Bien-Aimé Alusa Baraza, widely known as Bien, has been named the most-streamed local artist on Spotify in Kenya this year, according to Wrapped 2024, the platform’s annual data-driven review of global music and podcast listening trends.
The former frontman of Sauti Sol has embarked on an impressive journey as a solo artist, connecting deeply with fans throughout the country. Even during Sauti Sol’s hiatus in 2023, Bien has consistently produced authentic Afropop hits that have reached the top of the charts.
Sauti Sol, though not in the top 10, holds the number 12 spot among the most streamed artists in Kenya, proving their enduring popularity, with the group’s Midnight Train album a huge fan favourite.
Spotify Wrapped 2024 reveals some intriguing generational trends. From the soulful sounds of Bien to the captivating storytelling of Abel Mutua’s Mkurugenzi podcast, Kenyans are embracing a rich variety of genres and artists.
While arbantone artists like Lil Maina have taken the younger generation by storm, older Kenyans are finding solace in the heartfelt tunes of Israel Mbonyi and Christina Shusho.
An increase in the export of local arbantone tunes also shows that Kenya’s music is steadily gaining recognition on global stages.
Eligible users can access their personalised 2024 Wrapped experience(link is external) exclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android). Premium users will enjoy a personalised playlist featuring music videos from their most-loved artists of the year.
Top streamed Kenyan artists
- Bien
- Wakadinali
- Sauti Sol
- Bensoul
- Lil Maina
- Nyashinski
- Okello Max
- Chris Kaiga
- Nviiri the Storyteller
- Otile Brown
Top streamed Kenyan tracks
- Lil Maina, sosatheprodigyy – NAKAM SAI
- Bien – Lifestyle
- Bensoul, Bien – Extra Pressure
- From The Hood Music – Anguka Nayo
- Bien – Inauma
- Bien – Ma Cherie
- YBW Smith – Lele
- Dyana Cods – Set It
- Matata – Oversized T-shirt
- Fancy Fingers – Kudade (Fancy Fingers refix)
Top streamed podcasts in Kenya
- The 97s Podcast
- So This is Love
- The Mkurugenzi Podcast
- The Messy In Between
- ShxtsNGigs
- The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
- It’s Related, I Promise
- Mic Cheque Podcast
- The Sandwich Podcast
- Success Addicted Podcast with the voice of Earl Nightingale
Top streamed genres in Kenya
- Afrobeat
- Gengetone
- Afrobeats
- Afropop
- Afro-house
- Gospel
- House
- Deep house
- Dancehall
- Tribal house
Top streamed global artists in Kenya
- Taylor Swift
- The Weeknd
- Bad Bunny
- Drake
- Billie Eilish
- Travis Scott
- Peso Pluma
- Kanye West
- Ariana Grande
- Feid
Top streamed global tracks in Kenya
- Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
- Benson Boone – Beautiful Things
- Billie Eilish – Birds of a Feather.
- FloyyMenor – Gata Only.
- Teddy Swims – Lose Control.
- Djo – End of Beginning
- Hozier –Too Sweet.
- The Weeknd – One of the Girls.
- Taylor Swift – Cruel Summer.
- Lady Gaga – Die with a Smile
Top streamed gloal albums in Kenya
- Taylor Swift – The Tortured Poets Department.
- Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft
- Sabrina Carpenter – Short n’ Sweet.
- Karol G – Mañana Será Bonito
- Ariana Grande – Eternal Sunshine.
- Taylor Swift – 1989
- SZA – SOS
- Taylor Swift – Lover
- Benson Boone – Fireworks and Rollerblades.
- The Weeknd – Starboy
