A handful of international musicians visited Kenya this year but only a few made it to the stage giving the Kenyan music industry a run for its money.
Most of these musicians were drawn from Nigeria and Tanzania thanks to their ever growing Kenyan fan base.
Here are some of the major international artistes who entertained Kenyans live in 2022.
Fireboy
In April, Afro-beats echoed around Ngong Racecourse to acknowledge an extraordinary performance by singer Fireboy DML marking one of the biggest events in the city.
The concert, saw Fireboy take over the stage like a ‘Champion’ – his first song of the night. Standing on the stage, he showcased African creativity at its finest.
PHOTO/Courtesy
The nearly one and a half-hour set took fans an afrobeat path singing some of his chart-topping hits from Jealous, to Girl from New York City, Vibration, and Eli before shutting the stage with his biggest track yet Peru.
Luciano
Roots and reggae fans in Kenya had a time when legendary Jamaican crooner Luciano toured the country in June five years after his last visit in 2017.
Popular for hits such as Your World and Mine, Give Praise and Never Give up My Pride, Luciano alias ‘The Messenger’ performed at the Ngong Racecourse.
The Rastafarian is famous for promoting consciousness and spiritual values in his songs.
PHOTO/Courtesy
Diamond Platinumz
The East African beloved Diamond Platinumz touched down in the country to perform during the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition’s final campaign rally at Kasarani stadium on August 6.
His presence however spurred controversy from Kenyan artistes with most calling out Azimio party for bypassing them during the historic moment.
“Diamond in Kasarani was distasteful. Any Kenyan talent would’ve sufficed,” singer Juliani wrote on his Instagram page.
PHOTO/Facebook
Ruger
The Kenyan music industry opened doors for yet another Nigerian Afrobeats star Ruger in October for his concert at Kinoru Stadium in Meru.
The ‘Girlfriend’ hit maker whose real name is Michael Adebayo Olanyika saw fans transverse counties to Eastern Kenya for the concert.
PHOTO/Courtesy
The 23-year-old later visited the country again in December for an electric performance in Mombasa that left fans craving for more.
Harmonize
In early December, Tanzania’s Harmonize enjoyed a SOL Fest sold-out concert where he entertained revellers before hosting his show.
The Tanzanian singer was among international artistes at the Festival that went down on December 17, 2022.
Nathaniel Bassey
Gospel music fanbase enjoyed a treat during the concert dabbed Praise Atmosphere at the CITAM Karen on Sunday, December 4, 2022.
The event was headlined by popular gospel star Nigeria’s trumpeter Nathaniel Bassey.
Others present in the show were; Ghana’s Ohemaa Mercy, and Tanzania’s Boaz Danken.
The festival was organised by Kenyan ministers Timothy Kitui, Emmy Kosgei and Evely Wanjiru.
