tg describes her music as being “a little rough around the edges”. She characterises it as being very “DIY”, she says she appreciates a “crunchy sound”, when “You can hear that an artist was sitting having fun in their bedroom”.
Artists To Watch: Nabalayo
On a mission to expand her reach beyond her city of Nairobi, Nabalayo is shaking things up with her eclectic sonic stylings and diverse musical knowledge. Nabalayo describes herself as a music-maker, illustrator and East African Griot, representing and documenting not only her own culture, but also those of her fellow countrymen.
Artist To Watch: Kohen Jaycee
Mwesigwa Cohen Jaycee, known by his stage name "Kohen Jaycee" is a Ugandan RnB Singer/Vocalist and songwriter.
Artists To Watch: Papa
Papa a British-Kenyan singer-songwriter whose music beams, with afro inspired gospel, and latino rhythms alongside that europa spiritus animus. From choir in church; to learning flamenco in Andalucia; to wading knee deep into that swampy Louisiana blues, funk, jazz and soul!
Tyse Visuals: Artist To Watch
Thomas Seward, AKA Tyse Visuals, is a photographer and videographer based in Nairobi, Kenya who’s seen a lot of positive recognition over the last year. His work features mainly what he has described as ethereal portraitur
Artist To Watch: Joshua Baraka
Joshua Baraka’s voice is timeless. The unique timbre of his angelic tenor is unmistakable as it cuts through and takes centre stage on each track. His brand of music encompasses themes ranging from romance to self-acceptance but can ultimately be classified under the umbrella of feel-good music; in his own words, “I’m trying to make the world a better place one melody at a time.”
Artists To Watch: That Malcolm Guy
Malcolm Bigyemano is a variety of artists wrapped into one. Inspired by his personable well of knowledge, this Ugandan director, actor, graphic designer and now musician is our artist of the month.
Artists To Watch: Sema Sole
Sema Sole is an enigmatic emcee from Kigali, Rwanda. His lyrical style is somber yet punchy, typically rapping over stripped back post-trap instrumentals. Like most other hip-hoppers in the country, he raps almost exclusively in the national tongue of Kinyarwanda, but with a level of intention that sets him apart from his contemporaries
Artists To Watch: Heno.
Heno. is an alternative soul artist based between LA and the Bay Area with roots in Maryland, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. His full first name Yihenew is Amharic meaning “this Is It,” or “what you see is what you get”, a fitting name for an artist who exudes a cool vulnerability through his lyrical delivery.
Artists To Watch: Buruklyn Boyz
If you aren’t accustomed to the tag line Kwani Ni Kesho , take a seat as we introduce you to the not so new group causing a phenomenal buzz in Nairobi. Representing Buruburu or as they say Tano Nane, Buruklyn Boyz is a product of Buruklyn Records who are rising in the underground hip-hop scene.
Artists To Watch: IDMAN
IDMAN’s debut single, “Down For It” is a contagious affirmation-filled anthem that makes one feel seen, validated and encouraged through her vulnerability.
Artists To Watch: iKen
Ike Ngala, stage name iKen, creates the type of music that forces you to stop whatever you’re doing and just listen.
Artists To Watch: Mucyo
Rwandese singer/songwriter & poet Mucyo’s brand of R&B is hazy and alluring. Fusing elements of neo-soul, hip-hop and jazz, her music explores love, freedom, consciousness hardship and hope.
Artists To Watch: Swagina
Swagina’s flare is an effortless one. His unique style tastefully fuses international streetwear cues with an authentic Kampala swagger. The 24 year-old stylist and musician was raised by a village of artists and hustlers that he met while dealing second hand clothes and shoes at Uganda’s largest market, Owino.
Artists To Watch: Tanzanian Producer Duo, Put2sleep
Dynamic producer duo Put2sleep made their entry into East Africa’s vibrant hip-hop scene earlier this year with ‘Kama Kawa’, a bouncy, trap-infused track that features emerging rap stars Swahilipapi and Joseph Kiwango. The duo group consists of Alfred Rodgers (Throneboy) and Kelvin Henry (Kwikwiri) who both grew up in Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania and spent their adulthoods in Arusha and Moshi.
Artists To Watch: R&B Crooner Caleb Awiti
East Africa’s R&B scene is blossoming, and the region is steadily growing into one of the continent’s R&B hubs producing artists such as Karun, Xenia Manasseh, Tofa Jaxx and Ceee. 18 year old, Mombasa-based artist Caleb Awiti is lending his voice to this growing list of crooning stars with his sensual, trap tinged take on R&B.
Artists To Watch: Soulful Tanzanian Singer-songwriter, Tofa Jaxx
25 year-old Christopher Dominic Kihwele, popularly known as Tofa Jaxx, makes music that comforts and uplifts. Listening to Tofa’s honey-like, soulful, tenor combined with his honest, poetic lyrics feels like talking to an old friend or being wrapped up in your favourite blanket.
Artists To Watch: Meet Lo, Founder of Sense of Space
Anyone who attended Nairobi R&B’s Brunch in the 90’s was treated to a nostalgic, 90’s-themed bedroom installation. However, Lo’s vision for Sense of Space extends well beyond curating instagrammable installations. All around the world, creatives operate in fragile ecosystems as artist communities remain largely under-funded, under-represented and un-protected. Sense of Space aims to tackle these issues. As a “creative collective and conscious business”, their mission is centered around using art to better society by building community and safe spaces for creatives across all disciplines.
Artists To Watch: Puma Juma
Pumajuma has an enigmatic swagger. The kind that elevates your self-esteem when you dap him up and compels you to recite every word that leaves his mouth when put over a beat. While the 21 year old Tanzanian-Ugandan songster is still on the come up, the musical breadth of his releases in the past year is a testament to his immense promise and versatility.
Artists To Watch: Brian Msafiri
Brian Msafiri is not in any way new to the creative scene in Nairobi. He is however on a fast rise to his true icon form as a visual extraordinaire not only in East Africa, but around the world. He has styled, directed, photographed and produced work for some of the best artists around including: Blinky Bill, Karun, Oshun, and Nneka, just to name a few.