NaijaTurnUp.com Top Kenyan Songs of 2020
As the final hours of 2020 slowly roll by, It’s time again for our annual Top Kenyan Songs playlists of 2020. NaijaTurnUp.com is committed to bringing you all your favorite tracks that have come out of one of Africa’s most exciting music scenes.
It has been such a rollercoaster year, and the music scene has not been left out. It is noteworthy to recall that most of 2020 the rise in the music reach of African artists has been on the rise, and the global pandemic would not have changed that in any way whatsoever. , whether in the clubs or now at home.
We took our time to go through playlist features that we all have jammed to all year, and have come up with our top artists ranging from Khaligraph Jones to Sauti Sol, and Nadia Mukami. Newcomer Tanasha Donna also makes an appearance.
It is important to note that the songs we have compiled are in no particular order and are taken from music charts and based on selected streaming figures. As we traditionally do, NaijaTurnUp.com will update this playlist throughout the year, to make space for more prominent music that makes it on our chart.
Utawezana by Femi One ft. Mejja
The very first on our list this year is Utawezana, which translates to ‘can you handle it?’ By the time the video for this song was released, it had already had the music scene rolling in waves of rhythm and vibes its share of notoriety on the TikTok platform with the #Utawezana dance challenge, which rocked the online community, and opened up lots of opportunities for creativity and show of high-level artistry.
Suzanna by Sauti Sol
The next on our list is the ’70s themed video was directed by Leke Alabi-Isama and shot in Nigeria. The song is off their Midnight Train album, set to be released on 5 June 2020. What particularly makes the song stand out has to do with the album, and the group’s first release after signing with Universal Music Africa earlier this year. This is one song that will continue to ring through for many years to come.
Yes, Bana by Khaligraph Jones ft. Bien
As several others can attest to, Khaligraph Jones is undeniably one of the few Kenyan hip hop artists who has been able to sustain a long career. In this track, he features Sauti Sol’s singer, Bien. Check it out below:
Toto by Arrow Bwoy
The singer and producer uses witty wordplay to describe a lady he likes. This is what gives the song its uniqueness, as it shows his creative side, and also gets him the audience he needs to get things going for him. The song was co-written by Arrow Bwoy, Ilogos, and Naiboi, and the video was produced by Enos Olik.
La Vie by Tanasha Donna ft. Mbosso
The song is off Tanasha’s Donnatella EP (2020) and features Tanzanian Bongo Flava singer Mbosso. The lyrics of the love song are in English, French, and Swahili.
Brighter Days by Sauti Sol ft. Soweto Gospel Choir
It is impossible to say who stole this song. The song features the Grammy-winning Soweto Gospel Choir. Although the song borrows from gospel music, Sauti Sol’s urban aesthetic is not lost.
Jipe by Nadia Mukami ft. Marioo
This love song is off Nadia Mukami’s African Popstar EP set to be released later in the year. She features Tanzanian fast-rising singer Marioo. The audio was produced by Alexis on the Beat and the video was directed by Deska Torres.
Gere by Tanasha Donna ft. Diamond Platnumz
The song features Tanzanian heavyweight Diamond Platnumz.
Hao by Khaligraph Jones ft. Masauti
The song is about cyberbullying. The rapper gives examples of Kenyan celebrities who have suffered at the hands of haters and bullies. On the chorus is singer Masauti.
Nikune by Willy Paul ft. Nadia Mukami
‘Nikune’ was released in April. Saldido International produced the audio while the video was directed by Sammy Dee.
