Spotify Wrapped: Bien is Kenya’s most streamed artiste

Celebrated Kenyan singer and songwriter Bien-Aime Baraza is the most streamed artiste locally on Spotify this year.

This is according to the digital music platform’s viral end year data, Spotify Wrapped, which compiles and breaks down listening trends.

Rap group Wakadinali came in second, followed by Sauti Sol, Bensoul, Lil Maina and Nyashinski.

More acts in the top ten include Okello Max, Chris Kaiga, Nviiri The Storyteller and Otile Brown.

“Bien’s incredible journey as a solo artist has resonated with fans across the country. Despite Sauti Sol’s break in 2023, Bien has continued to create authentic Afropop hits that have topped the charts,” the music platform notes in a press statement.

 “His success, alongside the groundbreaking Hip-Hop group Wakadinali, highlights the incredible growth and diversity of Kenyan music.”

The report notes the increased export of local Arbantone tunes, which shows that Kenya’s music is steadily gaining recognition in global stages.

“Spotify Wrapped 2024 provides a fascinating glimpse into the diverse musical landscape of Kenya. From the soulful sounds of Bien to the captivating storytelling of Abel Mutua’s Mkurugenzi podcast, Kenyans are embracing a rich variety of genres and artists.”

The data also reveals some interesting generational trends. While Lil Maina, Sosatheprodigyy-Nakam Sai has taken the younger generation by storm, older Kenyans find solace in the heartfelt tunes of Israel Mbonyi and Christina Shusho, per Spotify.

The top streamed podcast locally is The 97s Podcast, followed by So This Is Love, The Mkurugenzi Podcast, The Messy In Between and ShxtsNGigs, concluding the top 5.

Internationally, Taylor Swift takes the lead, followed by The Weeknd, Bad Bunny, Drake and Billie Eilish.

Forbes reports that Spotify Wrapped explores identity, culture and nostalgia. The piece also interrogates whether the celebration of music is about what we listen to or what it says about who we are.

“More than just a quirky recap of listening habits, Wrapped offers surprising insights into identity patterns, culture, and the growing role of technology in shaping self-perception.”

“And despite its gimmicky nature, Wrapped can feel personal and profound, helping us understand ourselves through the lens of clicks, skips, and loops.”