Kenya's Biggest Stars of 2024 So Far

The East African entertainment industry has witnessed remarkable achievements in 2024, with several artists making significant strides in their careers.

Dyana Cods

Dyana Cods has emerged as a notable figure in the music industry, finally reaping the rewards of her seven-year journey in the industry. Her hit single "Set It" has propelled her to stardom, despite facing challenges related to copyright and song ownership issues.

Njerae

Another rising star, Njerae, has solidified her position in the Afro Indie scene. Her album "Unintentional" has demonstrated impressive longevity, maintaining its place among the top 100 albums streamed by Kenyan listeners across all platforms. Njerae's authentic portrayal of relationships in her music has resonated strongly with her audience.

tg.blk

The rap and hip-hop genre has seen its share of success stories. tg.blk, though relatively unknown in Kenya, has gained significant international recognition. With over 300,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, primarily from the US and UK, she has garnered attention from prominent music publications and industry figures. Her EP "It's Not That Deep" stands out as one of the most successful projects to emerge from Kenya in recent times.

Bien

Bien, a member of the renowned group Sauti Sol, has proven his mettle as a solo artist. His debut album, "Alusa, Why Are You Topless?", released under Warner Music South Africa, features collaborations with numerous high-profile artists. This project has elevated Bien's status, leading to Grammy considerations and international performances.

Vic West

In the production realm, Vic West has made a name for himself by crafting a unique sound that blends Kenyan pop, Afropop, and hip-hop. His production prowess has garnered him a substantial following and allowed him to craft hits for leading artists, significantly influencing the evolving soundscape of East African music. Recently, Vic West's career reached a new milestone with the signing of a major deal with Universal Music Group East Africa.

Raymond Kahuma

The content creation space has also seen notable developments with Ugandan-born Raymond Kahuma making waves since relocating to Kenya and revitalizing the digital content landscape with his distinctive and humorous approach. His success has translated into lucrative deals with major brands and a rapidly growing digital presence.

Claudia Naisabwa

In the media sector, Claudia Naisabwa has emerged as a promising talent. Her recent management deal with Africa Creative Agency (ACA) positions her for international recognition, following in the footsteps of other successful personalities managed by the organization. This partnership, which also includes fellow Kenyans Sarah Hassan and Eugene Mbugua, aims to elevate Claudia's profile on an international scale. The deal marks a crucial step in her journey from her early days at Str8 Up and Wabebe XP, positioning her for greater success and global recognition in the media landscape.

Charisma

Charisma, a rising star in Kenyan Afro-pop, transitioned from a boy band member to a successful solo artist. His 2019 debut single 'Unavyonipenda' sparked acclaim, followed by popular releases like 'Tuthi Nawe'. His 2020 EP 'With Love, Charisma' expanded his fanbase. 2024 saw sold-out shows and the release of his well-received debut album 'With Motions', solidifying Charisma's position in the Kenyan music scene.

Oga Obinna

Meanwhile, Oga Obinna has found his niche in the Video-On-Demand space, with his show "Obinna Live" becoming a must-watch program in Kenya, featuring guests from various fields. Other artists making their mark include Fathermoh in the Gengetone genre, Charisma in Afro-pop, and Bensoul, who has successfully transitioned to a solo career. Bensoul's latest album, "The Party & The After Party", released under his own label, has garnered widespread acclaim and topped the charts