Kenyans turn to heartbreak songs to nurse love dust - Spotify

A man listening to music/FILE

Kenyans are listening more to sad songs, perhaps a reflection of their general feeling in a tough economy compounded by shrinking revenue, joblessness, and the high cost of living.

Data released by music streaming platform, Spotify on Valentine's Day shows that there has been a 189 per cent increase in sad song streams in the past three years, with men more heartbroken the most.

For Kenyan men, the heartbreak seems to be hitting harder than ever. Whether it’s ghosting, unreciprocated love, or just bad luck in the dating game, one thing is clear: the boy child is feeling it. It is no wonder that they reported a 107 per cent increase in listening to sad songs compared to their female counterparts, who equally reported an increase of 105 per cent.

“Happy Valentine’s Day. We have been looking at some data to see how you feel about today. Love is looking optional this year,’’ Spotify said in a statement.

‘You Broke Me First’ by Tate McRae topped Spotify charts as Kenyan’s ultimate heartbreak anthem in 2024; it looks like Kenyans were keeping score.

Originally released in 2020, the track became a global heartbreak anthem, striking a chord with listeners navigating love and loss.

It also holds the record as the longest-chart-topping song by a female artist in 2020 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending an impressive 38 weeks at number 17. Its enduring success proves that everyone sings heartbreak.

Even though everyone experiences love and loss on their way, a 189 per cent increase in heartbreak tracks streamed by Kenyans in the last three years, overall says something about where they find comfort when love takes an unexpected turn.

Male artists’ tracks in the top 10 most streamed heartbreak songs include ‘Someone You Loved’ by Lewis Capaldi, ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’ by James Arthur, ‘Let Me Down Slowly’ by Alec Benjamin, and ‘In The Stars’ by Benson Boone.

Men therefore form a large part of the comforting music Kenyan listeners turn to to get through the heartbreak. Billie Eilish holding it down for the emo girls has made three appearances on the top 10 list at number 3, 7, and 10.

These tearjerker tracks are ‘Lovely’ by ‘Billie Eilish’ and ‘Khalid’, ‘What Was I Made For’? from The Motion Picture by Barbie and ‘when the party is over’.

When did things change? What’s interesting is how quickly things have shifted. Just a year ago, romance was still in full bloom, with Qing Madi’s American Love reigning as Kenya’s top Valentine’s song in 2024.

Now, love songs have taken a backseat as heartbreak anthems dominate playlists.

Whether it’s the weight of unsent “good morning babe” texts, the sudden realisation that love isn’t what it used to be, or just the morning blues hitting extra hard, one thing is clear: 11 AM is heartbreak o’clock in Kenya.