East African Music Highlights January 2026
Written by Black Hot Fire Network Team on January 30, 2026
East African music continues to evolve, with a noticeable trend toward interregional collaborations and genre experimentation. A new generation of artists is emerging, pushing creative boundaries and redefining traditional sounds.
New Music Highlights
Several artists have released standout tracks in January 2026, including Abigail Chams, Bruce Melodie, Buruklyn Boyz, and others. These releases showcase the diverse and innovative landscape of East African music.
Blén – “Tèkètèlègn” (Ethiopia)
Ethiopian singer-songwriter Blén released “Tèkètèlègn,” the second single from her upcoming EP Sèkèn. The song features haunting vocals over traditional instrumentation and vivid imagery. The accompanying video is a visually striking work of art, referencing iconic Ethiopian photos and paintings. Directors Yonatan Mesfin and Surafel Tibebu, with creative direction from Blén, contributed to the stunning visuals.
Bruce Melodie ft. Diamond Platnumz, Brown Joel- “Pom Pom” (Rwanda/Tanzania/Nigeria)
Following the release of his debut album in early 2025, Rwandan artist Bruce Melodie collaborated with Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz and Nigerian rising star Brown Joel on the track “Pom Pom.”
Vyroota – Kunsi (Uganda)
“Kunsi” by Vyroota is currently a popular song in Uganda. The track has a distinctly Ugandan vibe and is considered undeniably catchy. Vyroota is building on the success of “Nakkiriza” with Spice Diana from late 2025.
Nobel & Tselimu – Sebeb ሰበብ (Ethiopia)
Ethiopian artists Nobel and Tselimu, one a visual artist and the other a musician, have released their collaborative EP, Udet. “Sebeb” stands out from the EP’s track list with its smooth and effortless vibe.
Abigail Chams – “Your Loss” (Tanzania)
Tanzanian artist Abigail Chams released “Your Loss,” a confident track about moving on from a past relationship. The song features lyrics like, “Yeah, I broke up with my ex and I did it over text, but I’m feeling alright.” Chams discussed the story behind the lyrics in a recent Lyric IQ series.
Ajay of Buruklyn Boyz – “Game” (Kenya)
Kenyan hip-hop duo Buruklyn Boyz released “Game,” a solo track from Ajay. The track is a dose of Kenyan drill, showcasing Ajay’s individual style.
