Spotify has released its Global Impact List 2024 for Kenya, showcasing how sounds from the country are breaking borders, with rising streams proving the world’s growing appetite for its music.
Rapper Octopizzo and former Sauti Sol frontman Bien continued to cement their international credentials, each posting four songs on the list.
Four tracks from Octopizzo’s latest album KICH KA’ LIECH – the title song ‘Kich Ka’ Liech’, ‘Mtume’, ‘Ler’ and ‘Wiya Moko’, a collaboration he did with Akoth Jumadi – are featured in the list
Released last year, Octopizzo’s eighth studio album pays tribute to his late father, nicknamed Kich Ka Liech – a symbol of resilience as he carved out a life in Nairobi.
Ahead of the project’s release, Octopizzo kept every detail – tracklist to cover art – under wraps, keeping anticipation at an all-time high and making KICH KA’ LIECH one of the most talked-about releases of the year.
By rapping in Sheng (urban slang), Octopizzo isn’t just making music – he’s exporting Kenyan street culture to the world, proving that success is possible while staying true to one’s roots.
Beyond genres, the Global Impact List highlights another key trend: the power of collaboration. Collaboration isn’t just a trend – it’s the heartbeat of Kenya’s thriving music industry.
A deep dive into the list reveals a striking fact: every song in the top 10 is a collaboration. From Bien and Bensoul’s ‘Extra Pressure’ to the viral hit ‘Anguka Nayo’ by Wadagliz and From the Hood Music, teamwork is driving Kenya’s global sound.
“Anguka nayo” is a phrase derived from two Kiswahili words, meaning ‘drop with it’ in a literal sense. However, in Sheng, it carries a deeper and more nuanced meaning.
This collaborative spirit expands artists’ reach, introducing fans to diverse styles and creating innovative sonic experiences.
It’s a win-win as artists attract new audiences and listeners uncover fresh sounds, streaming numbers rise and grow a local artist’s global platform. Kenyan music’s presence on Spotify’s Global Impact List is more than a milestone – it’s proof of a global takeover in motion. It shows how Spotify connects fans to new voices and lets them explore a global catalogue with ease, allowing artists from all corners of the world to connect with global audiences.
Commenting on the list, Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said: “Kenyan artists are making waves at home and abroad, and we at Spotify are proud to support their journey. Their music is reaching new audiences, creating opportunities, and showcasing Kenya’s vibrant culture to the world.”
This global exposure is bigger than just the numbers – it’s about opening doors and reaching new heights. With streaming fueling their rise, Kenyan artists are shaping the future of global music.
It demonstrates a notable rise in streams of Kenya’s diverse and captivating sounds beyond its borders and celebrates the artists who’ve taken East African sounds to new markets. From rap to soul, Afrobeats and more, Kenya’s distinctive style and infectious beats are finding new homes in the hearts of fans all over the world.
Below is the full list of the top 25 Kenyan songs with the most listens outside of Kenya.
