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Meet the Laureates of the First East Africa Fresh Finds Sessions

From R&B and Fro-Soul to Afrobeat and Gengetone, The Hidden Gems taking part in East Africa’s Ever Fresh Finds Represents the Best Music Across the Continent.

In Early May, ONErpm promoted the first edition of Spotify Fresh Finds flagship programme for new talents. Representing the emergent artistic voices from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Fresh Finds Africa introduces the real sound of Africa.

Meet ONErpm Spotify Fresh Finds 2026 Class laureates

Young woman wearing a black top and white trousers stares at the camera at a cafe.
Zaituni is a Nairobi-born Kenyan singer-songwriter blending Taarab, Afro-soul, and R&B into her signature Urban Taarab sound, known for poetic storytelling, coastal nostalgia, and her recently released EP Labor of Love.
We Are Nubia is a dynamic duo based in Nairobi, Kenya, formed in 2021. Comprised of Maggie and Gloria, the duo blends their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for music to create a sound that blends Afro-pop and R&B grounded in Swahili storytelling.
Young man facing the camera with defying look with hands at their chest level
Vyroota, whose real name is Musigazi Abdulaziz, is a musical artist hailing from the vibrant musical scene of Uganda. With a fusion of dancehall, reggae, Afrobeat, and R&B pop, he has rapidly climbed the ladder of fame, becoming one of Uganda’s most promising talents.
Closed up picture of an artist covering his mouth with one of his hands wearing a ring and a diamond ear ring and a white fur vest.
Phany Love is a Tanzanian Bongo Flava artist known for his contributions to the country’s vibrant music scene. He has released several tracks that have resonated with fans of the genre.
Young male artists with pony tails wearing sun glasses in front of an yellow-red backdrop.
Kahuti, a rising Kenyan soulful singer-songwriter. Blending English and Kiswahili, Kahuti fuses afrobeats and soulful rhythms to narrate real, relatable stories.
Female artist wears sunglasses looking to her right. She wears long dark hair and wears provocative outlook.
Ila Nia is an Afro-fusion artist from Kenya whose music blends soulful melodies, Swahili lyrics, and global rhythms to create a sound that is both fresh and deeply rooted in African identity.
Three young artists lined next to each other. The first on the left wears a blue top; in the middle one wears black and yellow sports jacket and the one one the right wears a black jumper.
Hood Boyz is a vibrant Kenyan music group fusing Gengetone, Afrobeat, and urban sounds to craft high-energy tracks that connect deeply with today’s youth.
An artist sitting on a sofa wearing a yellow-brown jacket with no top in shades faces the camera
Genes1s is a highly versatile recording and performing artist originating from Nairobi, Kenya, distinguished for his eclectic and continuously evolving sound.

Listen to the Best Music of African Emergent Independent Artists

Read More About ONErpm Education Initiatives on ONEhub/Academy.

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