Kapitani, Jux and Willy Paul lead Kenya’s top 10 trending songs on YouTube

Kenya’s YouTube trending music chart is dominated by a vibrant mix of local stars, Tanzanian collaborations, and vernacular hits

As of Saturday, July 25, 2026, the country’s YouTube trending music chart reflects strong momentum for recent releases, with Gengetone and Afropop hits, Swahili love anthems, Kikuyu and Kamba songs, and club-ready bangers dominating listeners’ playlists.

The latest rankings show fast-rising newcomer Kapitani at the top with “Kitemeo,” while Tanzanian stars Jux and Mbosso continue to enjoy strong support with “Kipepeo.” Veteran hitmaker Willy Paul has also broken into the Top 10 just a day after releasing his latest single.

Kapitani’s rapid rise

Kapitani has emerged as one of Kenya’s fastest-rising artistes after “Kitemeo” climbed to the No. 1 spot only days after its Thursday, July 23, 2026 release.

The song, produced by Capo and directed by Fabreazy, has quickly gained traction on YouTube, cementing Kapitani’s growing reputation following the success of his previous release, Single.

Familiar names hold strong

Holding the No. 2 position is Tanzania singers Jux and Mbosso’s romantic collaboration “Kipepeo,” which has remained a fan favourite since its Friday, July 5, 2026 release.

The song’s polished visuals, filmed in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, have helped it maintain momentum across East Africa.

Meanwhile, Collo Blue’s energetic anthem “Top Shotta” sits at No. 3. Having spent several weeks among Kenya’s trending songs, the track continues to enjoy strong support thanks to its infectious beat and viral appeal.

Vernacular music dominates

Traditional and vernacular music continues to command a significant share of Kenya’s YouTube charts.

At No. 4 is Joyce Wamama’s Kikuyu hit “Riu Makiri Kuu?”, followed by Kamba gospel artiste Stephen Kasolo’s “Wathi Wa Muvea” at No. 5.

The chart also features Alex Kasau Katombi’s “Kiwanza” at No. 8, Kamande Wa Kioi’s “Olkalau Ya Itungati (Mararirira Kioro)” at No. 9, and Ev. John Kay featuring Ashley Kawinzi’s “Wia Waku” rounding out the Top 10.

With three Kamba songs and two Kikuyu tracks making the list, the rankings highlight the continued popularity of vernacular music alongside mainstream Afropop releases.

Willy Paul breaks into the top 10

One of the biggest movers is Willy Paul, whose new single “Kangaroo/Komasava” debuted at No. 6 just a day after its Friday, July 24, 2026 release.

The energetic music video and dance-friendly sound have quickly attracted viewers, positioning the track as one of the hottest new releases on YouTube.

At No. 7 is Ibraah’s “Uhakika (Remix),” featuring Zuchu, which continues to resonate with fans through its romantic Swahili lyrics and East African collaboration.

Kenya’s top 10 trending songs

1. Kapitani – Kitemeo
2. Jux & Mbosso – Kipepeo
3. Collo Blue – Top Shotta
4. Joyce Wamama – Riu Makiri Kuu?
5. Stephen Kasolo – Wathi Wa Muvea
6. Willy Paul – Kangaroo/Komasava
7. Ibraah – Uhakika (Remix)
8. Alex Kasau Katombi – Kiwanza
9. Kamande Wa Kioi – Olkalau Ya Itungati (Mararirira Kioro)
10. Ev. John Kay ft. Ashley Kawinzi – Wia Waku

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