Introducing a friend, coworker, partner, or acquaintance to new music is one of the finest things you can do for them. Music has a way of bringing people together, helping you through your toughest days, or making a special occasion even more memorable, and as the old adage goes, "living without music would be terrible."
In light of this, we felt it would be appropriate to introduce you to these few Kenyan female artists who are creating waves both at home and abroad.
In light of this, we felt it would be appropriate to introduce you to these few Kenyan female artists who are creating waves both at home and abroad.
Xenia Manasseh
Xenia is currently signed as a songwriter to The Upper Class Man Group (UCMG), an Atlanta-based record label, despite the fact that she is only 23 years old. The singer was born and raised in Kenya, but went on to Berklee College of Music to pursue her education and polish her talent. Xenia has sung with Sauti Sol, written for Teyanna Taylor, and been a backup vocalist for Mayah Dyson, as well as being a lead singer for Beyoncè's original all-female band. She peaked at #2 on the Kenyan iTunes R&B and Soul charts when she dropped her debut EP.
Karun
Karun Mungai is the next Kenyan artiste on our list. Karun, singer and songwriter was the former lead singer of Camp Mulla, the popular music group. When she opted to pursue a solo career as a musician, the group separated in 2013, and she went to Berklee College of Music to hone her skills among the greats. She has not failed with any of her projects to date, and she recently released a seven-track EP titled 'Catch A Vibe.' Her music is a mix of neo-soul, modern, and alternative R&B.
Vallerie Muthoni
Vallerie rose to prominence in 2018 and, on her 18th birthday in 2019, published her debut album, 'Pisces Szn,' which immediately topped Kenyan music charts. The singer, rapper, dancer, and creative director was born and raised in the United States but now calls Kenya home. Vallerie is heavily influenced by Nina Simone, Beyonce, and Michael Jackson, and has performed alongside international acts such as Lady Leshurr (UK), Masego (US), Burna Boy, Kwesta, Shekhinah , Blinky Bill (Kenya), Muthoni Drummer Queen (Kenya), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Khaligraph Jones, and Blinky Bill (Kenya).
Nikita Kering
Nikita is the youngest of our songbirds. She has won numerous awards, been featured on BBC, dominated local and regional charts, and shared stages with artists such as Sauti Sol at the age of 20. She's been likened to Adele and Beyoncé, and there's no doubting that her voice has the ability to make you cry.
Check out these rising talents so that the next time you're putting together a playlist, you don't forget to add them.
Check out these rising talents so that the next time you're putting together a playlist, you don't forget to add them.