A recent photo shared by Nairobi Gossip Club has sparked conversations across social media, revealing the top-played songs in Kenya. To the surprise and disappointment of many, Kenyan artists are notably absent from the top positions, with the first Kenyan artist, Bien, appearing only at ninth place on the list.
The chart is dominated by international and regional stars, with Tanzanian heavyweights like Diamond Platnumz, Harmonize, Rayvanny, and Zuchu taking prominent spots. Vybz Kartel from Jamaica, Israel Mbonyi from Rwanda, and Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr are also featured in the top ranks, underscoring the popularity of non-Kenyan music among Kenyan listeners.
This revelation has led to a wave of reactions online, with many Kenyans expressing concern over the state of the local music industry. The dominance of Tanzanian artists, in particular, has been a topic of discussion, highlighting the immense influence of Bongo Flava in the Kenyan music scene.
Bien, who is well-known as a member of Sauti Sol, is the only Kenyan artist in the top ten, a fact that has left many wondering why more Kenyan artists are not reaching similar heights. The list has sparked debates on how Kenyan musicians can increase their visibility and resonate more with local audiences, amid growing competition from regional and international acts.
