ARTICLES
EXCLUSIVE: Top 10 UG RnB Songs Of 2023.
By The Count Markula (@TheCountMarkula)
Over the last couple of years, the RnB scene in UG has been the gift that keeps on giving. We have had several artists produce stellar projects and break barriers and boundaries that many might have considered beyond our reach.
This year hasn’t been any different. We have had several gems from the pearl that have left their mark in one way or another. We’ve been blessed with so many amazing singles with beautiful vocals, soulful melodies, inspired writing, and creative production, fusing many styles which are often sprinkled with the right amount of Afro sauce.
With all the amazing RnB songs this year, we had to deliberate and cook up a list of the top 10 songs from the genre. We were spoilt for choice, but we still managed to rank these songs based on specific criteria and metrics selected by the judges, ranging from writing and structure to vocals, melodies, production, replay value, accessibility on DSPs and reach/impact.
Honorable mentions:
Akeine for her single One Thang produced by Timothy Dylan.
Shwento featuring Akeine for their banger, Tutuka.
10. Ability – Kohen Jaycee x Axon
Kohen Jaycee is one of the most consistent young artists we have in the country. On Ability, he brings out that Afro-RnB style that he and producer Axon have clearly mastered. As usual, he delivers clean vocals, nice harmonies, and simple, yet impactful lyrics. The song is relatable and allows the listeners to connect with Kohen on a deeper level.
9. BOMA – Steve Keys
Steve Keys has been a silent force in the industry for years. The Swangz Avenue producer is behind many gems for Azawi, Elijah Kitaka, and many others. Steve had some amazing RnB songs on his last project “Keys” that was released in 2020, which is why we were excited to hear about his latest EP BOMA(Best Of My Ability) which was released in December 2023. The Project might only be a couple of weeks old, but the single BOMA stood out from an RnB perspective, delivering feels and vocals with a great afro choir that elevated the feeling and the message.
8. Never Let Me Go – Baru, Kaboo x Joshua Baraka & Likkle Bangi
Joshua Baraka kicked off 2023 with his hit single NANA which has broken all sorts of barriers. A major win for UG Music, a major win for his young career, and proof that UG has a lot to offer on the musical scene. Since Nana, he has released a couple of singles with Artists like Winnie Nwagi, as well as his brand new EP, Growing Pains. On the RnB side, Joshua partnered with Likkle Bangi and delivered a stellar performance on \”Never Let Me Go\”. It’s no surprise that this was by far the most streamed song on one of the best albums out the 256 this year (Baru x Kaboo – Longitude 20). The production gives it that Afro Funk and amapiano feel which is paired with their RnB/pop style vocals and writing giving the whole song a feel that is reminiscent of music by artists like The Weeknd.
7. Ndi Wuwo – Elijah Kitaka
Elijah Kitaka has been one of our favorite artists of the year. From amazing live performances to a great album (Bedroom Essentials). We all had different favorites from the project because there was something for everyone to love. Of course, Nothing is easily one of the biggest songs in the country this year, regardless of the genre. A song that he followed up with an equally powerful remix. From that album, \”Ndi Wuwo\” shows off his Afro-RnB side the most, with good writing, good production, and a good music video too, as one would expect from a Swangz Avenue artist.
6. Let Me Know – Mike Mungu
Mike Mungu released a great debut EP (Finally) this year. “Let Me Know” is the final song on the project. On it, he lets the listeners in, showing off the emotional range and maturity that he is able to convey with his music. Right from the opening keys of this song, you could tell that we were in for some proper RnB. The song is well written, the vocals are on point, and the feels are very present.
5. Naawe – Izabelug x Artin Pro
Izabelug’s writing has always been her forte. This song manages to take that strength to the next level, as she finds the perfect melody to match her impeccable writing and vocals. The song is also a great example of a perfect artist-producer collaboration because Artin’s production complements every musical choice she makes. The second verse is even more powerful than the first, making the song an easy listen from start to finish.
4. Kupatana – Jiran Seyn
Jiran Seyn released his debut EP (Paint A Picture) earlier this year. The project is short and sweet, with catchy hooks and a refreshing sound. Kupatana shows off his vocal ability, and was the perfect way for him to announce his presence on the UG music scene. It is no surprise that the song is co-written by Abaasa, one of the industry greats, especially in this musical space. Jiran also has a live acoustic version of the song on YouTube, showcasing his guitar skills as well as his ability to translate the song live.
3. Balongo – Afrie
Balongo appears on Afrie’s latest project SiS (Sunflowers In Sahara). The writing of this song is top-tier. Every line, every word, every moment is intentional! The pauses in the delivery, the arrangement of the song… Everything about it is spectacular.
Afrie did an amazing job, and the live acoustic version manages to elevate the song even more. One could argue that the live acoustic version is even better than the original. It takes a special artist to deliver on that level. Afrie is special.
2. Relief – Lowenna
We got to know Lowenna from the POA Star Search where she made it to the Top 8. Once she started releasing her own music, we were excited to see what she had to offer, and we were not disappointed at all.
We reviewed this song on The Tribe UG Podcast, and one thing we all agreed on is the fact that it felt like a Textbook RnB song. The song is produced by Sam Lamara (Samurae) who always seems to understand where the world is, musically. The production sets the tone for some pure new age RnB and Lowenna takes over and delivers the perfect song to suit the mood. The writing and structuring of the song are well executed. Everything fits perfectly. We hope to see more of Lowenna cause Relief is quite the gem!
1. Away – Ssensamba
Ssensamba is easily one of the best vocalists in the country. He is known to many for his performances as a wedding singer and to others as a great cover artist. Lately, Ssensamba has been on a quest to deliver music, and he never seems to miss the mark. In terms of RnB, Ssensamba released singles like “Muli” and “Nzikiriza” during the lockdown years and now you know why we say that the UG RnB scene is the gift that keeps on giving. Ssensamba started the year off with his single “Mine” which is a lot more afrobeat, and swiftly followed it up with “Away,” which encapsulates all the different things you’d want in a great RnB song from smooth vocals to great melodies, strong ad libs, great control, range, soul, heart, feelings… Everything!
We have seen Ssensamba perform the song live many times, and there’s nothing better than a vocalist who can put up a live performance that’s as strong as the studio version.
One of our favorite things about this list is these songs make for an amazing playlist, the kind that’s perfect to listen to as you relax on a random Saturday morning, or whichever morning you prefer… After all, it is the festive season where all the days seem to blend.
For the songs you might not have heard before, we hope you get to add a new favorite or two to your list.