Gengetone's Evolution: From Nairobi's Streets to Global Charts

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Writer:Yvonee Githinji

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 From the Streets of Nairobi to the World Stage

In the heart of Nairobi's Eastlands, a musical revolution was brewing. Around 2018, a group of young artists, Ethic Entertainment, dropped Lamba Lolo, a track that would ignite the Gengetone movement. This genre, characterized by its fusion of Genge, dancehall, and reggaeton, coupled with lyrics in Sheng, resonated deeply with Kenya's youth, offering a raw and unfiltered reflection of urban life 

Gengetone quickly became the heartbeat of Nairobi's streets.  Allowing artists to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. Matatus, Nairobi's iconic minibuses, transformed into mobile clubs, blasting Gengetone tracks and further embedding the genre into the city's culture .

The genre's appeal wasn't confined to Kenya. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Gengetone tracks began to trend globally, captivating audiences far beyond East Africa 

Despite its popularity, Gengetone faced significant challenges. Critics pointed to its explicit content, leading to bans on certain tracks from radio and television. Internally, the genre grappled with issues like poor management, financial disputes, and the disbanding of prominent groups such as Ethic Entertainment and Sailors Gang 

Furthermore, the rapid influx of new artists led to oversaturation, with many songs sounding repetitive. This, combined with shifting audience preferences towards genres like Amapiano and Afrobeats, contributed to a temporary decline in Gengetone's dominance 

However, Gengetone is not a genre that fades quietly. Recent years have witnessed a resurgence, with artists like Ethic Entertainment releasing new tracks such as Ukitaka and Zama, signaling a renewed vigor in the scene 

The genre has also evolved, giving birth to sub-genres like Arbantone, which blends Gengetone's energy with old-school Jamaican rhythms, offering a fresh yet familiar sound to fans .

Gengetone's influence has transcended Kenyan borders.

Gengetone's journey, from the bustling streets of Nairobi to international acclaim, is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and cultural expression. Despite facing numerous challenges, the genre's resilience and adaptability have ensured its continued relevance. As Kenyan artists continue to innovate and push boundaries, Gengetone stands as a beacon of the country's rich musical heritage and its promising future on the global stage.