The Best East African Songs Right Now

Some of July’s strongest East African songs leaned into experimentation and carried an underground feel, from SaiSounds’ Somali House to Bolingo’s unexpected turn toward rock. There are still one or two heavy hitters here, but what stands out this month is how much the region’s sound is expanding and widening. 

This month, check out standout releases from Somi, Bolingo, SaiSounds, R.M.H, Drama T, ColloBlue and more.

Somi — “Sometimes Love” feat. The Cavemen (Rwanda/Uganda diaspora/Nigeria)

Somi’s “Sometimes Love” feels like the kind of song that gently opens up the July list. The Grammy-nominated singer pairs her elegant, jazz-rooted voice with The Cavemen’s highlife warmth, lending the track ease. The gorgeous lyric video was filmed on location at a tea farm in Fort Portal, Uganda. Ahead of her new album, What Does It Take to Bloom?, out in August, “Sometimes Love” feels like another reminder of the world she builds so well: soulful and quietly rich.

Bolingo — “Chapaa” (Tanzania)

Bolingo’s “Chapaa” is unexpected! The Tanzanian singer-songwriter leans into rock here, a nice change from the usual genres we hear time and time again. The song has also been making the rounds on social media, which makes sense. It has the kind of raw, catchy energy that can cut through a feed quickly. More than anything, “Chapaa” is a reminder that East African rockers exist, even if they are not always centered in the region’s mainstream music conversation. 

SaiSounds — “Lei Lei” (Somali diaspora)

SaiSounds’ “Lei Lei” is a beautiful introduction to Somali House. The UK-raised DJ and cultural tastemaker is helping shape the sound by fusing traditional Somali influences with contemporary house. “Lei Lei” shows how exciting it can be. And when the Somali vocals come in … that moment feels almost magical!  

Yemi Alade — “Don’t Be Shy” ft. Bien (Nigeria/Kenya)

Yemi Alade and Bien are both masters of charm, so “Don’t Be Shy” works best when it lets that chemistry lead. The song is playful and flirty, with Yemi bringing her usual confidence and Bien sliding in with the smoothness that has made him one of East Africa’s most reliable collaborators. With a new album from Yemi expected later this year, we are looking forward to seeing how her sound evolves.

R.M.H — “Imbobo” feat. Dylack, Og2tone & Cracs Got Real (Rwanda)

“Imbobo” offers a glimpse into the growing Rwandan hip-hop culture. R.M.H brings together Dylack, Og2tone, and Cracs Got Real for a quick, playful track. With his upcoming fourth album, Ndigukaba IV, R.M.H. uses “Imbobo” as a glimpse of where his sound is heading next. It is also exciting to hear the collaborative side of Rwandan hip-hop, which clearly enjoys itself.

Drama T — “Iholele” (Burundi)

With “Ntagatima” already making the list of East Africa’s top songs of the year so far, Drama T keeps his momentum going with “Iholele.” The Burundian artist has a way of making songs feel confident without forcing the point, and this one sits comfortably in that pocket. 

ColloBlue — “Dance Samawaah” ft. Ndovu Kuu (Kenya)

“Dance Samawaah” is fascinating because it captures Kenya’s TikTok-to-music-stardom pipeline in motion. ColloBlue and his The Cluster Africa collective have already helped shape how songs are marketed through creator culture. With “Dance Samawaah”, he steps into the music himself. Featuring Ndovu Kuu, the track leans fully into dance TikTok culture, with a video that brings together some of the country’s biggest TikTok dancers. It is easy to see why it moved quickly.