Must-Listen Songs from East African Music & Artists: January 2026

MUSIC

OkayAfrica rounds up the best new music from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

What can we expect from East African music in 2026? If last year is anything to go by, we’re in for more interregional and cross-continental collaborations. We will continue to see East Africans playing with and sampling other genres as well. But perhaps even more exciting is the rise of a new guard of artists who are pushing boundaries and reimagining what it means to be rooted in tradition. This wave brings innovation, experimentation with styles and genres, and a fearless reclaiming of what’s already known. We’re already seeing glimpses of that shift in the January 2026 lineup.

This month, check out standout releases from Abigail Chams, Bruce Melodie, Buruklyn Boyz, and more in OkayAfrica’s best East African music list.

Blén – “Tèkètèlègn” (Ethiopia)

Ethiopian singer-songwriter Blén delivers haunting vocals layered over traditional instrumentation and vivid imagery in“Tèkètèlègn,” the second single from her upcoming EP Sèkèn. The video is an artistic masterpiece, referencing iconic Ethiopian photos and paintings. Kudos to directors Yonatan Mesfin and Surafel Tibebu for the stunning visuals, with creative direction from Blén herself. We’re excited to see what else she has in store with Sèkèn.

Bruce Melodie ft. Diamond Platnumz, Brown Joel- “Pom Pom” (Rwanda/Tanzania/Nigeria) 

After releasing his debut album in early 2025, Bruce Melodie kept a relatively low profile musically for the rest of the year. But he kicked off 2026 with a banger in “Pom Pom,” teaming up with Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz and Nigerian rising star Brown Joel.

Vyroota – Kunsi (Uganda)

“Kunsi” is currently the hottest song in Uganda, and Vyroota is holding the crown. It’s an undeniably catchy track with a distinctly Ugandan vibe. Coming off the success of “Nakkiriza” with Spice Diana late last year, he’s riding some of the strongest momentum of his career.

Nobel & Tselimu – Sebeb ሰበብ ( Ethiopia)

Nobel & Tselimu are two Ethiopian artists—one visual, the other musical—who have joined forces to create their new EP, Udet. With a deeply textured track list to choose from, “Sebeb” stands out for me. The vibe is effortlessly smooth. It’s the kind of track you want playing with the windows down on a sunny day, cruising with the breeze and a cold beer in hand (if drinking and driving were a thing, of course).

We get to see a new side of the Tanzanian sensation with her latest release, “Your Loss.” The song serves as a bold announcement to her ex that she’s moving on and thriving without him. It’s catchy, it’s compelling, and it comes with all the sass and confidence we expect from Abigail Chams. With lines like, “Yeah, I broke up with my ex and I did it over text, but I’m feeling alright,” Chams doesn’t hold back. We had her break down the story behind the lyrics in our new Lyric IQ series. Check it out here.

Ajay of Buruklyn Boyz – “Game” (Kenya)

Despite releasing a full 17-track album in October 2025, Kenyan hip-hop duo Buruklyn Boyz have kicked off 2026 with new music. This time, the new release is “Game,” a solo track from Ajay, one-half of the duo. Although it’s a solo effort, the song is still released under the Buruklyn Boyz banner. The track is a dose of Kenyan drill, with Ajay offering laidback flows that highlight his individual style.