In the ever-evolving Kenyan entertainment landscape, a relatively new music genre has been at the centerstage of it all. Albeit fast-rising and with quite the dynamic fanbase, Arbantone has shown no signs of slowing down, with hits being churned out by the minute.
The music genre has been the latest in the Kenyan music ecosystem, having emerged as a worthy successor to its predecessor – the once much revered Gengetone genre, and is an integral part of the evolution of urban Kenyan music.
Roots And Influences
The Arbantone genre did not emerge emerge out of thin air. Fusing elements of nostalgia and modern Gen-Z energy, using social media as the biggest catapult to its wide reach. While it has predictably had critics had critics, the genre has shown staying power and reflected the sheer creativity and innovation of Kenyan youth.
Worth noting, the genre is a direct descendant of previous Kenyan music genres, most notably:
Genge: The pioneering urban genre from the 2000s, Genge laid the groundwork for using Sheng (a Swahili-based slang) lyrics in a conversational, rhythmic style. Arbantone artists pay homage to Genge pioneers like Jua Cali and Nonini by adopting similar lyrical approaches and even sampling their classic beats.
Gengetone: The immediate predecessor to Arbantone, Gengetone dominated the music scene from the late 2010s. Arbantone borrows Gengetone’s energetic spirit, and some have even described Arbantone as a sub-genre or a more refined version of Gengetone.
Arbantone bears a particular distinct that sets it apart from its contemporaries:
Sampling and Nostalgia: A defining feature of Arbantone is its use of beats and melodies from older Kenyan and Jamaican songs, often referred to as “TBT” (Throwback Thursday) hits. Artists sample these classic sounds and syncopate them with new, dance-ready beats, creating a unique blend of old and new. This nostalgia is a major draw for both Gen Z and older millennials who grew up with these classic songs.
Sheng Lyrics: Like its predecessors, Arbantone heavily relies on Sheng. The lyrics often describe the lifestyle, aspirations, and challenges of young Kenyans, making the music highly relatable.
Danceable Rhythms: Arbantone tracks are characterized by fast, pulsating beats, strong basslines, and rhythms that are perfect for dancing. This makes the genre a staple in Kenyan clubs, matatus (public transport vehicles), and social gatherings.
Key Players
Quite a number of artists and producers have played instrumental in the advent and popularization of the genre. These would include Motif Di Don, Lil Maina, YBW Smith, Sean MMG, Dyana Cods, Tipsy G among others.
Social Media
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have fueled the success of Arbantone. The genre’s short, catchy, and dance-ready nature makes it perfect for viral dance challenges. Artists often create songs with the intention of making them ubiquitous within these “challenges,” which helps their music reach a massive audience very quickly. Artists like Lil Maina, YBW Smith, and Dyana Cods have leveraged platforms like TikTok and YouTube to skyrocket to fame.
The “Remix Revolution” And Its Critics
While many see Arbantone as a fresh and innovative sound, it has also faced criticism, particularly for its heavy reliance on sampling. Some established artists and critics have accused Arbantone artists of “recycling” old beats rather than creating original work. There have been instances where artists have been warned for using music without proper permission.
However, proponents of the genre argue that this is a creative form of “recreation” that pays tribute to the past while pushing the music forward. They also point out that many Arbantone hits are entirely original compositions and that the genre has given a new identity to Kenyan music.
Here are 7 examples of the biggest Arbantone songs in Kenya:
“Wawawa (Baki Home)” by Motif Di Don ft. Parroty, Tipsy Gee, Kappy & Gody Tennor
Produced by the renowned Motif Di Don, this song became an anthem during a period when people were encouraged to stay at home. The song’s infectious beat and humorous message made it incredibly popular and a classic example of a “social media-made” hit.
“Kudade” by JohnnyJoh ft. Fathermoh, Harry Craze, Ndovu Kuu, & Lil Maina
This song is a massive hit that perfectly encapsulates the Arbantone sound. Its catchy hook and rhythmic flow made it a viral sensation, especially on TikTok, where its dance challenge took over.
“Mukuchu Remix” by Gody Tennor ft. Breeder LW, Mejja, Maandy, & others
A testament to the genre’s collaborative nature, “Mukuchu” is an energetic and star-studded remix. The song’s fast-paced beat and the combination of different artists’ unique styles made it a club anthem and a defining track for Arbantone.
“Lele Remix” by YBW Smith ft. Lil Maina & Sosa The Prodigy
This song is a classic example of Arbantone’s use of nostalgia. By sampling a familiar, older Kenyan tune and giving it a fresh, danceable beat, the artists created a modern hit that resonated with both younger and older audiences.
“Niko Na Dem” by YBW Smith
As a solo effort from one of the genre’s key artists, “Niko Na Dem” is a raw, high-energy track that became an instant fan favorite. Its simple yet powerful beat and relatable lyrics about love and relationships made it a go-to song in playlists across the country.
“Anapiga Pic” by YBW Smith
Another major hit from YBW Smith, this song’s title translates to “She’s Taking a Pic” and its lyrics humorously describe the social media culture of taking photos and sharing them. It’s a perfect example of Arbantone’s ability to capture contemporary youth culture.
“Tiktoker” by Soundkraft ft. Gody Tennor, Tipsy Gee & Kappy
This song’s title says it all. It was an instant hit due to its clever name and its highly danceable beat, which was specifically designed for TikTok challenges. It became a soundtrack for countless videos and solidified the genre’s dominance on the platform.
The future of Arbantone is not guaranteed, but it is certainly full of potential. It has already proven to be more than just a passing fad and has established itself as a significant force in Kenyan music. The key to its longevity lies in its ability to evolve, embrace originality, and professionalize its operations. If it can overcome the challenges of copyright and monetization, Arbantone has the potential to become a lasting and defining genre for a new generation of Kenyan music.
