Wakadinali Emerge As Only Local Artistes In List Of 10 Most Streamed Stars In Kenya

• Kenyan rap group Wakadinali surprised Kenyans by topping Spotify's top-searched artists' chart, beating local stars like Sauti Sol and Nyashinski
• The group was also the only local group on Spotify's top streamed artists alongside international stars like Drake, and 21 Savage, among others
• Wakadinali competed for top spots with Afrobeat artists who particularly shone in the ranking, making up most of the listing

Kenyan hip-hop group Wakadinali has dominated the Spotify Wrapped list, an annual review of how people listen to artists, albums, tracks, playlists, and even podcasts, beating international and local Kenyan artists.

Wakadinali rock Spotify in Kenya

In the top streamed artists list, Wakadinali made up of Domani Munga, Sewersydaa, and Scar, came in seventh and was the only local artist to feature on the list led by US rapper Drake.

This particular list was dominated by US musicians, the only other African stars being Burna Boy and Ayra Star.

“The Kenyan music scene has grown exponentially, and it is refreshing to see a Kenyan artist in the top streamed list,” Phiona Okumu, Spotify SSA’s Head of Music, said about Wakadinali's milestone.

Apart from being in the top streamed list, Wakadinali were also the most searched artist on Spotify in Kenya, beating famous Kenyan musicians like Sauti Sol, Bien, Bensoul, Nyashinski, Nviiri, and Otile Brown, among others.

They shared the news on their Instagram, proud of their achievement.

"Spotify Wrapped top streamed artists in Kenya 2023…. WAKADINALI NUMBER 1," they wrote.

Further, the group's album 'Ndani ya Cockpit 3' secured the 10th spot in the most streamed album list.

No other Kenyan artist made that list, mainly containing Nigerian stars, demonstrating Kenyans' immense love for Afrobeats.

This was also seen in the top streamed tracks section where Afrobeats dominated except for Bien and Darassa's 'Nobody', which came sixth.

That being said, Nyanshinski's 'Perfect Design' was the top song every day from October 26, a day after it was released, to November 2.

Additionally, Kinoti's 'Nitangoja' is the second most viral track on Spotify in Kenya, with 'Sasa Hivi' by Vijana Barubaru and Ashley Music coming in at tenth.

Mwalimu Rachel and DJ Xclusive's Advice to Wakadinali

In other news, Renowned radio host Mwalimu Rachel and mixmaster DJ Xclusive have shared words of wisdom to rap group Wakadinali on how they show up on stage when contracted to perform.

While on their radio show, Rachel urged Wakadinali to stop showing up high on stage and arriving in huge numbers despite them only being three performers.

On his side, Xclusive urged the trio to get new management and avoid having friends as professional managers because they do not have the experience to help them push forward.

Rachel also commended the rappers for their talent and urged them not to end up poor because no one would want to hire them because of how they behave when asked to perform.