Best East African Songs of 2022: The year 2022 was a turning point for East African music. Many newbies made their impact and cracked the charts, and some OGs experimented with their sounds, which ultimately paid off.
The younger generation of East African musicians really distinguished themselves from their emerging position this year, developing into respected and strong brands in the region. Nikita Kering is one of several artists who have gained national and worldwide fame, which has led to prizes, rich endorsements, and record agreements. Local drill duo Buruklyn Boyz may have been Kenya’s biggest breakout talent due to the organic rise of their audience. They even became the face of Spotify Africa’s RADR Africa playlist as a result of their accomplishment.
For longtime fans of the ensemble, Sauti Sol’s focus on their various solo projects this year from Bien, Savara, Fancy Fingers, and Chimano was a welcome change. With his Wasafi franchise and his debut EP, First Of All, which featured hits like “Melody” with Nigerian singer Jaywillz and “Mtasubiri” with his Wasafi bongo princess Zuchu, Diamond Platnumz maintained his dominance in Tanzania.
Addis Leggesse, who created waves with his single “Enja,” an exceptional Amharic Ethio-Jazz interpretation that garnered attention even internationally, is one of the fascinating new artists we got to see in Ethiopia. R&B and hip-hop, in addition to the traditional dancehall that rules the charts, have seen some growth in Uganda’s music landscape. Hot newcomers like Rickman Rick and Joshua Baraka created massive noise that could not be ignored.
Yvan Buravan, one of Rwanda’s most promising rising talents, passed away at the age of 27 while receiving treatment in India. This is another terrible news for East Africans. He sang a number of well-known and enduring tunes, such as “Oya” and “Malaika.” His passing devastated the Rwandese music scene and all of East Africa, yet his music will always be heard.
Below are Best East African Songs of 2022:
Diamond Platnumz “Fine”
Savara “Sababisha”
MAUIMØON and La Soulchyld “Sweeta”
Addis Legesse “Enja – አዲስ ለገሰ – እንጃ”
Zuchu “Mwambieni”
Buruklyn Boyz “Pree”
