Music Stories

Spotify debuts AI DJ in Kenya with personalised music, smart commentary for premium users
Margaret Wanjiru  |  May 04, 2025

With Kenya among the over 40 new countries receiving this update, Spotify is signalling its commitment to expanding its footprint in Africa.

Bien and Suldaan wow fans with 'Safari', a powerful blend of Swahili and Somali sounds
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Apr 26, 2025

As the song continues to dominate streaming platforms, “Safari” is more than just a hit; it is a movement, symbolising the power of African unity and...

Kenyan music takes the world by storm as Spotify reveals impressive streaming growth
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Apr 26, 2025

Spotify says that global listeners have spent more than 120,000 hours streaming Kenyan music in the past year

Why the music at a restaurant matters more than you think
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Apr 25, 2025

Whether it is soft jazz playing in the background at a cosy coffee shop or the rhythmic pulse of Somali dhaanto beats accompanying a platter of camel...

Matatu industry players calls for urgent government reforms to end lawlessness on roads
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Apr 25, 2025

The Federation of Public Transport Sector, which brings together all associations within the industry, has blamed the lack of a national transport mas...

YouTube introduces new AI tool to help creators steer clear of copyrighted music
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Apr 12, 2025

Currently, the feature is being rolled out gradually to select users in the US who are part of the YouTube Partner Programme while a global expansion...

Amadou Bagayoko: Blind Malian musician whose joyful songs changed West African music
The Conversation  |  Apr 12, 2025

The married singers, who met when she was 18 and he 21, took traditional Mali music and blended it with western rock and many other influences to shap...

Nairobi County cracks down on CBD shops over noise pollution
Lucy Mumbi  |  Apr 09, 2025

Mosiria emphasised the importance of maintaining a quiet and conducive environment, particularly in an area that is home to learning institutions and...

Iconic Malian musician Amadou Bagayoko of Amadou & Mariam dies at 70
Reuters  |  Apr 05, 2025

Their 2004 album "Dimanche a Bamako" (Sunday in Bamako) put them on the international map and the 2008 release "Welcome To Mali" was nominated for the...

Spotify to introduce 'Music Pro' in 2025 – but at an extra cost
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Feb 18, 2025

The new Music Pro tier is expected to cost around Sh900 ($6) more than the existing Sh1,800 ($12) Premium subscription, bringing the total to approxim...

New regulations to curb noise pollution in Nairobi target matatus, clubs and businesses
Charles Adinda  |  Feb 12, 2025

Bars, clubs, and churches that have been notorious for playing loud music will also face stringent action.

Death of Farhia Boss Lady sends shockwaves across Somalia
Abdirahman Khalif  |  Jan 08, 2025

Farhia, a well-known Somali celebrity, passed away in Mogadishu on Wednesday morning after a brief illness.

Gazan teen musician sings for children who endure the daily horrors of war
Reuters  |  Sep 04, 2024

Youssef was studying at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in nearby Gaza City before it was reduced to ruins in the war that has devastat...

26 primary school students injured in Sachangwan accident
Charity Kilei  |  Aug 05, 2024

Timon Odingo, the Molo Sub-County Police Commander, confirmed the incident.

MCSK boss Ezekiel Mutua announces new committee to address music tariff concerns
Mercy Asamba  |  May 30, 2024

The newly formed Committee will focus on negotiating an agreeable tariff implementation plan, aiming to create a win-win situation for the business ow...

Restaurants to register to play music or pay fine of Sh500,000 - KECOBO
Bashir Mohammed  |  May 19, 2024

The stringent enforcement aims to protect the rights of musicians and ensure fair compensation for their work.

Puntland singer makes waves on social media despite sicknesses, lack of romance
Abdirahman Khalif  |  May 13, 2024

Nuuradin Sugaal, aka Owliyo, says he is "just a sick man" who has never been in love, but has moved many with his romantic songs.

Somali musician Yurub Genyo rocks Eastleigh in debut concert
Abdirahman Khalif  |  Apr 18, 2024

Yurub Genyo was part of Xiddigaha Geeska, a musical group that began in Hargeisa in 2004. The group gained initial recognition for their support of on...

Motion to ban street parties in Nairobi estates presented to assembly
Barack Oduor  |  Mar 05, 2024

The Makongeni ward representative claims that the street parties and loud Reggae music in residential areas have also bred immorality within the estat...

International Somali music, dance show comes to Eastleigh
Abdirahman Khalif  |  Feb 22, 2024

Local Kenyan musicians and dhaanto singers like Abwaan Cayn and Hassan Gantal will also grace the stage, promising an evening filled with vibrant perf...

Stay ahead of the news! Click ‘Yes, Thanks’ to receive breaking stories and exclusive updates directly to your device. Be the first to know what’s happening.