Marking a departure from a trend that was last popular in the 1970s, utopian thinking is finding resonance within a younger collective advocating for utopian initiatives such as universal basic income, open borders, equal human rights, abolition of law enforcement and prisons, and a spectrum of other utopian ideas whose relevance extends beyond specific geographical confines. These new voices, some of them artists and creatives, reflect the vision of the modern man. Of course, not all of these ideas will come to fruition, and neither do they need to. The idea of utopia aims to make people uneasy about the way things are and stir things up. Nothing more.
More than just Entertainment
Why am I talking about utopian thinking in an article about the top Kenyan albums of 2023? Is it because Kenyan artists have lent their voices to the utopian movement, calling out injustices and suggesting new ways of thinking? Or is it because the intersection of utopian thinking and contemporary Kenyan music is a reminder of the profound impact artists have on societal narratives? It is all of those things. Within the Kenyan music scene, a growing number of artists have become influential advocates for change, echoing utopian ideals through their lyrics, melodies, and the very essence of their creations. These musicians are not only crafting rhythmic soundscapes but also using their platform to address societal injustices, challenge conventional norms, and present alternative visions for a better future.
Huge Body of Work
If this list included EPs released in 2023 as well, we would have a list scrolling from Kigali to Nairobi. Unarguably, the Kenyan music scene is at an epochal moment where expectations of the fans and the output from artists are finding a middle ground. Even better is that the fans have not had to compromise their standards to get here. The biggest part of the work has been put in by the artists, the studios, and producers behind the scenes who have upped their respective games to a level never before reached. From the high quality of production, improved relevance of the content in the music, well-thought marketing strategies, as well as consistency in all those areas.
Selection Criteria
In compiling our list of top Kenyan albums released in 2023, we considered various factors that contribute to the overall musical experience. We delved into the essence of each album, assessing not only the individual tracks but also the broader thematic approach and the cohesive body of work presented.
One crucial aspect we scrutinized was production quality, recognizing that superior sound engineering enhances the listener’s engagement and appreciation. From seamless mixing to masterful instrumentation, we sought albums that demonstrated a commitment to sonic excellence. Beyond audio, we evaluated the albums for their conceptual depth and thematic richness. Artists who skillfully wove narratives or explored profound themes stood out. We believe that a truly exceptional album goes beyond mere musicality to offer a captivating and thought-provoking journey.
In addition to these considerations, we took into account the innovation and risk-taking exhibited by the artists. Those who pushed boundaries and experimented with their sound or storytelling techniques earned extra merit in our rankings. Finally, artists who put thought and creativity into their album’s artwork, which serves as a visual representation of the music within, got priority consideration from our panel.
2023 Kenyan Albums
Our list includes some expected names but we have also widened our search to include artists and albums which may not have been popular in mainstream circles.
- The Lion of Sudah – Bensoul
- Love/Hate Part 1 – Xenia Manasseh
- The Rong Don – Skillo
- Dem Kutoka Mwiki – Femi One
- Alusa, Why Are you Topless – Bien
- Inside Out – Nviiri The Storyteller
- Toxic – Joefes
- Maisha Ya Stunna – Lil Maina
- NATTORIUS – GTA and Natty
- EMOTIONAL GANGSTER – Wangechi
- Mauru Unit – Sewersydaa
- Midas Touch – Breeder LW
- DEFINITION: REAL ONE – 4Mr Frank White
- RADA – Kagwe Mungai
- PINK PM – Bey T
1. The Lion of Sudah – Bensoul
When Bensoul released The Lion of Sudah in April 2023, I played the song Row (featuring Modecai Dex and Okello Max) so much, my roommate eventually set up an intervention to break me away from the holds the song had me in. The hold was broken but no sooner had that happened than Navutishwa, another song on the album, took up the place Row had held only a few weeks prior.
The Lion of Sudah is a refreshing compilation of music by a Kenyan artist who is unarguably one of the best in the game at the moment. The 15-track album is the Magnum Opus of the prolific singer/songwriter whose star has only been birthed in a supernova of lived experiences and Bensoul’s desire to get to the apex of an industry he’s already got a hold on.
2. Love / Hate Pt 1 – Xenia Manasseh
In her debut album, Xenia Manasseh combines her three superpowers; songwriting, vocals, and personality, to deliver an album that’s reminiscent of a beautiful bouquet. In the 11-track album which was released in September 2023, Xenia wears her heart on her sleeve in the poetic way only she could.
The album taps Nigerian powerhouse Tay Iwar, Kenyan songstress Karun, Nigerian artist Shalom Bas, and her grandfather Edgar Manasseh who joins Xe in the Intro track. The poetic intro track is a nod to Xenia’s coastal Kenya roots. The Swahili track was written by Mombasa-born Juma Tutu of the popular Kenyan band ‘The Swahili Jazz Band’. The Swahili Jazz Band, started by Tutu in 2003, makes Swahili jazz music inspired by the Swahili culture of the Kenyan and East-African coast.
In a world where art is used to reveal an artist’s philosophical standing or the lack thereof, the L.A. based Kenyan artist Xenia Manasseh instead, daringly uses hers to explore the vulnerability that comes with emotions we all experience at one point. Love / Hate Pt 1 presents an artist at the cusp of establishing a foothold on contemporary Kenyan RnB music.
3. The Rong Don – Skillo
The intro to The Rong Don goes hard. No doubt. The intro, which features Wakadinali’s Domani Munga, and Riddiq, kicks off the album on a high that is sustained throughout the 11 songs in the album. ‘Mistari bado ziko / labda niishiwe na kalamu’ …states Skillo. When Skillo starts the abum by saying he could rap till infinity he’s not just bragging aimlessly. He can substantiate his bold statements with tangible actions and The Rong Don is proof.
The album features members of the Wakadinali Trio Scar Mkadinali, Domani Munga, and Sewersydaa in 420247365, Steady, and Kesi Baadaye respectively. Skillo’s lyricism, flow, and the fitting support given to those songs with featured artists ensure that when you play The Rong Don you’ll want to play it twice and then again.
4. Dem Kutoka Mwiki – Femi One
Dem Kutoka Mwiki is a proclamation of Femi One’s reign as the queen of Kenyan rap and a testament to her undeniable prowess. The sophomore album is a confirmation of her assertion in the 2021 debut album ‘Greatness’. The Kenyan artist, who has been a dominant force in the game for a solid decade, delivers a royal decree with the 8-track album which finds Femi One having conquered the challenges and obstacles thrown her way over the years from the days when she was a young one in Nairobi’s Mwiki estate.
In Dem Kutoka Mwiki, Femi One has not only weathered the storms but emerged stronger, more authoritative, and in complete command of her domain.
5. Alusa, Why Are you Topless – Bien
Alusa Why Are You Topless? contains sixteen tracks in which Bien wears his heart on his sleeve. He is a bonafide artist, with a bottomless bag of punchlines; an artist that to this day still retains the most noticeable of his artistic imperium, an unequivocal mastery of singing about romance like no other Kenyan artist. This is revealed first from the album’s intro, titled ‘Legend’, which acts as a prelude to what’s ahead in the other songs on the album as it reveals the main subject matter of the project to be musings on romance.
With his fine display of artistic prowess and technical clarity in Alusa Why Are You Topless? Bien has further fueled the perception that he is the best artist among the Sauti Sol quartet.
6. Inside Out – Nviiri The Storyteller
From the time Nviiri gave us ‘Pombe Sigara’ back in 2019, the Kenyan artist has been building up to a crescendo of artistic mastery. By now it is crystal clear that Nviiri is a master at creating and sustaining a lively vibe. Doesn’t even matter what Nviiri is singing about, when the music starts you’ll bob your head to the beat. Inside Out is the kind of album to light up the night with its party-centric tunes.
The beats are designed to keep the good times rolling and the dance floor packed. Inside Out is a playground of sonic delights, masterfully produced to allow the bassline to throb with a commanding presence.
7. Toxic – Joefes
Joefes deserves accolades for his debut album Toxic. From the first song ‘Blueticks’, to the Outro, Joefes is having a good time. The Kenyan artist who for a long time has been known for his Gengetone hits uses Toxic to showcase his breadth of talent as an all-rounded artist unbounded by structures and genres. The 13 track album released under Black Market Records features artists such as Fathermoh, Unspoken Salaton, Magix Enga, Odi wa Murang’a and others. Joefes’ lyrical finesse in Toxic is a testament to the power of simplicity, whether he’s flowing in English or seamlessly weaving verses in Sheng.
The artist’s delivery is marked by a raw and genuine quality, making his messages relatable to a broad audience. In tracks like ‘Blueticks,’ he confronts the pervasive pressures of social media with a straightforward yet poignant narrative. In embracing simplicity as his lyrical weapon, this artist not only captures the essence of everyday struggles but also elevates them into profound reflections.
8. Maisha Ya Stunna – Lil Maina
Released towards the end of the year, Lil Maina’s Maisha Ya Stunna is a 10-track album of bangers and party anthems such as Ma G Kwenye Klabu (featuring Scar Mkadinali), and Alert. The album also features Trio Mio, Caleb Awiti, NJERI, and Spinx Mafia. When you fuse Lil Maina’s narrative prowess with masterfully produced beats, what you get is a comprehensive celebration of both the highs and lows that life has to offer.
The 4th track ‘Doba Imewai’ opens with a soul-stirring melody, as the guitar strings gently whisper, gradually building into a hypnotic rhythm. Soon you’re shaking what you can shake singing along “Doba Imewai / Zimeshika, zimerunda / I can testify”. Lil Maina has perfected the art of creating lines that linger in the minds of listeners long after the music stops.
9. NATTORIUS – GTA and Natty
The duo of GTA and Natty caught the wave of Drill music that began in the UK and have been surfing on it upto this point. Their album NATTORIUS is a classic drill music album which makes use of gritty realism with infectious energy. The beats on NATTORIUS, characterized by heavy basslines and sharp percussion, serve as a powerful backdrop for the artists’ uncompromising lyrical delivery. The artists continue crafting their cornerstone in the evolution of Kenyan Drill music.
10. EMOTIONAL GANGSTER – Wangechi
Picture this album as a friendly tête-à-tête with Wangechi, where she spills the beans on personal annoyances, takes a moment to brag about her victories, and passionately explores her interests. It’s a musical diary that effortlessly blends vulnerability and vivacity. Released in September 2023, EMOTIONAL GANGSTER finds Wangechi in a fun phase of her career. What begins as a carefree exchange evolves to delve into the artist’s reflections on societal issues, love, and self-discovery.
As the album unfolds, Wangechi’s storytelling becomes a beacon of authenticity and empowerment. The narrative shifts toward uplifting themes of self-love, fun, and resilience as in Msichana Mrembo, Wanitaka (featuring Kaa la Moto), and Kidogo (track 8).
11. Mauru Unit – Sewersydaa
The much-awaited album is Sewersydaa’s 4th solo album after JESHI YA KATULULU, NO, the first of which was released in 2019, and the other two in 2021 respectively. Mauru Unit contains a whooping 24 songs and features Skillo, Ajay (of Buruklyn Boyz), Domani Munga, Kitu Sewer, Mr Right (of Buruklyn Boyz), and several other artists. In this age of TikTok-length attention span, releasing a lengthy album is usually a bold move. Sewersydaa’s commitment to a longer format speaks volumes about his dedication to the art form. It is not just a deliberate choice that pays off in dividends but also an assertion of his bottomless talent.
The extended runtime allows for a more profound exploration of themes. For instance, in the track Eastlands (featuring Skillo) the artists explore the evolution of social relationships while My Avi delves into corruption as he says ‘Extortion from watiaji / na ati wanafanya public service… Mauru Unit fosters a deeper connection with not only Sewersydaa but also with all featured artists’ creative vision beyond the fleeting trends of social media.
12. Midas Touch – Breeder LW
Towards the end of the year Breeder LW released Midas Touch, an album composed of 20 tracks, featuring a diverse roster of artists such as Bobby Mapesa, Zzero Sufuri, Red Fourth Chorus, Kushman among others. Breeder LW takes the opportunity in Midas Touch to reaffirm his prowess in crafting infectious and trend-setting sing-along tracks such as in the third track ‘Full Tank’ where he quips ‘Full Tank, Jaza/ Sepa kama mrenga ya Batman /Niko na hii na niko na another / Weh ni Peng, baby leta number.
In Midas Touch Breeder also takes a bold leap into deeper thematic content with a broader context such as in Midas Touch where he remarks “kuna fortunes ndani ya pipa...” From the anthemic hits that dominate the airwaves to the introspective tracks that invite contemplation, this album is a testament to Breeder LW’s versatility and maturation as an artist.
13. DEFINITION: REAL ONE – 4Mr Frank White
This album is an exploration of authenticity, manifesting realness on multiple dimensions. From the raw and unfiltered context of the narratives to the genuine talent showcased in every note, it is a sonic embodiment of truth. The artist doesn’t shy away from delving into the complexities of life, weaving a tapestry of realness that spans societal issues, personal struggles, and moments of triumph. In the intro track, the Kenyan artist narrates “…Niko broke vizii, hadi fuliza iko kwa budget…” then in the next track (Commercial) he and Ajay take on the subject of working hard to get ahead.
The craftsmanship and skill exhibited in the instrumentation and production contribute to the album’s authenticity, portraying a genuine commitment to musical excellence. DEFINITION: REAL ONE is a profound journey into the heart of realness -realness of context, narratives, talent, and, above all, a genuine connection with the human experience.
14. RADA – Kagwe Mungai
For a long time, Kagwe has been making music that resonates with diverse audiences, and in this 15-track album, he solidifies his position as a maestro of musical fusion. The album brings together a colorful roster of artists spanning the likes of Ndovu Kuu, Red Fourth Chorus, King Kaka, Fena Gitu, Mayonde, Nameless, Collo, Femi One, Tina Ardor, and Mfr Souls.
RADA feels like a homecoming celebration, where Kagwe Mungai returns to his roots, seamlessly blending elements of Afrobeat, R&B, and his signature Kenyanized lyrics such as in Ghostika whose refrain ‘ukighostiwa, ghostika’ serves as a notable illustration of this stylistic approach.
15. PINK PM – Bey T
The Kenyan songstress Bey T is to me, one of the most underappreciated Kenyan artists. The artist has elevated the art of musical storytelling, showcasing a profound mastery in creating layered compositions that demand active engagement from the listener. “Pink PM” showcases Bey T’s broad vocal range and songwriting finesse.
The album crystalizes her position as a remarkable singer and songwriter. Bey T’s commitment to offer more than just entertainment, immersing her listeners in a rewarding experience that goes beyond mere auditory pleasure is unquestionable. The 8-track album leaves one deeply immersed in a web of emotions and reflections.
