Khaligraph Jones Speaks About Arbantone Disrupting Kenya’s Music Industry

Khaligraph Jones. Photo/Khaligraph/Instagram

By Kinyua Mwangi

Award-winning Kenyan hip hop artist Khaligraph Jones has sound advice for older Kenyan artists who feel threatened by the emergence of a new genre, Arbantone.

The ‘Chocha’ hitmaker told fellow artists in the Kenyan music industry that they will still win if they play it right.

He urged them to focus on doing music that will leave a rich legacy and that way, they will always remain a beacon of inspiration in the industry.

“Old heads msiogope (don’t be afraid) of new bloods in the game. If you cement your legacy the right way you will never be obsolete. Arbantone sai imewaka moto (Arbantone is on fire),” he advised.

Emerging in 2023, arbantone is a dynamic fusion of past and present Kenyan music trends. It draws heavily on samples from iconic Kenyan "Old School" hits, often those from the Gengetone genre.

These samples are then layered with fresh, dance-ready beats inspired by contemporary styles.

It is catchy and viral. Arbantone aims for mass appeal, particularly among Gen Z and millennial audiences. The easy-to-remember lyrics often revolve around relatable themes and current trends, making them perfect for social media challenges and viral dissemination, particularly on platforms like TikTok.

Some emerging young artists fueling this genre include Gody Tennor, Lil Maina, Maandy, Sean MMG, Tipsy Gee among others.

While still evolving, arbantone sparks debate. Some see it as a creative reinterpretation of Kenyan musical heritage, while others criticize its reliance on sampling and potential lack of originality.

Arbantone hits such as ‘Bubbly Bubbly’ by Maandy proved that this genre is a force to be reckoned with.

Despite its young age, arbantone has captured the attention of the Kenyan music scene. Its ability to blend familiar sounds with contemporary energy makes it a genre worth watching as it develops its unique identity.

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