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Reggae artiste Michael Bundi has been named this year’s most viewed artiste in Kenya on the short-form video service TikTok.

Bundi, a singing sensation known for his prowess in making original and cover versions of both local and international songs, topped the Top 10 list of the most popular musicians of the year, in a report released by TikTok on Wednesday, dubbed #YearOnTikTok.

He was followed by Tanzanian singer Zuhura Othman Soud, alias Zuchu, while her compatriot Nasibu Abdul Juma, aka Diamond Platnumz, was the third most popular among Kenyans.

Ugandan musician Bruno Kiggundu, aka Bruno K, was third, followed by Kenyan singer Willy Paul, Nandy and Mbosso (Tanzania), while Kenya’s Wahu Kagwi, Guardian Angel and Timmy Tdat took the remaining three slots.

“What happens on TikTok doesn’t stay on TikTok; whether you’re building a brand, showcasing talent or using the platform as a vehicle for self-expression. We’ve seen creators realising tangible, real-world benefits of creating content on the platform,” said TikTok’s sub-Saharan Africa content programming head Boniswa Sidwaba.

She added: “This was true in instances where we saw creators addressing pivotal, global issues such as climate change and interacting with communities in a way that is authentic, raw and creative. We also saw this play out on the lighter side of things, with TikTok being used as an entertainment destination”.

On the ‘For You’ feeds across Kenya, Milele FM co-host David Oyando, aka Mulamwah, topped the Top Seven list, with his ‘Nyumba imeleta shida’ video; followed by actor and content creator Jackie Matubia’s ‘Oops!’ Profatecomedy’s ‘Kids be like…” was third while ‘My Goodness! Just use your hand at this point!’ by Mohalicious, was fourth.

Others were ‘Maisha ni yangu we shughulika na’ by Omoshkizangila, Azziad Nasenya’s ‘#greenscreenvideo let’s protect our mental health’ and ‘Catch me if you can!’ by iam_bojoo.

“Music remained the mainstay of TikTok in 2022, with breakthrough artistes using the platform to find their voice and the world’s most renowned singers, producers and musical artistes using the platform to showcase their latest and greatest,” said Sidwaba. She added that 2022 saw TikTok being used to entertain, inspire and inform.

Other categories included education, personal health, food and nutrition, gender issues and live performances.

Tanzanian singer Jay Melody topped the list of the Top 10 highest trending music on TikTok among Kenyan audiences with his jam ‘Nakupenda’. It was followed by ‘Mtasubiri’ by Diamond Platnumz feat Zuchu, ‘Fire’ by Zuchu, ‘Mi Amor’ by Marioo feat Jovial, and ‘Girlfriend’ by Nigeria’s Ruger.

‘Sugar’ by Jay Melody was ranked sixth, followed by ‘Buga’ by Kizz Daniel & Tekno, ‘Kwikwi’ by Zuchu, ‘Rush’ by Ayra Starr and ‘Bingo Bango’ by Kenya’s Madini Classic.

Sidwaba said that 2022 saw TikTok being used to entertain, inspire and inform. She said: “Its immense value as an educational platform was clear in the overwhelming popularity of videos that provided users with quick and easy life hacks and bite-sized lessons.”

TikTok identified five of the most popular videos in the quick and easy life hacks and bite-sized lessons category, which included ‘Exel Auto fill using shortcuts’ by @techytonics, ‘Websites that will help you with your business’ by @thekunalshah.com and ‘Poultry farming for small-scale farmers’ by @ngurapoultrycare.

Others were ‘Contrary to popular belief Pneumonia isn’t caused by cold’ by @doctorreign, and ‘Doctor tips on how to clean and take care of your sexual reproductive organs’ by @theycallmedaktari.

TikTok also noted that nothing captured the hearts and minds of Kenyans more than food-related content, with pro chefs, amateur gastronomists and all-round foodies taking to the platform to showcase their culinary creations.

The recipes and food hacks that made it to the top of menu on the platform were ‘Comfort food at its best’ by @theroamingchef, ‘Breakfast ideas – Yummy’ by @tmd.kitchen and ‘Time for a Swahili Snack’ by @dida_snacks.

Others on the list were ‘East way to make ox liver’ by @penlopeanngaita, ‘Did you know you can use pilau masala on your fish?’ by @kamwari_ and ‘Let’s enjoy maini roast!’ by @foodloverstz.

TikTok Live dominated the scene with some great live music performances, social change discussions and social events. The Top Five best programmed live events included ‘Talking all thing mental health’ by @azz_iad & @mentallyawareng, ‘#AfricanApron Live – Celebrating Africa Month’ by @theroamingchef and ‘TikTok 4 Peace – Reducing the spread of misinformation’ by @article19eaf.

Others were ‘#WeAreHere International Womens Month Live’ by @nikita_kering and ‘Kibra United Gaming Experience’ by @kibraunited.

“As a platform, we are going into 2023 strong, with a solid head start on the hottest topics and trends that are capturing the attention of the world and the country at large. We’re excited to find out what lies ahead and remain committed to developing TikTok in a way that provides a safe and secure online environment for self-expression, fun and of course, fame,” remarked Sidwaba in conclusion.