Kenya’s music scene is having a serious moment, and the numbers prove it.
Fresh Spotify data shows that a new generation of Kenyan artists is attracting young listeners at an incredible pace, while established stars such as Sauti Sol, Nyashinski and Prince Indah are also continuing to grow.
This is not a case of young artistes pushing out the old guard. Instead, Kenya’s music audience appears to be growing big enough to support both breakout stars and household names.
Leading the charge is Ywaya Tajiri, who recorded a massive 6,151% year-on-year increase in streams among Nairobi listeners aged between 18 and 24.
His hit song, Chai ya Saa Kumi, was also the most-streamed track in Nairobi in June 2026.
OnlyMoh followed closely with an impressive 5,117% growth, while Virusi Mbaya posted a 4,692% increase.
Codey’s streams grew by 3,622%, with JayLo also making major moves after recording 3,015% year-on-year growth.
Female artists are also claiming their space in Kenya’s fast-changing music industry.
Brandy Maina recorded a 205% increase, while Maandy grew by 201%, showing that women are playing a major role in shaping Kenya’s next musical chapter.
Kenya’s biggest stars are not slowing down
Despite the rapid rise of new artists, Kenya’s established musicians are still winning over younger fans.
Prince Indah recorded 221% year-on-year growth among listeners aged 18 to 24, while Nyashinski’s streams increased by 147%.
Bridget Blue grew by 140%, Kinoti recorded 107% growth, and Nikita Kering’ posted a 96% increase.
Sauti Sol remained the most-streamed Kenya-connected artist in Nairobi in June 2026 and still managed to record 30% year-on-year growth.
The figures suggest that young Kenyans are not abandoning their favourite stars. They are simply adding more artists and sounds to their playlists.
“One of the most exciting things about Kenya’s music scene today is that growth is happening across the board,” Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships lead for East Africa, Agnes Opondo, said.
“We’re seeing emerging artists build audiences at remarkable speed while established acts continue finding new listeners. That tells us discovery isn’t replacing legacy, it’s expanding it.”
Gen Z is running Nairobi’s music scene
Spotify’s June 2026 data also shows just how influential young listeners have become.
People aged between 18 and 24 accounted for 53.7% of all Spotify streams in Nairobi, the highest Gen Z share recorded across Nairobi, Lagos and Johannesburg.
The audience is also driving growth across several genres.
Dancehall streams grew by 95%, bongo flava increased by 75%, gengetone rose by 48%, while gospel recorded 37% growth.
The findings come as Spotify hosts its Greasy Tunes programme at Heltz House in Nairobi.
Running from July 15 to July 26, the 12-day festival brings together music, fashion, food, comedy, sport, podcasts and community experiences.
Spoken-word artist Gufy headlined Poetry Night on July 22, while Nyashinski later took to the Greasy Tunes stage for a performance bringing together some of his biggest Spotify fans.
The programme also features Fresh Finds, Nakili Sessions and the EQUAL Showcase, providing a platform for both emerging musicians and established Kenyan stars.
One thing is clear: Kenya’s next sound is already here, and the country’s biggest stars are not ready to leave the stage.
