11 Underrated Kenyan Female Musicians

The Kenyan music scene has been growing over the last decade. There are definitely more events and a larger pool of musicians to choose from. What’s even more exciting is that there are quite a number of female musicians hitting the scene. In all honesty, when you think of the Kenyan music scene, not many Kenyan female musicians come to mind. This is perhaps an issue of marketing as I think there are more than enough and it is a matter of when and not if they hit.

Here’s a list of female musicians that I think are not getting enough airtime.

1. Diana Nduba (Mayonde)

Diana Nduba is no stranger to the music scene. She’s been around for a minute with creative links to Mavuno (through the collective Chit Chat), Just A Band and recently Coke Studio. Her voice is lovely and her music is pretty good. I especially love her cover of Nikki’s Niwe Wako Milele as well as her latest offerings Isukuti Love, Rise and Angels. She has recently rebranded herself to Mayonde.

2. Cece Sagini

Cece burst onto the scene when she provided vocals to Jimmy Gait’s hit ‘Appointment’. She is a graduate of Sauti Academy and has had a few singles out including Sio Mwisho and Feel It. She released a video for her single Feel It three months ago and has been gaining traction since. I’ve had the pleasure of listening to a few of her upcoming jams and I can confidently say she’s one to watch.

3. KIU

KIU are a girl group comprising three talented singers: Tracy, They are graduates of the Sauti Academy. These three ladies individually are talented singers and sound even better together. They’ve released three singles including a cover of Davido’s Aye. Their jam Mwanake has caught on and there is a lot of excitement about the new music they are set to release.

4. Monitah

I don’t much about Monitah’s history, but I do know I like her music. She has a sultry voice and her single Barua is a feel good love song that will have you reminiscing about your highschool crushes. Definitely looking forward to more music from her.

5.Vivian

I saw Vivian on stage at an event at Alliance two years ago. She definitely has the x factor and could be a star. She’s had relatively successful singles such as My Dream featuring Jaguar and Woman in Love, but is yet to hit it big. Her latest single Same Girl is receiving some good airplay and hopefully she will do even better.

6.Kalahi

I had not interacted with Kalahi or her music until two days ago. Her single Kitunguu is definitely a hit in my books. I’ve had it on replay since I first heard it and I’m on the search for more of her music.

7.Phy

Phy was a member of the band Phy and the Band that made waves on the live music scene in Nairobi. The band sadly broke up but Phy went on to be a finalist on the Airtel Trace Stars and then went on to win Maisha Superstar. Phy has an amazing voice and a electric stage presence. I am looking forward to her debut album.

8. Sara Mitaru

Sara Mitaru is from a musical family with both her husband and sisters also musically inclined. She has enjoyed some mainstream buzz with her singles Make Way, You Said featuring Bien Aime and Keep Me From You featuring Bez.

9. Ythera

Ythera can sing! Her singles Kinky Hair, Kijana and Ahadi are all great songs. She is definitely a breath of fresh air. I love her voice and her style. Can’t wait for her to release even more awesome music.

10. Lisa Oduor-Noah

Ever since I heard Lisa’s cover of Ndai, the original is by K-South and Fundi Frank, I have been in love with her voice. She’s one of those singers that has a distinctly unique voice and it’s impossible to stop listening to any music she makes.

11. Prisca Ojwang

I found out about Prisca when I got invited to her concert dubbed Me, Myself and I that’s going down at the Michael Joseph Centre on 5th September. Her single Lies I Told Me is wonderful listen.

Bonus

12. Victoria Kimani

She could be considered an already mainstream artiste, but I feel that she’s not quite there in Kenya. Granted, her base is Nigeria (even though she is a Kenyan artiste) and this may have somewhat alienated her Kenyan audience. I love her singles Mtoto, Show Me and her latest offering Two of Dem. I think she is talented and has the x factor to be a huge star and hope that Kenyan audiences will warm up to her.

There are a number of other female singers such as Lyra Aoko, Wendy Kimani, Atemi, Dela, Amileena, Sage, Fena, Wangechi and Patricia Kihoro that are incredibly talented and underrated that I hope will be given the recognition they deserve soon. All in all, I think there is plenty of talent in Kenya and it just needs a little bit more spotlighting to spread into the mainstream, but I think it’s safe to say that we are living in exciting times.

You can check out the full playlist here.