The Needle / Kenya - Emerging

"The Needle / Kenya - Emerging" is a genre-spanning mix that highlights fresh and rising artists from Kenya and beyond. This playlist moves fluidly between hip-hop, Afro-fusion, alternative R&B, electronic, and regional sounds, offering an eclectic listening experience. Tracks like Kig$ and Kxffy’s "2X" and Y Shadey’s "Keep My Faith" bring dynamic rap energy, while Pip Millett’s "Better" and Dustin Vuong’s "as long as you love me" add sleek, introspective vibes.

Blending global influences, the playlist features the rhythmic pulse of Bandros and Kelvin Momo’s "Uhambe Wrongo (feat. Mr. Maker)" alongside Elyanna’s atmospheric "Ganeni" and Arooj Aftab’s hypnotic "Raat Ki Rani." Whether it’s the lively bounce of Fixupboy’s slowed-down "Pass Out," the dancefloor energy of Armin van Buuren’s live Ultra Festival ID, or the introspective lyricism of Talib Kweli and Madlib’s "Assata’s Code," this collection is a deep dive into emerging sounds shaping the scene.

Playlist Genres

Pop

Hip Hop

R&b

Experimental

Alternative

Electronic

Ambient Rock Trap Amapiano Jazz Rap Soul Folk Gospel Contemporary R&b Dance Pop Edm Indie Pop Reggaeton African Gospel Alternative R&b Downtempo Afro House Classical Electropop Gengetone Gqom Indie Rock Reggae