A few years ago, you couldn’t walk five steps in Nairobi without hearing the gengetone catchphrase “Wamlambez!” and of course, the whole street would shout back “Wamnyonyez!”
Gengetone was more than just music; it was a whole vibe, a movement, and for some, a questionable life philosophy.
But today? It’s like a long-lost ex sometimes you hear from it, but it’s not the same. So, is Gengetone dead, or is it just on a tea break?
The Gengetone Glory Days: When matatus had no peace
Gengetone burst onto the scene in 2018 like an uninvited guest at a wedding,loud, unfiltered, and here to stay.
Groups like Ethic, Sailors, Boondocks Gang, and Ochungulo Family took over the streets with club bangers like “Lamba Lolo” and “Wamlambez”
Suddenly, matatus were Gengetone HQs, TikTok was flooded with dance challenges, and your auntie was asking, “Hii Wamlambez ni nini?”
The music was raw, rebellious, and spoke the language of Kenyan youth mostly about parties, money, and things that cannot be put on paper.
But that’s what made it special. It was unapologetically Kenyan.
What went wrong?
So, if Gengetone was so unstoppable, what happened? Well…
1. Same Same, But Different– The beats and lyrics became too predictable. You could almost guess the entire song before it started.
2. Radio & TV Drama- Let’s be real, Kenyan radio stations treated Gengetone like a bad boyfriend, sometimes they played it, but they never took it seriously.
3. COVID-19 ruined the Party – With clubs closed and curfews in place, Gengetone lost its main audience: people looking for a good time.
4. Group Breakups – Most of the Gengetone crews split faster than your salary on payday. Sailors? Gone. Ochungulo Family? MIA. Ethic? Trying to come back.
5. CRB & Real Life Problems- Let’s not lie, growing up changes things. Some Gengetone artists probably realized that music wasn’t paying as much as they thought and had to reinvent themselves.
Arbantone: Gengetone’s cooler cousin
Just when we thought Kenyan music was running out of fresh ideas, Arbantone popped up.
Think of it as Gengetone’s more polished, better-dressed cousin who still knows how to party. It blends the street energy of Gengetone with urban contemporary sounds.
Artists like Tipsy Gee, Kappy, and YBW Smith are leading this new wave, proving that Kenyan music is still evolving.
Arbantone is catching on fast.Matatus love it, TikTok is embracing it, and even your landlord has probably danced to it.
Many Kenyans believe Arbantone would replace Gengetone for good.
Gengetone artists’ great comeback (or struggle?)
Of course, Gengetone artists aren’t giving up without a fight. Some OGs have been trying to get back on the map with new music:
Ethic made a major comeback, dropping a track that went straight to #1 on YouTube in Kenya. Clearly, they still have a loyal fan base.
Lichazz & Harry Craze from the good old Gengetone days released “Nasikia Fiti” hoping to recapture their audience.
Others are jumping on Arbantone beats, collaborating with mainstream artists, and reinventing their style to stay relevant.
So, Is Gengetone dead?
Not exactly. It’s just in its evolution phase. It may never be as loud as it was in 2019, but its DNA is still alive in Kenyan music.
Whether it’s merging with Afrobeat, Amapiano, or morphing into Arbantone, Gengetone’s influence is here to stay.
Maybe the real question isn’t whether Gengetone is dead but whether we’re ready for its next chapter.
