YouTube has released its latest rankings of the most-watched artistes in Kenya, showcasing a vibrant mix of local talent and regional heavyweights dominating the digital music space.
Tanzanian musicians claimed the top spots, with Mbosso leading the chart, followed by Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Marioo, and Rayvanny. Notably, Vybz Kartel emerged in sixth position globally due to a surge in views following his recent release from prison.
Among Kenyan artistes, several stood out for their impressive viewership. At the top of the Kenyan list is Prince Indah, whose melodic Luo hits have captured the hearts of many. His song Nyar Jaduong has surpassed 14 million views just a year after release. His latest collaboration, The Way You Are featuring Jose Chameleone, has also drawn wide attention. Despite ranking sixth overall due to the dominance of regional acts, Indah stands out as Kenya’s most-watched musician on the platform.
Bien, formerly of Sauti Sol, has had a stellar year and currently holds second place among Kenyan musicians. Widely regarded as one of Kenya’s greatest musical exports, Bien has been consistently dropping hit after hit. His most recent single Safari has been well-received, and his feature on Diamond Platnumz’s track Katam marked yet another notable cross-border collaboration.
Willy Paul comes in third, maintaining his long-standing presence as a top performer on YouTube. With 1.4 million subscribers, he continues to grow his fanbase, having recently teamed up with international acts like Innoss’B and Phina on new projects.
In fourth place is Watendawili, a musical duo consisting of Ywaya Tajiri and Israel Onyach. Their breakout hit Cham Thum has garnered over 8.5 million views, and Hadi Kesho, released just six months ago, already boasts 2.3 million views. Their blend of storytelling and melody has made them a fan favorite.
Msanii Music Group, a gospel ensemble known for their harmonious Swahili worship songs, claims the fifth spot. Affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the group has seen significant success on YouTube. Despite having fewer than 900 subscribers, their powerful choir performances, including Mtuliza Bahari, which has over 29 million views, speak volumes about their impact.
Rounding out the Kenyan list at number six is Toxic Lyrikali, a fast-rising rapper whose lyrical skill has made him a fan favorite. Known for hits like Hood, Confirmation, and Long Story, which have racked up nearly 3 million views combined, he has proven to be one of the most promising rap talents in the country.
In addition to dominating local charts, Kenyan musicians are increasingly becoming part of broader African conversations. One recent example saw Bien meeting up with Diamond Platnumz and Davido in Paris. The trio was seen chatting and laughing, a moment that fans saw as a strong symbol of African musical unity. Their interaction left audiences hopeful for future collaborations that transcend borders and bring the continent’s top talents together.
The growing presence of Kenyan artistes on platforms like YouTube reflects the changing landscape of music consumption and the increasing power of digital platforms in shaping the careers of African stars.
