In today’s music landscape, visibility is everything—and not all stages are created equal. As artists hustle to break through the noise, certain platforms have emerged as cultural gatekeepers, amplifying talent beyond borders.
To be featured on A COLORS SHOW or Spotify RADAR is to step into rarefied air—spaces reserved for the most original and daring voices in music. These aren’t just platforms; they’re global tastemakers and curated spotlights.
For a select few Kenyan artists, they’ve served as powerful springboards to international recognition.
Kenyan Voices on the RADAR: Bien, Xenia & Buruklyn Boyz
The most recent of these global nods came in July 2025, when Bien-Aimé Baraza appeared on Spotify RADAR Africa.
He performed his viral single “All My Enemies Are Suffering” – with a live chicken accompanying him on stage!
The performance, filmed right here in Nairobi, perfectly captured Bien’s unique blend of satire, incredible stagecraft, and message-driven music. It quickly earned widespread praise online for its bold symbolism and cultural nuance.
But this wasn’t Bien’s first time on an international stage. He also performed on A COLORS SHOW in November 2023, delivering his heartfelt R&B track “True Love” during the Tantalizers Sessions in Nairobi. With that appearance, he became the first male R&B artist from Kenya to feature on COLORS.
Also representing Kenya on both major platforms is Xenia Manasseh, who continues to be one of the country’s strongest sonic exports. She joined Spotify RADAR Africa’s roster in 2023. Just weeks later, she performed her neo-soul hit “Wild Ride” on COLORS Berlin on October 23, 2023.
Meanwhile, the dynamic Nairobi drill duo Buruklyn Boyz, brought the raw energy of the streets to Spotify’s spotlight even earlier.
Their feature on RADAR Africa in 2022 helped launch singles like “Nairobi” and “Location 58” into global playlists..
In late 2023, COLORS itself came to Nairobi for the Tantalizers Sessions, recording with a specially curated group of rising stars:
Karun: She performed “Only You” in November 2023, reintroducing her signature R&B with quiet confidence and a captivating presence.
Nyokabi Kariũki: She showcased her experimental edge with “Nazama,” masterfully fusing ambient textures with indigenous rhythms to create a hauntingly beautiful sound.
Maya Amolo: Her performance of “Where Ya Been?” delivered a soft, introspective single, offering a mellow and heartfelt presence that truly resonated.
Matt Ngesa: He closed the Nairobi sessions in December 2023, performing “Muse,” a poetic and soul-tinged ballad that showcased his vocal richness and vulnerability.
by bradley odhiambo
