Is Gengetone Taking Over?
When one mentions the word Gengetone in Kenya,it immediately elicits a sense of déjà vu as almost everyone; young or old has got to to interact with this music genre in one way or another.
'Origin' of Gengetone
In early 2018,a music video dropped.This wasn't to be your average video.As anyone would describe it, it was a low quality video taken in some Eastlands hood,probably with some smartphone with 'video vixens' twerking to spice it up.
You were not treated to the lyrics yet;senior citizens would describe them as unprintable and totally immoral. This video was Lamba Lolo by Ethic.
Though it kept tongues wagging, it wasn't just yet clear that this track had just started a new era in the Kenyan music scene.The beat and vibe in this track and many that were yet to come kind of shows a relationship with the Genge beat pioneered by artistes like Major and the former Rapdamu group.
Springing up of 'Gangs'
Though the Ethic group consisting of Swat,Seska,Rekless and Zila kick started this vibe,it wasn't long before many other groups of this nature sprang up. There's now a multitude of such:Sailors Gang,Boondocks Gang,Ochungulo Family among others.
Their songs have not only been doing so well in the Kenyan market but also become'national anthems',so to say. Talking about 'natonal anthems',viral tracks like Wamlambez by Sailors Gang take an emphatic lead on this list.Figa by Ethic and Wabebe by Gwash can't miss here as well.
All the same, this genre has enjoyed a wide airplay in radio and TV stations in the country. Moreover,it has received recognition in Award forums like the 2019 Pulse Music Video Awards where Gengetone artistes carried the night away.
Verdict
No matter its reception,I believe that to a certain level this has become the identity of the current Kenyan music scene.
And whether it has a short shelf life? Let's wait and see.
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| Boondocks Gang:From left;Ex-Ray, Odi wa Muranga and Maddox |
This music genre and its artistes have now turned out to become household names.But how did this 'alternative' beat become this popular?
'Origin' of Gengetone
In early 2018,a music video dropped.This wasn't to be your average video.As anyone would describe it, it was a low quality video taken in some Eastlands hood,probably with some smartphone with 'video vixens' twerking to spice it up.
 |
| Ethic Entertainment :From left;Swat, Zila, Seska and Rekles. |
Though it kept tongues wagging, it wasn't just yet clear that this track had just started a new era in the Kenyan music scene.The beat and vibe in this track and many that were yet to come kind of shows a relationship with the Genge beat pioneered by artistes like Major and the former Rapdamu group.
Springing up of 'Gangs'
Though the Ethic group consisting of Swat,Seska,Rekless and Zila kick started this vibe,it wasn't long before many other groups of this nature sprang up. There's now a multitude of such:Sailors Gang,Boondocks Gang,Ochungulo Family among others.
 |
| Sailors Gang:From left ;Masilver, Shalqido, Miracle Baby, Qoqosjuma and Lexxy Yung. |
This wave seems to have a great fan base in Kenya as the once Afro and Hip hop infested market seems to have something of their own.
A Crazy Reception
Gengetone has had its share of diverse reactions from the public.The youth seem to have received it well; most identifying with the lyrics and the artistes' way of dressing. On the other hand, older people have dismissed this as a cheeky novelty taking the youth hostage.This industry has also received overwhelming backlash from the government through the Kenya Film Classification Board(KFCB) which has banned tracks like Figa from You Tube and even summoning some artistes for their so called 'dirty' tracks like Taka taka by Alvindo.
A Crazy Reception
Gengetone has had its share of diverse reactions from the public.The youth seem to have received it well; most identifying with the lyrics and the artistes' way of dressing. On the other hand, older people have dismissed this as a cheeky novelty taking the youth hostage.This industry has also received overwhelming backlash from the government through the Kenya Film Classification Board(KFCB) which has banned tracks like Figa from You Tube and even summoning some artistes for their so called 'dirty' tracks like Taka taka by Alvindo.
Verdict
No matter its reception,I believe that to a certain level this has become the identity of the current Kenyan music scene.
And whether it has a short shelf life? Let's wait and see.
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Epic post 👌👏👏
ReplyDeleteThanks man
DeleteI think genge tone is ruling at the moment.Cool stuff 😎
ReplyDeleteNice script
ReplyDeleteWell researched
ReplyDeleteI can't believe this is you mentioning sailors, gwash and whatever😂😂
ReplyDeleteI've to be in all worlds to give you great content😂💚
Delete