanded his fan base to foreign continents. Aside from the album, the OG also released some of the most successful tracks such as 'Mbona', 'Blueticks' featuring Femi One, 'Sifu Bwana' featuring Nyashinski, and many others.

4. Mejja

The 'Gengetone' star continued with an upward trend this year with the release of the viral 'Kanairo Dating' and 'Usiniharibie Mood' songs. The two tracks went viral and became anthems among revellers for the better part of the year. Mejja was also featured in hit songs that took over the Kenyan music scene including; Khaligraph's 'Kamnyweso' and Maandy's 'Ka Unaweza'.

5. Bien

Sauti Sol's lead man Bien had a major highlight of the year with the immense success of his tracks. For Bien, it was not just the release of the songs, but the different approach and diversity that he presented in his music. For instance, how he presented a cool Kenyan Rhumba vibe in the 'Mbwe Mbwe' hit song, or how he touched the hearts of many with his old school narration of a heartbreak story in 'Inauma'.

6. Wakadinali

Wakadinali's 'Victims Of Madness' album ranked among the most listened-to albums of the year across various music streaming platforms. The hardcore Hip Hop group also amassed a lot of success from their viral 'Geri Inengi' song featuring Sir Bwoy. The song which was released in late 2021 blew up this year and earned millions of views and streams.

7. Matata

Matata's debut album 'Super Morio' has climbed up the ranks to take top spots on music charts. The album presents diverse music and sounds. Matata's creativity in the lyrism and presentation of their songs combined with the well-choreographed dance moves have earned them a huge number of followers over the year. Its energetic and lively performances at concerts have also made it one of a kind music group.

8. Fathermoh

Fathermoh had his breakout as a solo artist this year with his viral 'Dai Dai' song featuring Shekina Karen. The song has gained close to two million views on YouTube and became one of the leading sounds on TikTok. His contribution to the viral 'Kuna Kuna' song further reinforced him as one of the most sought-after artists on the Kenyan music scene.

9. Nyashinski

Nyashinski had only one hit song, 'Properly' featuring Femi One, this year. What, however, made him the highlight of the year is the Shin City concerts. The music star decorated headlines thanks to the huge success of the concerts that saw thousands of fans come out to support him. The majority of stakeholders in the music industry have expressed admiration for his strategy of releasing quality music.

10. Stivo Simple Boy

Sensational rapper Stivo Simple Boy took a better chunk of the year with the 'Freshi Barida' hit song. The success of the song saw him release its remix which went even more viral. Apart from 'Freshi Barida', he also produced other hits such as 'Wedding Day' featuring Wyse TZ and 'Ni Nani' featuring Adasa.

11. Willy Paul

The multi-award-winning music star dominated the year with his viral songs including 'Toto', 'Chocolate', 'Tamu Walahi', 'Lalala' featuring Jovial, and 'You' featuring Nigerian superstar Guchi. Willy Paul maintained his relevance in the industry and constantly made headlines with his songs and a little showbiz controversy.

12. Bahati Kenya

The list would have been incomplete without Bahati. He started off the year on a very successful note with the release of 'Adhiambo' featuring vernacular star artist Prince Indah. The song gained millions of views and streams. He took a short break to make his debut in politics and soon after made a comeback with 'Mambo Ya Mhesh'. He concluded the year with 'Abebo' featuring Prince Indah.