Top 10 Pop Songs of 2017 By or Featuring East African Queens ~ #TheYamboSelection

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 

List of Top 10 Pop Songs of 2017 By/Featuring East African Queens ~ #TYS
[Note: Lists for earlier years appear at the bottom of this page]

Click on a Song's Title to Watch the Video


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. 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 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 and 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 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