Kenya’s music scene is experiencing a dynamic shift, with Arbantone emerging as a captivating new genre that’s captivating the nation.
Rooted in the energetic spirit of Gengetone, Arbantone blends diverse musical styles, pushing creative boundaries and captivating audiences of all ages.
“Arbantone is a cultural movement reflecting the aspirations and creativity of Kenyan youth,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We’re thrilled to see the 93% rise in local music consumption in Kenya, and Arbantone is undoubtedly a significant contributor to this growth.”
A Fusion of Old and New
Nostalgia plays a crucial role in Arbantone, with artists often repurposing classic songs or sampling iconic beats to create fresh, contemporary sounds. This resonates strongly with Kenyan youth while also captivating Millennials, evoking memories of their musical journeys.
Social Media Fueling the Fire
Social media platforms have played a pivotal role in propelling Arbantone’s popularity.
Dance challenges on platforms like TikTok and Instagram have gone viral, showcasing the infectious beats and lyrical styles of artists like Dyana Cods with her hit song “Set It,” which ranked third among the most favoured Arbantone tracks in Kenya according to 2024 Spotify Wrapped data.
Dominating the Charts
Spotify user-generated playlists like “Best of ARBATONE HITS 2024” provide a clear indication of the genre’s popularity.
2024 Spotify data reveals Lil Maina as a dominant figure in Arbantone, with his song “NAKAM SAI” topping the list of most favoured Arbantone tracks. Other prominent artists include YBW Smith and SEAN MMG.
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Top Favored Arbantone Tracks in 2024
- Lil Maina – NAKAM SAI
- From The Hood Music – ANGUKA NAYO
- Dyana Cods, AJAY(BURUKLYNBOYZ) – Set It
- Fancy Fingers – KUDADE
- SEAN MMG, YBW Smith – DANCE YA KUDONJO
Top Streamed Arbantone Artists in 2024
- Lil Maina
- YBW Smith
- SEAN MMG
- BURUKLYNBOYZ
- Soundkraft
Arbantone represents a new era for Kenyan music, showcasing the power of creativity, innovation, and cultural expression.
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