Music is life and knows no boundaries. Irrespective of cultural differences and economic status, Music will always find its way to trend. East African music is gradually making waves in the global market, and these top 10 artists in the East Africa 2023 ranking are doing the magic.

Top 10 Artists In East Africa 2023

1. MAUIMØON aka La Soulchyld

MAUIMØON (aka La Soulchyld) rose to prominence during the Soundcloud era of the late 2010s. His afro-Brazilian-infused remixes of R&B tracks gained him a loyal following. Returning to Kampala in 2021, he has been crafting a contemporary alternative sound for East Africa, blending sensual R&B with diverse percussive elements.

With successful collaborative singles like “Sweeta” and “Leaving Summer,” MAUIMØON made a splash last year. His latest EP, “From Uganda With Love,” debuted at #1 on Apple Music in Uganda and received editorial support from NATIVE Mag, Spotify, Apple Music, and BBC 1. MAUIMØON’s musical journey exemplifies his dedication to transcending genres and captivating audiences worldwide.

2. Joshua Baraka

Joshua Baraka, Uganda’s rising star, is captivating audiences with his soulful ballads and infectious dance tunes. In just two years, he has gained a loyal fanbase in Uganda and Kenya. His breakout hit, “Nana,” amassed over 5 million plays and dominated charts, catapulting him to continental success. Collaborating with Joeboy, Bien, and King Promise on the remix further solidified his position atop Uganda’s music scene. Baraka’s journey to stardom is destined for greatness.

3. Mau from nowhere

Mau, a versatile artist from obscurity, is a rapper, singer, and multidisciplinary creative. With raw vulnerability at the core of his artistry, he explores love, loss, regret, and personal growth through a captivating blend of hip-hop, RnB, and indie sounds.

Collaborating with notable acts like MAUIMØON and Maya Amolo, Mau has become a prominent figure in East Africa’s alternative music scene. His long-awaited debut album, “The Universe is Holding You,” released in April, showcases 15 self-produced tracks that reflect his artistic and personal evolution. Recognized as Apple Music’s East African Up Next artist, Mau’s ascent continues to captivate audiences, leaving them eager for more.

4. Kaya Byinshii

This 25-year-old artist is a singer-songwriter, poet, and actress driven by the spiritual power of music. Her experimental blend of blues, folk, soft-rock, and soul creates a unique tapestry exploring themes of self-love and self-awareness. She crafts a captivating world by singing in English, French, and Kinyarwanda. Her debut album, “Ukwiyuburura,” released under Kigali’s Green Ferry Music, tells her growth journey.

5. Faizal Motsrixx

This Afro-futurist artist is a dancer, choreographer, music producer, and social worker dedicated to advancing Africa’s cultural heritage. Known for their involvement in Uganda’s electronic music scene and collaborations with Nyege Nyege, they also contribute as choreographers at Uganda’s National Theatre.

Their unique blend of antique rhythms from East and Southern Africa with captivating synths, bass, and Afro-house elements can be heard throughout their discography. Their latest album, “Mutations,” released on May 26th, expands their sonic horizons by incorporating field recordings from various African regions and featuring vocalists across the continent.

6. Nu Fvnk

Nu Fvnk, a founding member of EA Wave and a driving force behind the NuNairobi movement, has propelled Nairobi’s alternative music scene. As a versatile artist, he excels as a DJ, producer, vocalist, filmmaker, designer, and visual artist.

With an independent spirit reminiscent of Odd Future, he consistently creates and shares new art across various mediums. In 2022 alone, he unleashed an impressive wave of creativity with 10 singles, two EPs, and his debut album COLOR MAN.

This captivating project reflects the struggles and pride of young Africans, blending experimental hip-hop with jazz, rock, and bass-infused dance music. Nu Fvnk’s sonic palette is dark, cinematic, and urgent, featuring heavy synths, layered vocals, and striking samples. With four singles already released this year, he continues to captivate audiences.

7. ET Ndahigwa

ET Ndahigwa gained national recognition in Rwanda for his feature on DJ Pyfo’s hit track “Kantona” in 2021. Since then, he has carved a unique path in Kigali’s music scene. His sophomore album, “IT TAKES A VILLAGE,” released earlier this year, blends afro-fusion, hip-hop, and drill, predominantly rapped in Kinyarwanda with sprinkles of English and Swahili. Through his music, he narrates stories of love, ambition, and disillusionment amidst a changing urban youth culture.

8. Coco Em

Coco Em is a transformative force in East Africa’s music industry. She has graced renowned stages across Africa and Europe as a DJ, showcasing niche electronic sounds. Last year, she made waves as a producer with “Kilumi,” a captivating experimental dance EP fusing her Kama roots with afro-house and Amapiano influences.

Beyond music, Coco Em is an educator and advocate for East Africa’s underground scene, actively advancing the region’s creative industry. She curated Ballantine’s x Boiler Room’s True Music Studios in Nairobi, highlighting the rise of East African club music and intentional community-building.

9. Frederick Mulla

This Arusha-based artist, known for his viral freestyle video series Morobuzz, has gained widespread recognition. His captivating Swahili verses over boom-bap hip-hop beats have garnered millions of views. Collaborating with producer duo Umoja Sounds, his latest EP, “Master Monondo,” expands his musical horizons, blending rap with jazz, house, funk, and afrobeat. With singles like “Salima” and “Sitachoka,” he adds a bongo flair to radio-ready Afrobeats. Mulla’s alternative path to success shines through his visual storytelling, collaborations, and genre-bending approach.

10. Zowie Kengocha

Zowie, a rising Kenyan songstress, explores RnB, indie-pop, and dance music. Her collaborative singles with NGE-THE-PRODUCER gained attention in Nairobi’s underground scene. Following the success of “Touch,” she released her debut EP, “You Never Learn,” in April. This captivating project delves into the complexities of love over moody beats blending dance, alté, and RnB. Zowie’s vocal prowess and lyrical vulnerability shine through, showcasing her artistic range.

Source: Bjaysam.com

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