Gen Z Slang Explained-Mdundo Podcast

Sheng: Unveiling the Colourful Gen Z Slang in Kenya

In Kenya, the linguistic landscape experiences constant evolution with Generation Z taking centre stage. Generation Z, otherwise known as Gen Z, introduces the vibrant slang language known as Sheng to reflect their creativity, adaptability, and sense of identity. Sheng blends Swahili and English with several other indigenous dialects that are popular among Kenyan youth today. The slang remains an essential expression partaken by these young people who thrive against all odds.

Sheng was born in the multicultural estates of Nairobi a few decades back. The last decade has, however, seen the slang undergo a complete metamorphosis. The slang's popularity has penetrated the interior areas of the country, and most recently, across the border.

The original objective behind the conception of Sheng was to act as a code language among teenagers. The evolution of the Slang from around 2020, however, propelled it to become one of the key means of everyday communication among the youth.

From music to film to social media, Sheng now permeates many aspects of Kenyan popular culture with ease. Poets and musicians continually find ways to incorporate this evolving language into their lyrics all while pushing it to be an essential element when creating authentic sounds in genres like Gengetone or Kapuka. Thanks to the power of social media platforms today, Sheng is spreading even faster among Kenya's youth.

One unique characteristic of Sheng is its periodic metamorphosis. The recent one is between 2022 and 2023. This latest metamorphosis has seen slang undergo a complete change in its vocabulary and expression. The beauty of the Slang is in how the users quickly adapt to every metamorphosis with ease.