Kenyan Men Are Streaming Heartbreak Anthems More Than Ever, Says Spotify

Love might be in the air this Valentine’s season, but for Kenyan men, it seems heartbreak is the louder melody. According to new Spotify data, male listeners in Kenya have been streaming heartbreak songs at a staggering 107% rate, compared to 105% for women, suggesting that the so-called “boychild” is feeling the emotional weight of love lost.

The Soundtrack to Heartache: Kenya’s Most Streamed Breakup Songs

Topping the heartbreak charts in Kenya is Tate McRae’s viral track You Broke Me First, proving once again that when love goes south, music becomes the universal therapist. Originally released in 2020, the song has maintained a deep emotional resonance, holding a record-breaking 38-week run on the Billboard Hot 100.

And it’s not just McRae dominating Kenyan playlists. Some of the most streamed heartbreak anthems feature male artists, with tracks such as:

• Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi
• Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur
• Let Me Down Slowly – Alec Benjamin
• In The Stars – Benson Boone

On the female-fronted side, Billie Eilish continues to deliver the perfect soundtrack for the emo-hearted, appearing three times in Kenya’s top 10 heartbreak tracks, with Lovely (ft. Khalid), What Was I Made For? from Barbie, and When the Party’s Over.

Kenya’s Heartbreak Surge: A Shift in Musical Taste?

Kenyan streaming habits have changed significantly. Just a year ago, romance was still thriving with Qing Madi’s American Love reigning as Kenya’s top Valentine’s song of 2024. Fast forward to 2025, and heartbreak tracks have taken center stage.

Spotify data reveals a 189% increase in heartbreak music streams by Kenyans over the past three years. The data also shows that 11 AM is the peak heartbreak streaming hour—is it the weight of unsent “good morning babe” texts? Or perhaps the realization that breakfast tastes better when made by someone else?

The Role of Streaming in Modern Love and Heartbreak

Streaming platforms like Spotify have changed the way people experience and process emotions. Breakups are no longer just about drowning in ice cream and tissues; they now come with an algorithm-curated playlist to match every stage of heartbreak.

As Spotify Africa’s End in Tears playlist gains traction, it’s clear that music is more than entertainment—it’s therapy.

So whether you’re feeling the love or embracing the heartbreak, this Valentine’s season, there’s a playlist for every mood.