The Best East African Songs Right Now

Tanzania's Jux celebrates love's grandest gesture with "God Design" featuring Nigeria's Phyno, with visuals from his real-life wedding. Kenya's Bien takes listeners on a rare cross-border journey with Somalia's Suldaan Seeraar on "Safari," bridging cultures with a heartfelt collaboration. Uganda's King Saha reflects on the highs and lows of life lived online in "TikTok Life," while Kenya's Bensoul and V-BE toast to the sweetness of love in "Kautamu Flani."

These are just some songs that kept East Africa grooving in April.

Listen to OkayAfrica's Best East African Songs Right Now below.

Jux - "God Design" Feat. Phyno (Tanzania)

Fresh off "Africa's wedding of the year" to Nigeria's Priscilla Ojo, Tanzania'sJuma Jux returns with a new track featuring visuals from the actual ceremony. According to Jux, the song is part of his seven-track EP, A Day to Remember, described as "a soundtrack to our love story." "Straight from the heart, for the love of my life," he shared on social media. "Forever starts now." Don't sleep on Phyno's verse.

Bien - “Safari” feat. Suldaan Seeraar (Somalia/Kenya)

Kenya'sBien is gearing up to release a new album, kicking things off with the lead single "Safari," a collaboration with Somalia's Suldaan Seeraar. Despite Kenya and Somalia's shared border, musical collaborations between the two nations are rare. This makes the track a compelling glimpse into the album's direction and Bien's evolving artistry. The album arrives ahead of his upcoming tour across Europe and the U.S. this summer.

King Saha - “TikTok Life” (Uganda)

One of Uganda's finest, King Saha returns with a song that celebrates and laments the experience of living life in front of a phone screen. It reflects digital-age realities, delivered with his signature melodic flair—and it's been steadily climbing the Ugandan charts. Even over a decade in the game, King Saha continues to craft music that speaks to and for the people.

Bensoul - "Kautumu Flani" feat. V-BE (Kenya)

Six months after his hit "Extra Pressure,"Bensoul returns with "Kautamu Flani," a new single featuring Nairobi-based duo V-BE(Vijana Barubaru). Since its release, the song has quickly climbed to the top of Kenya's charts. Known for their romantic, soulful sound, V-BE brings their signature vibe to the track, celebrating an unnamed, indescribable sweetness that love brings.

Matata - “Mpishi” feat. Bien (Kenya)

It's been a year since Norway-based group Matata released new music, and they've returned in style with "Mpishi," teaming up with Kenya's hitmaker Bien for a track that has topped the Kenyan charts. Known for their vibrant fusion of rap, Sheng, and Kikuyu influences, Matata's latest release also highlights their colorful aesthetic and infectious choreography, reaffirming their place as one of East Africa's most exciting acts.

Marioo - Tete  (Tanzania)

Marioo is on a roll this year. His hit "Nairobi" remains at the top of the charts, and he is ready to add to that with "Tete."

Toxic Lyrikali - "Confirmation" feat. Mr Ree (Kenya)

After a breakout year in 2024, urban tone-drill sensation Toxic Lyrikali kicks off 2025 with his first single, "Confirmation." Hailing from gritty Nairobi, Toxic Lyrikali has built a loyal digital following with his electrifying stage presence, sharp lyricism, and bold storytelling.