Introduction and Selection Criteria for Africa's Top Songs of 2017
After the belated publication of Africa's Top Songs for each of the years running from 2010 to 2013, the 2017 list now represents the eighth annual ranking in #TheYamboSelection series. The same criteria have been used this year (January to December 2017) as were used last year to select and rank the best pop songs out of those released or published during the year. The longest list of top songs had 25 titles in 2014, but this number has been set at 40 since 2015.
Before the entire Top 40 list is released, smaller "vertical" segments are released as follows: Top 5, Top 10, Top 20 and Top 25 (particularly where we can't go from 20 straight to 40, for one reason or another). This is intended to facilitate subsequent online search by individuals who may be interested only in specific segments...READ MORE
Before the entire Top 40 list is released, smaller "vertical" segments are released as follows: Top 5, Top 10, Top 20 and Top 25 (particularly where we can't go from 20 straight to 40, for one reason or another). This is intended to facilitate subsequent online search by individuals who may be interested only in specific segments...READ MORE
List of Top 40 Pop Songs of 2017 By/Featuring East African Queens ~ #TYS
[Note: Lists for earlier years appear at the bottom of this page]
[Note: Lists for earlier years appear at the bottom of this page]
Click on a Song's Title to Watch the Video
40. Run Tin by King Kaka ft. Fena Gitu (2017):
Run Tin has a superb opening tune, for some 30 seconds or so. This yields to King Kaka's distinctive rap 'affair', and fine reggae vibes from Fena Gitu. But poor lighting mars the video.
39. Banyabo by REMA (2017):
A stunning location is the setting for this finely-weaved song. REMA is all feline-power here: Fine threads, a well-tended voice, and a readiness to play the generous and READ MORE
38. Face to Face by Charly na Nina (2017):
Fine tunes accompany this Charly na Nina song. A cheerful beat and the call to hot-blooded guys, "Be my guy", will be too inviting for certain types already enticed with subtle melody.
37. Kyolowoza By Irene Ntale (2017):
Kyolowoza is about the sentiments and routines that keep couples/families together while temporarily apart (Interview). The song handles this tricky matter with a gentle, loving tone.
36. Yegwe Munange by Serena Bata (2017):
Yegwe Munange is more than the usual music video offering. It has a distinctive visual-arts orientation, as if the product of a self-respecting School of (Visual) Art. The dance READ MORE
35. Only You by Amber Lulu (2017):
A rousing tune invites all to this jam session filled with pleasant sounds and "brave" visuals. Amber Lulu is fully engaged in this beat filled act. It ends too soon, alas, at 2:44 minutes.
34. Attention by Vivian ft. Redsan (2017):
Attention is a cheerful song by two Kenyan artistes. It fuses two genres -- Genge (Vivian) and Reggae (Redsan). It is energetic and fun -- with cheerful voices and engaging dance-hall tunes.
33. Utamu by Lulu Diva (2017):
The character Lulu acts here sings with the assurance that only she knows the Utamu (= sweetness/bliss) of her marital life. She has a defiant return-fire: All detractors be losers. The Lyrics
32. One Day by Nandy (2017):
Nandy's love song, One Day, belongs in the 'set-book' genre of torn love, as seen from the eye-view of a post-puberty babe on the 'edge'. She's torn between a sense of love READ MORE
31. Uko by Avril (2017):
The 'haunting' images in Uko leave no doubt that we have here video art of the highest quality. Due credit to Director J Blessing, then. It is all in support of the main READ MORE
30. Ya Nini by Alicious ft. Khaligraph Jones (2017):
Ya Nini, sung in both Swahili and Lingala as well as some English, is a fusion of rap (infused with Sheng) and a rousing version of Lingala Pop. It is a sort of Eastlands READ MORE
29. John Rambo by Sheebah (2017):
John Rambo is Sheebah's latest personification of her love-idea. He's a good excuse for fine and suggestive moves and postures, as well as lovey lyrics. And she's of course READ MORE
28. Dedee by Mimi Mars (2017):
A relaxed and confident Mimi sings an adorable song here, about all those hard-to-express love feelings that felt Love easily engenders. It has a lovely tone, too, which READ MORE
27. Dow by Rosa Ree (2017):
Dow is Rosa Ree's more than "more of the same" offering. This Tanzanian rap sensation previously (in 2016) gave us that Rap Queen Kong treat titled One Time. It was too READ MORE http:
26. Tukiggale by Eddy Yawe ft. Carol Nantongo (2017):
Tukiggale (= "Let's [get] close") is a song full of cheer, and such an enjoyable 'moment'. Every second of it is a thrill, and every thrill cascades. It shares out ample servings READ MORE
25. Give it to Me by Lulu Diva (2017):
Lulu Diva's puff-puffing, equatorial train-ride is as a fine an excuse as you can get for another kind of journey she's prepared just for you (guys): a seductive and READ MORE
24. Babiee by Avril ft. A Pass (2017):
Babiee showcases the fine talents of two classy artistes from East Africa -- she from Kenya and he from Uganda. They deliver the lyrics -- about lingering doubts in a READ MORE
23. Weekend by Sheebah ft. Runtown (2017):
Weekend, sung by Sheebah and Runtown, is a superb collaboration by two musical pillars in Uganda and Nigeria. The video invokes images of weekend dos-andREAD MORE
22. Mfata by Charly na Nina (2017):It's clearly
In Mfata, the Charly na (= and) Nina duo sings a very cheerful and quick-paced song in perfect harmony of voice, and dances in wonderful synchronicity with the sounds READ MORE
21. Najiuliza by Chege ft. Ray C x Sanaipei Tande (2017):
20. Oh Na Na by Ang3lina (2017):
Ang3elina is obviously happy here singing her love song, Oh Na Na (as in Go Down). All the dancing we see reflects happy moods too. Love-induced happiness is imprinted in the lyrics.
19. Zahabu by Charly na Nina (2017):
Zahabu (= Gold), a dance-song in three languages, is a happy song -- though less so than Mfata. Dancing bodies are variously happy bodies. Physically sick bodies don't routinely dance.
18. Kigori by Shilole (2017):
In Kigori, Shilole returns to allusions that flavored some of her past songs. Still, it emits happy vibes, after a fashion. You see that in the upbeat tune, and the body texts. All's ample here.
17. Unanimaliza by Ray C (2017):
Ray C's earlier works are well-remembered by those who heard them. In tone and mien, Unanimaliza (= you finish me) is back-to-the-future of sorts.The tune's good. Her eyes still finish folks.
16. Shuga by Mimi Mars (2017):
Shuga is a high-spirited love song, packed with tender feelings. Mimi Mars, the songstress, plays here the role of a love-bird getting set to welcome her man (her Shuga) READ MORE
15. Right Here by Juliana Kanyomozi (2017):
The theme in Juliana Kanyomozi's ballad, Right Here, is love. The song is an expression of constant love, wherever her man go. The music captures the free-flowing mood in the lyrics.
14. Down by Quick Rocca ft. Mimi Mars (2017):
With Down, sung in both Swahili and English, Quick Rocka and Mimi Mars (both Tanzanian) deliver an engaging dance-floor hit. The tunes are superbly primed, with READ MORE
13. Up in the Air by Rosa Ree (2017):
The tunes and the beat that go with Rosa Ree's defiant and self-loving rap, Up in the Air, will draw warm attention from 'most everyone. This gives her the platform to take on READ MORE
12. Hata Sielewi by MwanaFA ft. Maua Sama (2017):
Hata Sielewi ( = I don't really understand what you're saying) portrays the difficulties experienced when attempting to express love sentiments across language barriers READ MORE
11. Binkolera by Sheebah ft. The Ben (2017):
A rousing start to the singing, and the video, places Binkolera
heads-and-shoulders above many of its 'peers'. And we find Sheebah doing her usual naughty and devil-ma READ MORE
10. Bajaj by Navy Kenzo ft. Patoranking (2017):
As we hear in the song's refrain, the essential message which singers Navy Kenzo (the Tanzanian duo) and Patoranking (the Nigerian) push in Bajaj is: Never treat a woman READ MORE
9. Usimwache by Lulu Diva (2017):
Usimwache ("Don't you leave him") is a friendly, feel-good song of advice. It sugarcoats improbable counsel to a friend contemplating parting ways with her beau. He READ MORE
8. Do Me Good by ExQ ft. Lulu Diva (2017):
Do Me Good is a boisterous coming together of yin and yang. It's an imaginary, rough-edged expression of sub-Saharan attraction. The two singers, from Zimbabwe and READ MORE
7. Tonight by Band Beca ft. Petra (2017):
In Tonight, which gives us nearly 5 minutes of silky funk, the youthful and self-assured Kenyans, Band Beca, sing like seasoned artistes, with seductive pauses READ MORE
6. Enjala by Sheebah ft. Cathy Patra x Rozmerie Atim x Vee Vicey (2017):
Enjala, one understands, means hunger; and it may mean nails or talons. As a song, Enjala will mean whatever suits Sheebah's fancy. How it's sung and accompanied and READ MORE
5. China Love by Victoria Kimani ft. R. City (2017):
China Love is fine chinaware, so to speak, tastefully punctuated at eight cleverly timed points by a majestic command: GO! Still, the Great Question prompted by the song's READ MORE
4. Kelele za Chura by Chege ft. Nandy (2017):
Tons of verve here! So much oomph! Kelele za Chura (Swahili phrase for frogs' croaking cacophony) is about the rock of love that ignores all prying eyes and treats all rumor READ MORE
3. Kiba_100 by Rostam ft. Maua Sama (2017):
Gifted with such a precious voice as she has, Maua Sama (Summer Flower, if you want) is at the top of her game in this finely weaved song -- a song with what a drab READ MORE
2. Inspire by Nameless (2017):
Inspire has a truly inspiring tone and an amazingly sunny tune. Nameless, whom we will call Adam, has gone (to the Maasai Mara) and done it, all within sight of the great READ MORE
1. Bounce by Vanessa Mdee ft. Maua Sama x Tommy Flavour (2017):
Bounce features two Tanzanian Divas with smooth-as-silk voices, and a style and charm to match the whole do: Vanessa Mdee and Maua Sama. It might as well be READ MORE
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Links To Relevant Lists From Previous Years
Africa:
1. Top 40 Pop Songs of 2016 By/Feat African Divas
East Africa:
1. Top 40 Pop Songs of 2016 By/Feat East African Divas
Africa:
1. Top 40 Pop Songs of 2016 By/Feat African Divas
East Africa:
1. Top 40 Pop Songs of 2016 By/Feat East African Divas
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