Top 10 Musicians in Kenya 2026

At Resear⁠ch8020, we dive de‍ep i‌nto K‍enya​’s vibrant mus‌ic sce⁠ne to expose the trends,​ artists, and h​its shaping t‍he‌ industry‍. Our recent research shows the c‌ount‍r⁠y’s mo​st-stream​ed and popular musicians, identifying those who are not jus‍t creatin‌g music, but defini‍ng Kenya’s sound fo‍r a new generation. From Afro-pop love songs to Gospel⁠ songs and gengetone, arbantone, these artists are driving the nation’s music revolution, resonati​ng with fans both loca‍lly and‍ across Eas‌t Afri‌ca.

Here‍ are the Top 10 Kenya⁠n ar⁠tists‌ o‍f 20‍26, as shown b‍y our latest research

1. Otile Brow‍n

Otile Bro‌wn remains Ken‌ya’s goat of love s​ongs, his euphoric voice ha​v⁠ing capt​ured the hearts of fa​ns fr​om East Africa‍ to bey‌ond. His lit h‌it, “Dusu​ma”‌ has over 40 millio‌n streams and b⁠oasts his distinct RnB-infused Afro-po​p s‌tyle that mad‌e​ him Ke​nyan​ top artis‍t of 2026. This excellent feat has earned him h‌i‌s status o‌ne of t​he⁠ mo​st coveted collaborators and performe⁠rs in Kenya.

2. Sauti Sol

Sauti Sol group has their position as Kenya’s most celebrated music group maintained, with their melodies and Afro-pop brilliance reaching global audiences. Their track “Melanin” has achieved 41 million streams, continuing to honor African beauty and heritage. The group has released several hit albums throughout their career, which  has earned them the 2nd position and solidified their legacy as a group that has placed Kenyan music on the throne.

3.  Willy Paul

Willy Paul’s evolution as an artist has kept him relevant across musical eras and genres. His romance song “I Do” has achieved over 44 million streams, showcasing his ability to create music that resonates with diverse audiences. This tally secures him the 3rd position and proves his staying power in Kenya’s competitive music scene. 

4. Nyashinski

Nyashinski’s comeback story continues toencourage, with his lyrical depth and authentic sound setting him apart from his equivalents. His song “Malaika” has gained 27 million streams, showing  his artistic maturity and storytelling prowess. This achievement earns him the 4th spot and gives him his status as one of Kenya’s most respected lyricists.

5. Bahati

Bahati’s journey from Gospel to circular music has been extraordinary and successful. His hit “Adhiambo” has gained 35 million streams, continuing to resonate with audiences nationwide and showcasing his creativity and crossover appeal while securing him the 5th position in Kenya’s 2026 musicians rankings.

6. Guardian Angel

Guardian Angel stands as a pillar of Kenya’s Gospel music movement with his uplifting and contemporary sound. His hit “Nimependa Remix” has reached 26 million streams, continuing to uplift and inspire listeners across the nation. This impressive performance earns him the 6th position and represents the power of Kenya’s Christian music community.

7. Eunice Njeri

Eunice Njeri has established herself as one of Kenya’s most powerful Gospel voices with her anointed ministry. Her worship anthem “Nani Kama Wewe” has achieved 33 million streams, showcasing her vocal prowess and spiritual depth. This remarkable tally places her at 7th and inspires believers throughout East Africa.

8. Prince Indah

Prince Inda brings an outstanding Luo Benga sounds to Kenya’s mainstream music scene with pride and passion. His hit “Nyar Jaduong” has reached 20 million streams, celebrating vernacular music and cultural heritage. This achievement earns him the 8th position and proves that regional sounds have strong appeal in the national conversation.

9. Gloria Muliro

Gloria Muliro remains one of Kenya’s most thriving Gospel artists with years of influential ministry. Her worship track “Narudisha” has accumulated 20 million streams, showing her continued relevance and spiritual influence while securing her the 9th position among Kenya’s top musicians.

10. Nadia Mukami

Nadia Mukami has established herself as one of Kenya’s leading female voices with her influential energy and relatable lyrics. Her track “Mi Nawe” has gained over 16 million streams, capturing hearts across the nation with its romantic appeal. This performance rounds out the top 10 and represents the new generation of Kenyan female artists dominating the music industry

These are the Top 10 artists driving Kenya’s music revolution in 2026. They represent the heartbeat of the nation’s sound, with a blend of tradition with contemporary innovation to create music that moves music listeners locally and internationally. With millions of streams collectively, these artists prove that Kenyan music is thriving and revolving.

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