Share this
It’s Valentine’s Day, and while some are celebrating love, others are nursing broken hearts. And according to Spotify, Kenyan men are leading the heartbreak parade this year. Someone grab them a crown (and a box of tissues).
The Boychild is Feeling It
Love is a battlefield, and it seems Kenyan men are taking the brunt of the casualties. Whether it’s ghosting, unrequited affection, or just plain bad luck, the data shows they’re turning to music for solace.
Spotify reveals that Kenyan men are streaming heartbreak songs a whopping 107% more than usual, compared to women at 105%. Ladies, we feel you too, but fellas, it looks like you’re carrying the heartbreak torch this time.
“You Broke Me First” – The Anthem of a Nation?
Tate McRae’s “You Broke Me First” topped the Spotify charts in Kenya as the ultimate heartbreak anthem of 2024. This 2020 hit, which spent an impressive 38 weeks at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, clearly resonates with Kenyans navigating the complexities of love and loss.
The song’s enduring popularity suggests that heartbreak is a universal language, and Kenyans are fluent in it.
A 189% Increase in Heartbreak Streaming? What’s Going On?
Over the past three years, Kenyans have increased their streaming of heartbreak songs by a staggering 189%. This begs the question: are relationships becoming more fragile, or are we just better at expressing our emotions through music? Whatever the reason, it’s clear that music provides comfort when love goes sideways.
Men Providing the Soundtrack to Heartbreak
Interestingly, many of the top heartbreak anthems streamed in Kenya are by male artists. Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved,” James Arthur’s “Say You Won’t Let Go,” Alec Benjamin’s “Let Me Down Slowly,” and Benson Boone’s “In The Stars” all feature prominently on Kenyan playlists. It seems men are not only experiencing heartbreak but also providing the soundtrack for it.
Billie Eilish: Queen of the Emo Girls
Of course, heartbreak isn’t exclusive to men. Billie Eilish makes three appearances in the top 10 heartbreak songs, with “Lovely,” “What Was I Made For?”, and “when the party is over” all resonating with Kenyan listeners. Billie, you get us.
From Love Songs to Tearjerkers: A Shift in the Tide
Just a year ago, Qing Madi’s “American Love” was Kenya’s top Valentine’s Day song. Now, heartbreak anthems dominate the charts. What a difference a year makes!
11 AM: Heartbreak O’Clock in Kenya
Spotify data reveals that 11 AM is the peak time for heartbreak song streaming in Kenya. Perhaps the morning alarm is a harsher reminder of loneliness than the breakup itself, or maybe breakfast just tastes better when someone else makes it. Whatever the reason, 11 AM is officially heartbreak hour.
Embrace the Feels This Valentine’s Day
Whether you’re celebrating love or drowning in heartbreak, Spotify has you covered. Check out their “End In Tears” playlist for the ultimate heartbreak anthems, or set the mood with “100 Best African Love Songs.” Happy Valentine’s Day, Kenya!
