International artists dominate Kenya’s most streamed Spotify list
Spotify has unveiled ‘Wrapped 2022’, an annual look back at what songs, artists, albums, and playlists people listened to throughout the year in Kenya.
According to Spotify’s artist and label partnerships manager for East Africa, Monica Kemoli-Savanne, there has been an increase in local content consumption unlike was the case in the former years although the preference for international content remains prevalent.
There were no Kenyan artists among the top ten most streamed artists or top ten most streamed songs.
Drake has been named the most streamed artist on Spotify in Kenya for the second year in a row.
Drake is followed by Burna Boy, the only African artist among the top five most streamed artists in the country. The top five is completed by Chris Brown, The Weeknd, and Future. In addition, all of these artists released albums in 2022, which likely explains their popularity among Kenyans.
This year, Kenyans listened to 184% more local music on Spotify, according to the company. Sauti Sol was the most-streamed local artist for the second time, followed by Wakadinali. BURUKLYN BOYZ are the third most streamed Kenyan act in Kenya this year, according to Spotify’s RADAR Africa program. Otile Brown has dropped one spot from last year to rank fourth among Kenyan artists, with Nyashinski rounding out the top five.
“We are so encouraged by the trends we are seeing on Spotify in Kenya this year, especially when it comes to the increase in local music consumption. This upward trend means that Kenyan creatives can find inspiration to create more content that resonates with local music lovers. Beyond that, this year’s Wrapped paints a very interesting picture of what music moves Kenyans,” said Monica Kemoli-Savanne.
Here are the songs, artistes and playlists Kenyans streamed on Spotify in 2022.
Top streamed Kenyan songs
- Lilmaina – KISHASH
- Wakadinali – Geri Inengi (feat. Sir Bwoy)
- Bien, Aaron Mbui – Mbwe Mbwe
- Nyashinski – Properly (feat. Femi One)
- Bien – Inauma
- Nikita Kering’ – Ex
- Fully Focus – Dimension (feat. Bien)
- Bensoul – Thick Thighs (feat. Bien)
- Nviiri the Storyteller – Nikita
- Nviiri the Storyteller – Niko Sawa feat Bien
Top streamed artists in Kenya (over all)
- Drake
- Burna Boy
- Chris Brown
- The Weeknd
- Future
- Lil Baby
- Gunna
- Fireboy DML
- Kendrick Lamar
- Justin Beiber
Top streamed Kenyan artists
- Sauti Sol
- Wakadinali
- BURUKLYN BOYZ
- Otile Brown
- Nyashinski
- Nviiri the Storyteller
- Bensoul
- Bien
- Ajay
- Khaligraph Jones
Top streamed songs in Kenya (over all)
- Burna Boy – Last Last
- Rema – Calm Down
- Pheelz – Finesse (feat. BNXN fka Buju)
- Oxlade – KU LO SA – A COLORS SHOW
- Lojay – Monalisa (feat. Sarz)
- Ckay – Emiliana
- Burna Boy – For My Hand (feat. Ed Sheeran)
- Mavins – Overloading (OVERDOSE)
- Omah Lay – Understand
- Ruger – Girlfriend
Top streamed albums
- Burna Boy – Love Damini
- Ayra Starr – 19 & Dangerous
- Rema – Rave & Roses
- Ed Sheeran – =
- Drake – Certified Lover Boy
- Kendrick Lamar – Mr Morale & The Big Steppers
- Omah Lay – Boy Alone
- Justin Bieber – Justice
- Doja Cat – Planet Her
- Adekunle Gold – Catch Me If You Can