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Ssaru
Perhaps Kenya's most bankable female artiste and rap brand, Ssaru has continuously pushed the envelope hit after hit. Her ability to feature on a record and take it to stratospheric heights, as well as composing her own singles, is unparalleled.
However, the 'Yega Master' hit maker does not have a single album to her name, a dent to her credentials as one of the greats.
Acts like STL, Nazizi, Femi One, and even newcomers like Bey T, have catalogs and can place them up for contention when discussing how focused one can be when creating songs that compile a full blown record.
This year will be critical for Ssaru.
Charisma
The former Le Band lead man has had arguably his best year, at least as a solo artiste.
From 'Sina Noma', and 'Trust Issues' with Bensoul, Charisma is a good singer and songwriter - but his main charm is on stage. His electric yet intimate and brooding live performances helped him to fill venues in Nairobi effortlessly last year.
His 'Beneath The Surface' LP in 2022 was the last offering.
This year now demands new levels and this includes a body of work that exceeds 30 minutes as fans would love to hear more music and his dexterity in compiling a cohesive body of work.
Blinky Bill - We Cut Keys 2
Blinky Bill has slated a January 26 date for his highly anticipated sequel to 2016's solo outing 'We Cut Keys While You Wait'.
The 2016 record came at the height of a Nu Nairobi movement that championed Nairobi's alternative music scene, tapping artists like Shappaman on 'Wacha Maneno' and the summery 'Don't Doubt It' alongside Maia Von Lekow.
Fans have been waiting for a solo Blinky project since his 2018 blockbuster album 'Everyone's Just Winging It And Other Fly Tales' that housed hit songs like 'Mungu Halali', featuring Chemutai Sage, and street banger 'Atenshan'.
The former Just A Band lead man now returns with records like 'Dracula' that tap Afro Funk, the Maifest and Khaligraph Jones, featuring 'Inaweza Haiwezi' among other experimental cuts.
Nyashinski
Already teasing fans with snippets and cameos of new music, it's almost as definite as the sky being blue that we are gearing up for album season with the former Klepto man.
Nyashinski has been active in the music space with multiple singles and capsule tracks like 'Good To Me', 'Moment of Bliss' and 'Kabla Tudie' that showcase his talent.
With more focus on business deals with phone companies and more, headline performances at his own festival and regional ones such as Oktobafest, we could now see Nyashinski diving deeper into a rollout of some sorts.
2020's 'Lucky You' album is still strong in replay value and is perhaps the most complete rap sung album in Kenya, while he has been releasing a lot of ballads and sing-along songs. His next record will be interesting in terms of sonic choice and style.
Karun
R&B heartthrob Karun last delivered an album in 2016 with her 2016 Nu Nairobi-enthused album 'Indigo' being her last effort.
'Indigo' prioritized production from experimental contingent EA Wave and explored a wide array of sounds that allowed Karun's vocals to thrive.
In between, a number of EP's including hit-filled 'Catch A Vibe' EP have also been influential with the title track, 'Here with Me' and 'Just Friends' with then hip rapper Kahu$h making noticeable noise.
The spotlight will be on the 'Glow Up' emoter to deliver a body of work that could challenge her artistry and propel her to the next level.
Nikita Kering'
Since signing to Universal Music SA officially, 'Ex' hitmaker Nikita Kering' has been quiet.
Yet to release a debut studio album, Nikita is one of the most talented vocalists from Kenya so much so her talent has been spotlighted outside of Kenya.
Her 2022 outing 'The Other Side' featured dark toned, mellow R&B, while 2023 saw her rather more quiet with questions about her next ventures.
Candidates of her in the studio with Ndovu Kuu, Scar have also surfaced on the net wondering if her next project will hone in some more rap and arbantone blends, time will tell.
Big Yasa - WAPOA SZN
In late November, Big Yasa announced his indie sophomore album was scheduled for February 23.
The singles 'Use Me', featuring Silas Piper, and 'Over 18' already mirror the duality we will have on the record.
'"Use Me' is a more vulnerable and soft cut that grasped a New Jersey sound, while 'Over 18' reminds us of the baleful and dark Yasa that fans take a penchant to, showing Yasa's range and urge to be more expansive.
The album will be released independently and cement him as another internet rap star.
Boutross - Mtindo
On the back of success with TikTok hit and Juiceeman assisted 'Angela', Boutross has been working on an album that will establish him as a continental juggernaut.
His 2019 debut studio album '6ixviewsii8k' was a star-studded affair. Following the record with countless singles and features, two EP's 'Mawingu' and 'Kabla Mtindo' acted as placeholders for his sophomore album as he fine-tuned it.
'Angela' bought him more time, but fans have been eager to hear 'Mtindo' as he has been marketing the album for over three years.
'Mtindo' is rumoured to feature African artistes including veteran Ice Prince, controversial Blaqbonez and UK based trap artist Backroad Gee among others.
The reach 'Angela' has afforded Boutross is mind blowing so an international worthy record is in the cards.
Kaycyy
In between world tours in China, Oceania, London, and still cutting records for the biggest artists including Travis Scott, LA based Kenyan artiste Mark Mbogo famed as Kaycyy is one to watch.
The Columbia Records signee signed off last year unleashing a track with Grammy-winning producer and DJ Kaytranada titled 'NOT OVER' and is set to release his album 'Never Been So Sure' with a string of high profile features.
Kinoti
For Kenyan Afro neo-soul singer Kinoti, 2023 proved he has cultivated a huge following on social media. His emotive ballads and acoustic cuts have found a place in the Kenyan music eco system warming this up as the perfect time to release his debut opus.
His counterpart Ethan has already shared a sterling record with 'Ethanal Fire' that we rated one of the best albums of 2022 with its intricate storytelling, cinematic aspect, and superlative musicality.
All eyes will definitely be on Kinoti this year who has been heralded the future of Kenyan music.
Buruklyn Boyz
Almost two years after their debut album 'East Mpaka London', Buruburu duo AJAY and Mr. Right are still among the most streamed artistes in the country, a symbol of their staying power.
They recently released an EP dubbed 'Bboy Settingz' that introduces their label 58 Records' signed artists Younglouie and Buruklyn G.
However, the full studio LP follow-up to their debut EML is what is keeping fans lined up. This will be a massive release for the Drill pioneering rappers from Kenya.
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