From Kinoti to Wanavokali, these are the emerging artists to watch in 2023, according to Spotify

Global music streaming platform Spotify has given its 2023 predictions of artists likely to break through to fame and mainstream streaming success in East Africa.

The platform, which boasts of more than 456 million users, says some of the acts are gearing up for new music releases this year, while some show indications greater success after previous success on the streaming platform.

Others are relatively new elements, developing new takes on familiar sounds that lean towards major shifts in popular music.

Among those on the platform’s list of 2023 artists to watch is Kinoti, a Kenyan singer, songwriter and producer who merges R&B and Afrosoul with song titles such as ‘Nitangoja’, ‘Ni We’ and ‘Enough’.

Wanavokali, six-member group behind the 2021 hit ‘Rhumba’, and Misee Billions, an artist, producer, mixer and engineer who is currently working on his debut mixtape ‘Champagne na Plantain’ is also listed among those to watch this year.

The list also includes Atlanta-born Kenyan R&B singer Njeri and V-BE, the duo comprising Mshairi Spikes and Tuku Kantu, whose latest song ‘Sasa Hivi’ is poised to be a favourite in weddings.

Other musicians from East Africa to watch are Tanzania’s Anjella, Killy and Phina, as well as Uganda’s Liam Voice and Axon.

In 2022, Nigerian music dominated the Kenyan streaming scene, with Afrobeats scooping the top spots in Spotify’s year-end listenership statistics.

New artists from the West African country which the platform says are set to break through this year are Khaid, Tempoe, Poco Lee, Bayanni, Brume, Ykb and Kaestyle.