Top 50 East African songs of 2020

The playlist below includes 50 songs from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda, and features usual suspects such as Diamond Platnumz, Sauti Sol and Eddy Kenzo, who are among the most popular artists in the region. Their music has spread across the continent and attracted international collaborations and interest from leading record labels.

Many of these releases were inspired by the various situations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Some reflected on these unprecedented times while others served as a welcome distraction, such as ‘Quarantine’ by Diamond Platnumz featuring five signees from his Wasafi Classic Baby label. 

Some of 2019’s most popular artists like Otile Brown, Rayvanny and Nadia Mukami returned in formidable form this year with hit singles that garnered impressive streaming numbers.

Several breakout singles by rising stars are also featured in our playlist, including Zuchu who earlier in the year signed with Wasafi. Expect to hear and see much more of her in 2021. We also highlight songs like ‘Utawezana’, ‘Kwata Essimu’ and ‘Dusuma’, which became popular thanks to TikTok’s explosive popularity.

Suzanna by Sauti Sol 

Amaboko by Rayvanny ft. Diamond Platnumz

Wangu by Nadia Mukami ft. Sanaipei Tande 

Tweyagale by Eddy Kenzo

Saa Moya by Bruce Melodie 

Litawachoma by Zuchu ft. Diamond Platnumz 

Nakyuka by Sheebah 

Watoto Na Pombe by Otile Brown, Mejja and Magix Enga

Ifarasi by Davis D 

Balance by Karole Kasita

Black by Naiboi and Nyashinski

We Don't Care by Rj The Dj ft. Meddy and Rayvanny

Ushamba by Harmonize 

Kwata Essimu by FreeBoy and Winnie Nwagi 

Kwenda by Khaligraph Jones

Dodoki by Msaga Sumu 

Ndagukunda by Otile Brown and Prezzo

A New Girlfriend Story by Young Killer Msodoki 

Malamu by Pallaso

Tuma Kitu by Khaligraph Jones 

Imbeba by Papa Cyangwe ft. Igor Mabano

Bar by Nviiri the Storyteller ft. Femi One

Insecure by Sauti Sol

Micro by Davis D

Dusuma by Otile Brown and Meddy 

Unanionea by Marioo 

Miss Buza by Rayvanny ft. Dulla Makabila 

Empeta by Sheebah and King Saha 

Feeling by Bebe Cool ft. Rudeboy

Nitachelewa by Ibraah 

Mkombozi by Roma ft. One Six

Mediocre by Alikiba 

Ekyama by Rema Namakula

Hujanikomoa by Harmonize

Ikanisa by The Mane artists ft. Badrama 

Chu Chu by Arrow Bwoy 

Ratata by Zex Bilangilangi

Aiyana by Otile Brown and Sanaipei Tande 

Sio Mbaya by Jux 

Munda Awo by B2C Ent

One Night Stand by Ibraah ft. Harmonize 

Kanyama by Feffe Bussi 

Toto by Arrow Bwoy 

Cheche by Zuchu ft. Diamond Platnumz 

Turn Up the Vibe by Ykee Benda ft. A Pass 

Regina by Otile Brown ft. Jux

Fall by Mbosso 

Igare by Mico the Best

Love Panic by Vinka 

Jeshi by Harmonize 

Be sure to also check out our playlist of the top gengetone songs of 2020.