We’ve been tracking Caleb Awiti’s artistic growth for over five years now, but it’s amazing how the Vancouver-based Kenyan artist still finds ways to be innovative.

His song “Hypnotic”–the first offering of 2026– exemplifies his elevated songcraft.

The seductive song marries an afrobeat groove with soulful melodies. “Hypnotic” isn’t just an ode to a girl but also a subtle tribute to the singer’s hometown of Mombasa.

Awiti explains, “I didn’t overthink this song, it actually came from a real moment. From being around a woman whose presence alone changes the room. The kind of beauty that isn’t just physical, it’s cultural, spiritual, and magnetic. She reminded me of Mombasa… my hometown and that kind of feeling is one you don’t get to experience quite often in life.“

By the way, Caleb Awiti dropped the follow-up the other day (listen to “Passionate“). For more from him, you can find Caleb Awiti on Instagram.