Kenyans streaming R&B more than other music genres
The latest data report from giant streaming platform Spotify indicates a surge of R&B music in the country.
What you need to know:
- In 2020, R&B-related streams hovered around 40 million.
- By the end of 2024 the number climbed to over 930 million.
A majority of Kenyans are now tuning in to R&B music, more than any other genre, with the Gen Z leading in the consumption of the genre.
The latest data report from giant streaming platform Spotify indicates a surge of R&B music in the country. In just four years, R&B has gone from low-key to loud and clear in Kenya.
In 2020, R&B-related streams hovered around 40 million. However, by the end of 2024 the number climbed to over 930 million. According to the report, listeners between the age of 18-24 years alone, logged over 30 million streams – the highest across all age groups.
Nairobi's R&B scene
The biggest surge came earlier – between 2020 and 2021, streams jumped 382 per cent – and the momentum hasn’t slowed since, with Nairobians leading the pack of R&B streams. Year after year, R&B’s presence has swelled, reshaping Kenya’s music DNA in real-time.
This surge has been sparked by a significant number of Kenyan musicians releasing R&B records as well.
“Nairobi's R&B scene is really buzzing. Artistes here continue to drive a wave of introspective and genre-bending music, adding their own flair to soul with a fresh Kenyan vibe,” the report said.
On the international stage, Kenyans are listening more to Chris Brown, SZA and The Weeknd. Nigerian Afrobeat star Tems also makes the most streamed R&B musicians in Kenya. Bensoul holds his own with nearly 7 million streams, signalling a hunger for local voices.