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Meet the Artists of the Spotify Fresh Finds Sessions, East Africa Edition

From R&B and Hip-Hop to Afro-pop and Gengetone, these are the rising talents who took part in East Africa’s first edition of the Spotify Fresh Finds Sessions

In late April, ONErpm partnered with Spotify for the East Africa edition of the Fresh Finds program, an artist development initiative and playlist ecosystem designed to identify, elevate, and empower up-and-coming musicians. The artists who attended the two-day workshop came from Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Meet the Fresh Finds Artists

Olives

Young woman wearing a black top and white trousers stares at the camera at a cafe.

Olives is a Nairobi-born singer blending tradition with modernity through her unique genre, Urban Taarab: a fusion of Swahili coastal music, Arabic scales, and R&B sounds. Her work frequently explores themes of love and healing, while bringing listeners into vividly imaginative soundscapes.

We Are Nubia

We Are Nubia is a dynamic duo based in Nairobi, Kenya. 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 and is grounded in Swahili storytelling.

Viroot

Young man facing the camera with defying look with hands at their chest level

Viroot, born Abdul Aziz Musigaz, is a rising Ugandan artist. His music is characterized by infectious rhythms and soulful vocals, reflecting a blend of traditional African sounds with modern Afrobeat influences.

Each track by Vyroota invites listeners into a world of emotionally charged storytelling, where lyrical themes are deeply anchored in human experiences and his Ugandan heritage.

His ability to weave narratives with authenticity and soul has not only garnered him an enduring fan base but also positioned him as a pivotal figure representing the evolution of Ugandan music on the global stage.

Phany Love

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 and Afro-beat artist who has rapidly established himself as a compelling voice in East Africa’s vibrant music scene.

Known for his smooth vocal delivery and emotionally resonant songwriting, he specializes in love-centric anthems that blend contemporary Afro-beat rhythms with the classic storytelling elements of traditional Tanzanian Bongo Flava.

With a growing, dedicated audience and a proven ability to deliver high-performing viral hits, Phany Love is steadily positioning himself as one of the standout names in the new generation of Tanzanian music.

Kahuti

Young male artists with pony tails wearing sun glasses in front of an yellow-red backdrop.

Kahuti is a fast-rising Kenyan singer, songwriter, and guitarist who’s making waves with a vibrant sound that blends rich African rhythms with modern Afrobeat energy.

Known for creating music that is both soulful and visually inspiring, Kahuti is building a unique artistic identity that goes beyond sound, combining music, culture, and fashion into one powerful experience.

With tracks that connect deeply with fans through themes of love, relationships, and youthful experiences, Kahuti is steadily positioning himself as an artist to watch in the East African entertainment scene.

Ila Nia

Female artist wears sunglasses looking to her right. She wears long dark hair and wears provocative outlook.

Born Sheila Ligeyo, Ila Nia is one of Kenya’s rising Afro-pop voices. Known for her warm stage presence and acoustic flair, Ila has built her name performing live in Nairobi’s music scene.

With her grounded presence and her ability to blend soul, strength and authenticity, Ila Nia is fast becoming one of the most relatable and exciting new voices in Kenya’s live and recorded music scene.

Hood Boys

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 dynamic Kenyan music group blending Arbantone, Gengetone, Afrobeat, and urban sounds to create high-energy tracks that resonate with Kenyan youth. As a trio, Papa Nyosto, Mana Vevo, and Fame Stano bring a unique style and dynamic performance to their music.

Their witty lyrics and danceable beats explore themes of love, hustle, and everyday life, capturing the essence of East African culture.

Genes1s

An artist sitting on a sofa wearing a yellow-brown jacket with no top in shades faces the camera

Genes1s is a Nairobi-based performing artist emerging as a defining voice in Kenya’s new urban wave. Breaking out of the city’s underground scene in 2020, he blends Afrobeats rhythms, hip-hop swagger, and soulful storytelling. His music captures Nairobi’s heartbeat, balancing emotional depth with great infectious energy.

Hildah Watiri

Black young Kenyan singer artist Hildah Watiri wearing a vibrant red dress holds her hair with both hands while looking to the side.

Hildah Watiri is a Nairobi-based singer, songwriter, and performer who is quickly making a name for herself in the East African music scene. Specializing in Afro-pop, Afro-soul, and R&B, she is celebrated for her mellow sound, distinctive writing style, and emotional vulnerability.

Her music navigates themes of romance, longing, ache, and hope, resonating deeply with listeners who appreciate honest and delicate storytelling. Hildah continues to captivate audiences and establish herself as a compelling and authentic voice in Kenyan Afro-soul.

Listen to the Best Music of African Emergent Independent Artists

Read More About ONErpm Education Initiatives on ONEhub/Academy.

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