The 2023 hit songs all shook things up in their own right and showed that there are still new parts of the music for Kenyan listeners to discover.
This year, we saw new voices rising to the fore through unexpected pathways with stars like Sofiya Nzau emerging expertly wielding social media and huge streaming numbers to captivate audiences across the world.
Some of the sampled trucks on the list rode TikTok to the top of the charts and claimed new spotlights for upcoming singers and some of the veterans including Mejja and Nyashinski continued to release irresistible hit songs as well.
Here are the best songs of 2023;
Mwaki – Sofiya Nzau
Sofiya Nzau‘s breakout single dubbed ‘Mwaki’ became a viral smash barely weeks after it was released.
The surprise EDM-infused Kikuyu track went from being a TikTok sound to being blasted out by DJs worldwide.
The song gained massive popularity after Brazilian music producer Zerb produced and remixed the song using Nzau’s vocals.
Kaveve Kazoze – Spider Clan
Ngesh’ hit debut single, Kaveve Kazoze was dropped in June.
The song initially exploded on TikTok thanks to the witty and pun-intended lyrics.
While it is abundantly clear that it is only the beginning for the Spider Clan, their career may have turned conspicuously short after they revealed that they have not benefited from the fame of the viral song.
The song has over 4.3 million views and is still counting.
Perfect Design – Nyashinski
Nyashinski is a reliable provider of decade-spanning hits and his latest release ‘Perfect Design‘ was a masterfully created truck.
The singer goes into a slow burn while declaring his love for his wife who is the video vixen in the truck.
Nyashinski has given lovers a slew of opportunities to revive their romance. It adds to something irresistible and is one of the year’s best love songs.
It also became a testament to Nyashinski’s star-powered versatility of caustic raps and slow love songs.
Weh Decide – Mejja
Mejja’s ode to self-love remains undefeated and you can always trust him to soothe your ego with his songs.
This hit song fronts an independent mood and sense of option. Mejja delivers a gut-wrenching bridge that one can always create a new community, get into a new relationship and still thrive.
No bait-and-switch has ever cut so deep.
Tiktoker – Soundkraft
This is an appealing ear candy for even the most settled-down listeners.
The song has been blasting out of cars pretty much from the moment it was released and that infectious sample sent it flying around TikTok with force.
The chorus gets juicier as the song wears on before exploding into irresistible, singalong-worthy and that’s what makes this truck stand out.
Bubbly Bubbly – Maandy
Tiktok’s best challenge this year goes to someone who knows how to keep it fun.
Maandy has never been afraid to expose her unconventional side and in this song, she is singing about throwing caution to the wind and giving in to her urges consequently creating a biosphere of ‘shy, torrid gorgeousness’.
Bubbly Bubbly has delectable harmonies and sing-song lead vocals with gently frustrated lyrics.
Malisafi Chito – Marakwet Daughter
TikTok-propelled jam Mali Safi Chito(which means ‘pure gold person’ in Kalenjin) is a song by vocally-gifted Marakwet Daughter whose real name is Millicent Jerotich.
The truck gained popularity on TikTok as people lip-synced the jam. It is brimming with the kind of unforgettable melodies and was a hit song in 2023.
According to Jerotich, the song was inspired by a vision and it is a piece of gospel music.
Asante – Khalighraph Jones
Khalighraph Jones blessed Kenyans with a positive message to close the 2023 chapter- a gratitude song.
The truck featuring Tanzania’s Kusah sings about the spirit of thankfulness to God for protection, healing, provision and everything in between life.
He sings: “Nasema asanti kwa wema wote, ukarimu wako ndio umefanya mimi nisikose.” (Thank you for your grace, your goodness and kindness are sufficient to me.)
Jones narrates real-life scenarios and that’s what makes it a very gracious hit song, indeed.
