East Africa's RnB Fundamentals

A wave of fresh artistry is changing the soundscape of RnB music across East Africa. Though popular music in the region typically features RnB, the genre has in recent years received a reconstruction by several artists going against the grain of mainstream RnB and the inclination to paint within the expected lines of a specific genre. The result is a convergence of a rich sound representative of the diversity in the region and characteristic of the genre. In our first RnB rundown, we highlight some of the alternative artists contributing to the movement in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan.

Kenya

Lisa Oduor Noah

Lisa has been a mainstay of the RnB scene for years quietly garnering admirers with her wide-ranging genre capability, soulful covers and a proliferate catalogue of originals and collaborations. Her music is marked by the warm, gentle presence of her agile voice, descriptive lyricism and crisp production all reminiscent of the Quiet Storm subgenre. She often infuses her gospel roots, hiphop leanings and cultural heritage creating a nostalgic aura and distinct style. Her self-titled album which was released in early 2022 is perhaps one of the foremost RnB records on the continent of recent times.  

Standout song: Mine

Nikita Kering

The beloved Nikita is leading the genre in Africa. Her EP, A Side of Me, lives up to its name in part  by revealing an RnB and pop icon in the making. The writing, production and packaging are all nostalgic of the international 2000s-2010s RnB movement making Nikita a likely international export. Her vocal prowess and mature lyricism makes for the easy listening that saw RnB pioneers become radio dominating. Already, Nikita has been honoured by the AFRIMA as the best African RnB artist.  

Standout song: Crossing Lines

Caleb Awiti

Caleb Awiti is often taunted as Mombasa’s RnB breakthrough artist. With his signature falsetto and use of the echo and reverb, Caleb has created a universal sound that has traversed the globe.  With hits such as ‘Yes I Do’ and ‘Let’s be Dead Together’, Caleb has mastered the RnB-typical knack of tagging at the heartstrings in the coolest manner possible. This is exemplified in his hard hitting 2022 album, ‘Love Letters II’.

Standout song: We’re made for each other 

Maya Amolo

Maya is a hidden gem who was deservingly named Spotify’s first Fresh Finds cover artist. Her melodic and introspective songs have found a ready audience among alternative RnB fans in the continent. Maya’s artistry drips with tantalizing storytelling and a colourful array of musical sounds. Still rising, her latest single Can’t Get Enough is an airy and masterful track clearly indicating new heights in the horizon.

Standout song: Can’t Get Enough 

Kinoti

A self-proclaimed wistful romantic, Kinoti writes eloquently of love, mental health and growth in English, Swahili and his native Kimeru. His music fuses RnB and afro-soul with hints of  acoustic, indie and folk influences. His EP, from ‘Heart to Hurt’, was produced during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and is the perfect quarantine soundtrack packed with bluesy, breathless confessions that will tide anyone through a heartbreak.

Standout song: Pictures

Njeri

Njeri burst onto the Nairobi talent scene in 2021 with her 3-song project ‘Dimensions’, which caught the notice of music lovers. Just a year in, she has dropped her debut album, ‘D.R.U.G.S’, a contemporary RnB record, re-introducing herself as a musical tastemaker and a moving songwriter and singer. Her signature soprano range, skilful play with melodies and beats alike, and dedication to vulnerability in her compositions lend the genre a fresh take while holding true to its roots.

Standout song: Ecstasy

Uganda

Shawn Maine

Shawn Maine’s striking tone quickly became a fan-favorite  fixture on Uganda’s concert scene when he first made his debut in 2019. Diverse in his sonic choices, Shawn Maine combines sounds and influences ranging from afrobeat to soul to create an appealing alternative RnB style. Shawn’s distinctive vocals remind us of the essential role of the voice as an instrument in the genre. Shawn embodies this feature comfortably as can be heard on his E.P ‘After the Pain’ in which he glides from track to track with ease and vocal proficiency. 

Standout song: I Hope

Joshua Baraka 

Joshua Baraka’s music boasts of rhythmic melodies and witty, fast paced lyricism that make his music instantly loveable. Not one to be restricted to genres, Joshua draws from a deep pool of influences including the Maurice Kirya- pioneered Mwooyo; a combination of RnB and Soul that has impacted a number of upcoming Ugandan musicians. One of Joshua’s key contributions to the genre is how he has been able to popularise what would otherwise be lost to the general consciousness through his relatability. 

Standout song: Tewekweka

Ceee 

Ceee is indeed genre-fluid, seeing how seamlessly she moves from reggae to afrobeats and more. Her contemporary RnB offerings, however, are a standout. Her clear vocals are well matched with the  full instrumentation tracks that often accompany her catchy melodies delivering a radio-and-club ready experience. The release of her debut album ‘Passion’ had her hailed as one of RnB’s most promising voices.

Standout song: Passion

Tanzania

Turunesh 

RnB music carries powerful messages and themes over generations. The pain of suffering and subjugation, the hope of love and the dawn of redemption has for years been strewn into this genre. Turunesh seems to grasp this, with each song alive with spiritual awakening and social commentary. Her 2021 album ‘Satin Cassette’ is a journey across  themes of empowerment, Tanzanian musical textures and Turunesh’s own awakening.

Standout song: Rum & Butter

Naomisia

The swahili language is known for its relaxed vibe, and Naomisia combines these elements with touches of RnB, soul, and Afropop. Modern and understated, Naomisia’s music has a universal quality and appeal. Her album ‘What Doesn’t Kill You’ catapulted Naomisia into the must-know league of promising young artists in East Africa.

Standout song: Pumzika

Rwanda

Mike Kayihura

Mike Kayihura’s soulful musicality almost always produces an anthemic vibe, transcendent and inviting. Mike’s unassuming, fun pen confidently speaks to his muses and generously ushers listeners into his inspirations. His sound has continued to evolve from the blues inspired piano-led sound in his debut album Barely Mixed, to the diverse offerings of recent years, all supported by a dedication to true expression.

Standout song: Tuza

La Soülchyld aka MaimØon (RW/UG)

La Soülchyld, also known as MaimØon, is a Ugandan-Rwandan multi talented musician and producer.  Being a producer, his trackmaking skills have enabled him to carve out his own sound, which notably features a distinct incorporation of 808s and drums. MaimØon’s versatility as a creator is intriguing as it is unexpected. From his soothing vocals to a writing streak that never misses, MaimØon proves to be a talent to be reckoned with.

Standout song: How Ya Feel

Mucyo 

Experimental and dynamic, Mucyo is part of Rwanda’s Nu Kigali movement which champions artistic freedom and collaboration. These ideals are prevalent in Mucyo’s music, as is an independent and ethereal feel. Hints of traditional RnB can also be heard throughout her catalogue.

Standout song: Supa

Sudan

Gaidaa

Gaidaa is a Netherlands born and based Sudanese musician who has been adding her unique touch to the global and East African RnB scene. Her proud multicultural approach translates the authentic story of many similar internationally-raised Africans across the globe in cool tones, compact harmonies and a multiplicity of influences. Her decipherable husky alto climbs high from the very depths of the musical scale with a timeless quality. Gaidaa achieved both acclaim and recognition while independent and decidedly out-of-the-box, giving hope to many that it is indeed possible. 

Standout song: Falling Higher

MaMan

MaMan is considered a pioneering light in Sudan’s contemporary RnB scene through his experimentation both as a singer-songwriter and producer. His music does not just combine sounds but rather extrapolates one into the other, molding new yet familiar styles with each release. His latest EP, Sit Al’Banat displays in three songs why MaMan is an innovative star.

Standout song: Running

Ethiopia

TRS

TRS’s moodsy, grounded ballads first came to the attention of music lovers in 2020 with the independent release of her first singles. In its vocal beauty and expressive lyricism, her music reflects that though born and raised in Canada, TRS is deeply connected to her Ethiopian heritage. Coupled with a host of international influences, the resultant smooth contemporary RnB blend is an authentic sound that many have connected to.

Standout song: Leave it Alone

Chelina

Ethiopia’s eclectic music scene is informed by a rich artistic heritage that has carried on for centuries. Chelina strikes gold by bringing a slow paced, soulful touch to the jazzy, instrumental fundamentals that mark traditional Ethiopian music to create an enchanting RnB experience.

Standout song: Ayzon

Somalia

IDMAN

IDMAN is a Somali-Canadian whose star is only just beginning to shine having made her debut in 2021. Her silky vocals which are inspired in part by old school Somali vocalists are often layered against hip hop tracks speaking to her influences. Her songs are laden with bold vulnerability and empowering affirmation, a love letter to herself and fellow young people chasing their dreams.

Standout song: Good Life

BluesfortheHorn

British-Somali BluesfortheHorn is inspired by the RnB divas of the 90s-2000s in channeling both softness and power. These influences are evident in every aspect of her music from the sleek production to her vocal arrangements. Confident in her diverse identity, she uses music as a tool of unity, representation and celebration in her UK context.

Standout song: Just Say