Sauti Sol
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Kenyan top boy band Sauti Sol has always been one to look out for. In music, they are celebrated as one of the finest crafters of Afro-pop. In fashion, their brazen choices command respect. And in business, they continue to revolutionize how commerce and music can intertwine.
Following their official 2021 break to focus on "solo careers", each of them spawned excellent projects.
Reports suggest the solo venture was a business strategy to recoup money lost in their Universal Music deal that didn't work well following disruptions by the global pandemic.
In 2023, they have teased a supposed comeback, and how they produce an album in their critical fifth, Midnight Train, will be interesting to experience.
Xenia Manasseh
Kenya's pride and joy, Xenia has become a prolific figure, especially in the R&B sphere. Over recent years, Xenia has become the hook girl.
Every artist is looking for her velvet and soothing vocal dexterity in their choruses and ad-libs.
Xenia's last solo body of work was 2019's heart-wrenching 'Fallin' Apart' where she wore her heart on her sleeve with ballads and R&B cuts wreathed in heartbreaks.
More mature and seasoned now following her success, including song-writing credits for Teyana Taylor and working with Mr. Eazi, on to being involved in Grammy-winning albums (Burna Boy's African Giant), fans want to see her keep winning.
Xenia has the potential to be the centerpiece artiste. Her next album should be commercial and should take her to the spot we know she deserves.
Maandy
Another baddie on the mic is Maandy. She is no slouch. With two projects under her belt, 2021's 'Frisky' and 2019's 'Kabaya', Maandy is one of the fastest-growing brands in Kenyan pop culture.
The many hit songs she has produced or been a part of have bought her time in her bid to produce her own solo hit record.
Her third studio album is expected to be one of the best of the year.
Little Maina
Since coming on to the scene as a musician, Little Maina has been churning out hit songs for his legion of fans.
Lil Maina has gone from a skit and monologue act to a musical icon in Kenya. His songs 'Kishash', 'Umbwakni' and 'Stretch marks kwa Haga' have made him an easily recognisable name.
With his soon-to-be-released debut project 'Maisha Ya Stunna' on the way, he has released the lead single 'Zoza', featuring Buruklyn Boyz, and there is no telling what the project's impact could be.