The Best East African Songs Right Now

Kenya's Femi One surprised fans with "Sema," a tender, all-female collaboration with Brandy Maina and Njerae that swaps her usual hard bars for vulnerability. In Uganda, Joshua Baraka made a strong return with "Wrong Places," a soulful, introspective cut hinting at a new creative chapter. Rwanda's Element Eleéeh went cross-genre with "Tombé," a sensual blend of Afrobeats and kompa that's already a TikTok sensation.

And there's so much more. Check out what East Africa offers this month, from raw confessions to slick collaborations.

Dyana Cods – “Get Busy” feat. Toxic Lyrikali (Kenya)

Dyana Codsreturns with "Get Busy," a fresh collaboration with rapper Toxic Lyrikali, hot on the heels of his latest hit, "Confirmation." The video, which casts Cods as a sultry officer and Lyrikali as her inmate, blends catchy beats with steamy visuals. While Cods hasn't topped the buzz of "Set It" just yet, "Get Busy" could be her closest contender.

Element Eleéeh – “Tombé” (Rwanda)

Rwandan hitmaker Element Eleéeh blends Afrobeats and kompa on "Tombé," a sultry love song with a dance that's gone viral on TikTok. With over five million YouTube views, it's another keen reminder that he will outgrow East Africa eventually.

Jux – "Ex Wa Nani" feat. D Voice (Tanzania)

Jux continues to draw inspiration from his recent nuptials to Nigeria's Priscilla Ojo. His latest release, "Ex Wa Nani," is part of his EP A Day to Remember, which he describes as "a soundtrack to our love story." For this track, he joins forces with D Voice to reflect on the emotional complexities of falling in love with someone's former partner. The song leaves listeners wondering if there is a personal story behind the music.

Joshua Baraka- "Wrong Places" (Uganda)

After a quiet year, Uganda's soulful hitmaker returns with "Wrong Places," his first new music since dropping his Recess mixtape late last year. In an interview, Baraka told OkayAfrica he planned to buckle down to work on his next album, and this track might mark that shift. Following his reflective mini-docRecess: The Story, "Wrong Places" leans into the raw, emotive storytelling that's becoming his signature.

Gloria Bugie – “Kampala” (Uganda)

Ugandan singer Gloria Bugie delivers a bold statement in "Kampala," her latest song that warns of the charm and danger of Kampala men. "These are the men who cheat the most," she says at one point. Known for her fiery lyrics and confident presence, Bugie uses sharp wit and danceable beats to tell a cautionary tale about love and heartbreak in Uganda's capital.

Barnaba - "Salama" Feat.  Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania)

After a quiet stretch and lukewarm releases late last year, Barnaba is bouncing back strongly with "Salama," his first single of 2025. And he teams up with none other than Diamond Platnumz. Barnaba sings about reaching out to check in on an old flame. It's a nice reset for him.

Femi One - “Sema” feat.  Brandy Maina and Njerae (Kenya)

Femi One returns with "Sema," a heartfelt track featuring Brandy Maina andNjerae. Known for her bold bars, Femi shows a softer side here, declaring her love despite public judgment and gossip. Maina and Njerae add smooth, soulful vocals, forming a powerful all-female trio that radiates emotion and solidarity.