How Kenyans Are Celebrating Easter Through Music Streaming

Easter is the biggest Christian celebration of the year, with millions of faithfuls around the world gathering to mark the resurrection of Christ. In Kenya, where more than 80% identify as Christian, the Easter festivities often involve upcountry road trips, family meals and church services.  Most, if not all, of these activities are often soundtracked by the sound of Gospel songs, both familiar and new.

Data from global streaming platform Spotify shows how Kenyans have been soundtracking their days, leading up to the Easter weekend. For starters, Kenyans stream more Gospel music during the Easter period, a sign that music plays a key role in this season.

Playing favourites among 18-35 year olds

There also emerges a clear pattern in the Gospel music preference of this age group; songs released in the 2010s seem to be ruling most playlists. Going two for two is Zabron Singers with Mkono Wa Bwana and their 2020 wedding song release, Sweetie Sweetie. Reuben Kigame’s Enda Nasi is his most streamed Gospel song on Spotify, and it clearly resonates deeply with 18-35 year olds, landing it as the third most playlisted song. A fan favourite from the beginning, Mercy Masika has two songs in the top ten – Huyu Yesu and Mwema. Years after her untimely demise, Angela Chibalonza’s Ebenezer is still topping lists.

Here is the full top ten list of which songs are most playlist by 18 – 35 year olds:

1. Mkono Wa Bwana – Zabron Singers

2. Sweetie Sweetie – Zabron Singers

3. Enda Nasi – Reuben Kigame, Sifa Voices

4. Ebenezer – Angela Chibalonza

5. Huyu Yesu – Mercy Masika

6. Moyo Wangu – Patrick Kubuya

7. Naomba – Adawnage

8. Uwezo – Adawnage

9. Bila Jasho – Timeless Noel, Jabidii

10. Mwema – Mercy Masika

Keeping the Easter spirit alive

Listening spikes are often recorded close to major holidays and Easter is no different. Mercy Masika clearly knows how to put the people in a praise and worship mood; her songs Zaidi and Nikupendeze have a 71% and 45% listenership spike respectively. Also making an appearance is Kikuyu Gospel Musician Sammy Irungu with Ni Wikite Magegania with a 37% increase.

These are the songs that have recorded the highest listener spikes during Easter:

1. Zaidi – Mercy Masika

2.  Nikupendeze – Mercy Masika

3. Amenitengeneza – Martha Mwaipaja

4. Ni Wikite Magegania – Sammy Irungu

5. Natamani – Eunice Njeri

6. Murata Wa Ngai – Samidoh

7. NADEKA – Guardian Angel

8. Yule Yule – Alice Kimanzi

9. Mimina Neema – Kwaya Ya Mtakatifu Kizito Makuburi

10. Bado Nasimama – Kambua

“Our aim at Spotify is to make the platform an inclusive one for every kind of music and audio lover. So it’s really fantastic to see that as Easter draws near, our users are turning to specific Gospel songs to help them get into the Easter spirit, and all are available on the platform,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub Saharan Africa.

“We created the Trinity Connect playlist so all East Africa Gospel Music fans can listen to the latest releases from the region,” adds Okumu.

Read: Amapiano Star Tyla Is Spotify Equal Artist Of The Month

>>> Top 10 Most Streamed Kenyan Artists – Spotify Reveals