Data collected between April 13 and May 10, 2026 revealed the 20 most-streamed songs in Kigali and across Rwanda during that 28-day period.
The rankings are based solely on views accumulated within those 28 days, meaning they do not reflect the total lifetime views of the songs since release, but rather the growth recorded during that specific period.
At the top of the chart is “Extra Stamina” by Diez Dolla, which amassed more than 1.32 million views in just 28 days.
The success of the song further confirms Diez Dolla’s growing influence in Kigali’s urban music scene, particularly among young audiences active on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Coming in second place is “KALE” by Chiboo with over 1.12 million views. Artists blending modern sounds such as Afrobeat, Drill, and Fusion continue to dominate the charts.
Mike Kayihura also maintained strong momentum, with his song “Come On” securing third place after attracting more than 254,000 views.
In fourth place is “Ayayaah” by Element EleéeH featuring Joshua Baraka and Bien-Aimé Baraza, which garnered over 218,000 views.
Another notable highlight from the rankings is Li John, who managed to place two songs among the most-streamed tracks. His songs “Uragaruka” and “Bindenze” ranked sixth and seventh respectively, signaling his rising popularity among music fans.
The Top 10 also includes “LAST TIME” by Passy Kizito, “Kirigute” by Bob Pro, “Chocolate” by Chriss Eazy, and “Finale” by Bien-Aimé Baraza alongside Ali Kiba.
The rankings also reflect the growing influence of East African music within Kigali’s entertainment scene.
Artists from Tanzania and Kenya such as Diamond Platnumz, Jux, and Bien continue to enjoy strong support in Rwanda through some of the region’s most-streamed songs.
“Joy” by Diamond Platnumz featuring Jux ranked 12th, while Diamond’s “Happy” secured the 15th position. In addition, “Pom Pom” by Bruce Melodie, Diamond Platnumz, and Brown Joel also made it into the Top 20.
Emerging Rwandan artists such as Kivumbi King, Marina, Yampano, and Logan Joe also appeared on the list, further proving the continued growth of Rwanda’s digital music audience.
The data once again demonstrates how YouTube has evolved into one of the most important indicators of music popularity, especially as platforms like TikTok and Instagram continue to accelerate the spread of songs across audiences within a very short time.
In previous years, many artists depended heavily on radio and television to reach listeners. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, YouTube has become a powerful tool enabling artists to promote their music globally.
Today, an artist can upload a song on YouTube and instantly reach audiences across multiple countries.
This has especially benefited Rwandan musicians, allowing them to connect with fans outside Rwanda and build entirely new international audiences that would have been difficult to access through traditional media alone.
The rise of YouTube promotion has also created opportunities for emerging artists, as success no longer depends entirely on heavy radio rotation.
A well-produced song supported by strong promotion on TikTok, Instagram, and X can quickly become a hit within days.
Music videos have also become increasingly important in attracting audiences. As a result, many artists are now investing heavily in high-quality visuals to strengthen their brand and appeal.
Another major advantage YouTube offers artists is access to audience analytics. Artists can now track where their viewers come from, understand the age groups of their audiences, and identify peak engagement periods. This information helps musicians plan their careers more strategically and better understand how far their music is reaching.
For Rwandan artists, YouTube has also opened doors to international collaborations. When a song gains significant traction online, it naturally attracts the attention of foreign artists and industry players, creating opportunities for cross-border collaborations and new music markets.
