When Sauti Sol announced in 2023 that they were going on an indefinite hiatus after 18 years together to pursue solo careers, the news sparked widespread disappointment, as evidenced by social media reactions. Many fans feared it marked the end of one of Kenya's most iconic music groups.
However, the hiatus turned out to be a silver lining for lead singer Bien Aime Baraza. According to Spotify Wrapped 2024, Bien has emerged as Kenya's top artist of the year. His solo journey has struck a chord with fans nationwide, allowing him to craft authentic Afropop hits that dominate the charts, even in the absence of Sauti Sol's collective presence.
Bien topped the list of Kenya's most-streamed artists in 2024, dethroning hip-hop group Wakadinali, who held the position in 2023 and now sit at second place. Last year, Bien ranked third on the same list. Sauti Sol, despite their hiatus, managed to hold onto relevance, dropping from second place in 2023 to third in 2024.
Did you read this?
Other notable artists include Bensoul, maintaining fourth place for the second year in a row, and rapper Lil Maina, who leapt from 10th in 2023 to fifth this year. Nyashinski dropped from fifth to sixth. Okello Max, known for his rhumba-inspired sound, debuted on the list at seventh, while Chris Kaiga entered the top ten at eighth. Nviiri The StoryTeller slid from sixth to ninth, and Otile Brown rounded out the top ten, falling from eighth last year.
In a notable shift from 2023, which featured Nikita Kering as the sole female artist at ninth, no female musicians made it into the top ten this year. Despite the changes, Kenyan music continues to thrive, showcasing a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.
