The Top 10 Kenyan House Music Vocalists You Need to Check Out

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The house music scene in Kenya is experiencing a resurgence. The 2010s decade saw the industry rise as part of the Nu-Nairobi movement. Things have accelerated in the last few years, especially with the continuing rise of amapiano and afro-house.

Sofiya Nzau’s “Mwaki” becoming a global hit has not only showcased the local dance music scene, but also increased the demand for Kenyan vocalists. There is a growing list of talented singers who have become go-to topliners for local and international EDM/house musicians.

In this article, we list the top 10.

1. Winyo

A singer-songwriter whose style can best be described as ‘modern benga’, Winyo has lent his vocals to a number of afro-house tracks. His collaboration with DJ/producers Kato Change and Suraj has given us amazing records like “Nyoro”, “Oriti” and, of course, “Abiro”, which has itself received a few remixes. Winyo is scheduled to perform at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics games.

Sings mostly in: Luo, Swahili

Follow on IG: Winyo

2. Sofiya Nzau

Immediately preceding the release of “Mwaki” last year, Sofiya Nzau was featured on “Your Love” by Florida-native producer PLS&TY. A few months earlier, we heard her on Obi Sanaa’s song, “Walking On Water“. Sofiya has a vocal tone that blends smoothly with house music.

Sings mostly in: Kikuyu, Swahili

Follow on IG: Sofiya Nzau

3. Idd Aziz

Hailing from the Kenyan Coast, and armed with a powerful voice, Idd Aziz started as an afro-fusion artist. His foray into house music has been remarkable. Last year, he worked with Haitian DJ Francis Mecier for “Kamili” mega-hit. Recently, he joined forced with AMÉMÉ, Avi Snow and Tamir Regev on “Richa”.

Sings Mostly in: Swahili

Follow on IG: Idd Aziz

4. Makadem

Always on the road, Makadem has performed across the world, from Zanzibar and Lamu, to Denmark and Mexico. The last few years has seen him fuse his nyatiti music with house/EDM styles. “Nyako”, “Salaam” and “Abiro” are some of his tops tracks.

Sings mostly in: Luo, Swahili, English

Follow on IG: Makadem

5. Nes Mburu

Nes Mburu‘s vocals blend seamlessly with dance tunes. Over the last couple of years, he has featured on a myriad of tracks, including “Es Vedra” by Aytiwan & Kaudron, “Subiri” by The Puzzle, and not forgetting Zizo World’s “Beautiful“. He even featured on Putumayo’s compilation album, African Celebration.

Sings mostly in: Kikuyu, Swahili

Follow on IG: Nes Mburu

6. Tina Ardor

Not only is Tina Ardor a house DJ, she is also a singer & songwriter whose vocals can be heard on tracks such as Euggy’s “Samaria”, and “Kamweretho” with Atmos Blaq & Hendrick Sam. She’s also graced various stages like Drip Fest and the annual Beneath The Baobabs festival in Kilifi.

Sings mostly in: Swahili, Kikuyu, English

Follow on IG: Tina Ardor

7. Akoth Jumadi

“Weche”, a collaboration between Akoth Jumadi and producers Punk Mbedzi and Euggy, is one of my favourites from her. The song is smooth and upbeat, much like her solo single, “Jangolo”. She is an incredible singer and songwriter.

Sings mostly in: Luo, Kiswahili

Follow on IG: Akoth Jumadi

8. Matilda Hilda

Nairobi-based soulful singer Matilda Hilda is such a talent. With songs cutting across genres and styles, she has some amazing house tunes like “Kara” and “Imora” (feat. Kayrop).

Sings mostly in: Luo, Swahili, English

Follow on IG: Matilda Hilda

9. BlvckMoon

BlvckMoon wears many hats. She is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and DJ. “Shanka” with Saint Evo, and her L3GS collab “Maua” are two of my favourites from BlvckMoon.

Sings mostly in: Swahili, English

Follow on IG: BlvckMoon

10. Zippie Nyumu

Zippie Nyumu is another burgeoning singer with a couple of impressive collaborations in her belt. Her feature on Soulic M’s “Good Life” is particularly captivating.

Sings mostly in: Swahili, English

Follow on IG: Zippie Nyumu