Spotify Wrapped 2025: Bien, Toxic Lyrikali and 8 other artistes who left their mark

Spotify unveiled its Wrapped 2025 data on December 2, showing just how alive and shifting Kenya’s music scene has been this year.

Listeners spent over 180 million hours on Spotify this year, diving into sounds that range from time-tested hits to the freshest tracks from rising stars.

Rising stars like Njerae, Toxic Lyrikali, and Watendawili are claiming their spot alongside veterans such as Bien and Sauti Sol, showing that creativity, experimentation, and a deep connection with fans are shaping what it means to be streamed.

Afropop, Afrobeats, Hip Hop, rap, and R&B dominate the charts, and Kenyan music is proving that it can be both familiar and boldly new.

Here are ten artistes who defined Kenya’s streaming scene in 2025.

1. Bien

Bien remains a powerhouse on Kenya’s streaming platforms.

His album Alusa Why Are You Topless was the most-streamed Kenyan album of the year, and his collaborations like Extra Pressure with Bensoul also charted highly.

His music continues to resonate with listeners across all ages, especially those between 35 and 44.

2. Sauti Sol

Sauti Sol has once again proven why they are one of Kenya’s most influential groups.

Their album Midnight Train held steady on the charts, while songs like Afrikan Sauce and Live and Die in Afrika drew massive streams.

Sauti Sol’s blend of Afropop and R&B continues to attract both loyal fans and new listeners, making them a consistent favourite.

3. Wakadinali

Wakadinali, Nairobi’s gritty hip-hop trio, is made up of rappers Domani Munga, Scar Mkadinali, and Sewersydaa.

Since forming in the early 2010s, they have built a reputation for raw, unfiltered lyrics that tell the story of life in the ghetto. Fans fondly call them the “Rong Rende,” a name that has become synonymous with Kenya’s street rap scene.

Wakadinali, known for their energetic beats and innovative sound, secured their place among the top-streamed artistes with the album Ndani ya Cockpit 3.

4. Toxic Lyrikali

Toxic Lyrikali emerged as one of 2025’s breakthrough stars.

His tracks Chinje and Backbencher made it into the most-streamed songs of the year, and Spotify recognised him as Kenya’s top discovered artiste for 2025.

He represents the rising wave of artistes whose music is driven by raw talent, social media buzz, and a strong connection with younger listeners.

5. Bensoul

Bensoul continued to charm audiences with his smooth R&B vocals.

His collaboration with Bien on Extra Pressure was a standout hit, and his album The Party and The After Party received significant streams, confirming his place among Kenya’s top contemporary music voices.

6. Watendawili

Watendawili made a strong impression this year, with multiple charting songs, including Inakubalika featuring Matata, Cham Thum (Atoti), and Hadi Kesho.

Their album En Route also entered the top five most-streamed Kenyan albums.

7. Njerae

Njerae led the year with her breakout hit Aki Sioni, Kenya’s most-streamed song of 2025.

Her album Unintentional also landed in the top five, showcasing her as one of the country’s most influential new voices. She resonated particularly with listeners aged 18 to 24, marking her as a key figure in Kenya’s evolving music landscape.

8. Nyashinski

Nyashinski has remained a powerhouse of lyrical depth and melody.

This year, tracks like Malaika, Free, and Mama continued to resonate strongly with fans, dominating radio airplay and playlists even as newer tracks emerged.

2025 has seen his classic hits gain renewed attention online, proving that his music continues to bridge generations and retain relevance across Kenya’s fast-moving music landscape.

9. Lil Maina

Lil Maina has steadily captured the ears of younger audiences with his vibrant, energetic tracks. Songs like Nairobi Vibes, Lowkey, and Chill With Me have become staples on TikTok and Spotify playlists, helping him grow a loyal fan base this year.

While he is still building his catalogue, 2025 marked a breakthrough period where his sound and persona began to define him as one of Kenya’s rising talents.

10. Okello Max

Okello Max has made a name for himself with a blend of contemporary beats and local rhythms.

Tracks such as Kokoro, City Lights, and Tuko Pamoja have helped him gain recognition and consistent streams in 2025. His music is increasingly seen as innovative yet grounded, appealing to listeners looking for something fresh but unmistakably Kenyan.