The music industry wrapped up 2024 on a high note as both global and local artists marked significant achievements, showcasing the vibrancy of the scene. From Uganda's groundbreaking music scene to international triumphs, this year saw local talent gaining notable acclaim alongside record-breaking singles worldwide.
2024 served as a defining year for Ugandan artists, with many breaking through to the global stage, thanks largely to the power of collaboration and streaming platforms. With local musicians capturing both hearts and charts, it seemed the world was finally taking notice of Uganda's rich talent pool.
Leading the Ugandan wave was Elijah Kitaka, known not just for his hit song ‘Dawa’—which dominated airwaves—but also for his distinct fashion sense. Released back in July, ‘Dawa’ emerged as one of the top songs of 2024, racking up impressive streaming numbers. According to Spotify, it ranked as the second most played Ugandan song of the year. Beyond music, Kitaka's unique style, especially his signature short shorts, has branded him as a fashion icon, sparking trends among his fans.
The collaboration, ‘Swangz All Star album’, encapsulated the unity of Ugandan music. Gathered for a week-long creative retreat in Zanzibar, the lineup featured prominent names—Vinka, Winnie Nwagi, Azawi, Zafaran, and Kitaka—among others. This project not only showcased collective talent but ended as one of the most streamed releases of the year, with these artists dominating Spotify's local charts.
Meanwhile, Ava Peace has made significant strides, bursting onto the scene with her debut EP ‘Ava@Peace’, drawing acclaim especially for her collaboration ‘Tabbu’ with Dax Vibez. Strikingly, she also lent her vocals to the Swangz Avenue All Star album, contributing to the track ‘Batuleke’ and displaying her versatility.
Rising star Joshua Baraka also saw his career take flight this year, collaborating with prominent African artists from Nigeria to South Africa. His hit ‘Dalilah’ not only made waves within Uganda but became the third most streamed song on Spotify. With international collaborations and performances—including sold-out shows abroad—Baraka emerged as Uganda's most significant music export.
Underlining the year's female representation, Azawi was crowned the most streamed local artist on Spotify, becoming the first of her gender to hold such distinction. Her song ‘Masavu’ became particularly celebrated, topping streaming lists and reflecting the growing impact of women in the industry.
Newcomer Nandor Love also claimed attention with her breakthrough song ‘Mpologoma’, as did rapper Kapeke with his collaborative tracks. Kapeke's fresh sound and unique style contributed greatly to his popularity this year, highlighting the dynamic shifts occurring within the Ugandan music scene.
On the global stage, Benson Boone's chart-topping single ‘Beautiful Things’ made headlines, being named the most streamed song of the year with over three billion streams. Released under Warner Records, the track marked a major accomplishment for Boone, solidifying his position following his Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. It peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200 and was certified five times platinum by the RIAA, also achieving impressive sales down under as it reached eight times platinum status on Australia's ARIA charts.
The remarkable reception of ‘Beautiful Things’ is complemented by Boone's other popular tracks on his debut album, ‘Fireworks & Rollerblades’. With widespread attention from music fans, Boone sold out shows across Australia and opened for Taylor Swift on her ERAS Tour, highlighting his rising profile within the music industry.
Analysts have noted 2024 as pivotal for both Ugandan and international music, emphasizing the rise of female artists and the advantages provided by streaming platforms. McKenzie Sabiiti, a media personality, pointed out the considerable achievements of artists like Kitaka and Baraka, who saw exponential growth thanks to collaboration. He noted, “The partnerships formed this year should lead to exciting concerts moving forward.”
Entertainment experts, including James Propa, echoed sentiments of slow progress within Uganda’s music sector, yet recognized the significant strides taken by talents like Azawi and Nandor Love. They expect more women to dominate future charts and continue representing Ugandan music on international platforms.
Benon Mugumbya, head of production at Swangz Avenue, spoke optimistically about the future of music saying, “The process takes time, but Uganda is on the path to producing global superstars.” He stressed the importance of patience among artists, reassuring critics about the growth potential within the Ugandan music industry.
With 2024 laying the groundwork for future successes, anticipation brews around what 2025 will bring for both global superstars and local talent from Uganda. The music scene continues to evolve, promising another year filled with innovation and remarkable achievements.