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A look at the whereabouts of top Gengetone artists
Gengetone is a popular music genre in Kenya that emerged a few years ago.
It is characterized by a fusion of hip-hop, dancehall, and African rhythms, with lyrics that often address social issues and everyday life in urban areas.
The term “gengetone” itself is inspired by genge, a Kenyan hip-hop genre that was popular in the 2000s.
The music is often delivered in Sheng, which is a Swahili-based slang, allowing artists to express themselves freely and authentically.
The genre’s high-energy, danceable rhythms have made it a hit on the streets of Nairobi and beyond.
It’s not just a genre; it’s an identity—a sound that reflects the experiences of Kenyan youth in the hood.
Here is a look at some gengetone artists in Kenya who used to break the internet with their hits during their era;
Sailors gang
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The five people music group started in 2017 with Miracle baby, Masilver, Lexi Yung, Shalkido and Qoqos Juma.
The group are popularly known for their best hit ‘Wamlambez’ which took over during the gengetone era with other several gengetone music.
Miracle baby who was the lead singer was also a mugithi artist. He overcame challenges—from being a street urchin to working as a construction worker and a mortuary attendant.
Currently he quit the secular world and is an ordained pastor. The rest of the group members are nowhere to be seen or heard.
Ethic entertainment
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Ethic is a Kenyan gengetone group that consists of rappers Rekles, Swat, Seska, and Zilla Dropa.
They are widely credited for popularizing the gengetone genre, which is characterized by raunchy lyrics, catchy hooks, and videos featuring twerking girls.
Their music gained massive popularity which made them one of the biggest music crews in Kenya.
Some of their popular songs were Lamba Lolo, Pandana, Daktari, Number Saba among others that were hit.
Boondocks gang
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Is a three-man gengetone group from Kenya which comprised of Exray, Maddox, and Odi Wa Murang’a.
They’ve played a significant role in popularizing the gengetone movement across the country.
In May 2022, Maddox opened up on the Gengetone group's fallout, saying that, with time, fellow members Xray Taniua and Odi wa Murang'a started slipping away, missing recording sessions and doing their own projects.
Last year one of the group members Maddox was spotted looking disheveled and drugged-out around Nairobi's Roysambu area.
Ochungulo family
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This is a talented musical group from Kenya. The trio consists of three members: Benzema, Nellythegoon, and Dmore.
They perform under the gengetone genre and are well-known for their masterpieces.
Some of their hit songs include Aluta, Dudu, Kamua and Pandemic which was influenced by the COVID 19 pandemic.
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