Gengetone's Rise From Nairobi To GRAMMY Awards: A World Music Day Special

By Josephine Wanja

World Music Day, observed annually on June 21, is a momentous occasion that celebrates the rich tapestry of musical genres and cultures around the globe.

On this special day in 2023, we commemorate the significant milestones achieved in the music industry, highlighting the transformative journeys of Gengetone, Genge music, and the upcoming Trace Awards & Festival.

These three remarkable narratives showcase the evolution of Kenyan music, the recognition of Genge on the international stage, and the global celebration of African and Afro-inspired music and culture.

Gengetone: From Nairobi Streets to International Fame

Originating from the vibrant streets of Nairobi, Gengetone has emerged as a powerhouse in the Kenyan music scene. This distinctive genre, born out of its predecessor Genge-rap, has captivated the hearts of Kenyan youth and garnered widespread popularity both within the country and beyond.

King Kaka, Femi One & Jua Cali pose for a photo before the Trace Fest online concert during the COVID-19 Lockdown period. /FILE

Gengetone's fusion of rap, reggaeton, and dancehall creates a high-energy and dance-ready sound that resonates with a passionate fan base.

Genge-rap, which paved the way for Gengetone, gained traction in the early 2000s with influential artists such as Jua Cali and Nonini. Their contributions to the genre popularized it among the masses, using "sheng" - a version of Swahili slang - to convey authentic narratives that resonated with the streets.

In 2018, the viral hit Lamba Lolo by Ethic marked the beginning of the Gengetone revolution, propelled by the #PlayKeMusic movement that aimed to support and consume Kenyan urban music.

What sets Gengetone apart is its ability to thrive outside traditional media channels. Gengetone music videos have gone viral on YouTube, accumulating millions of views with minimal support from mainstream outlets.

The genre's success can be attributed to a passionate fan base primarily composed of youth who relate to the music originating from Nairobi's Eastlands region. Kenya's fast and affordable internet infrastructure has also played a significant role in sharing and consuming Gengetone music, bypassing traditional industry gatekeepers.

The Gengetone revolution intertwines with matatu culture, also known as "moving clubs," which blast DJ Gengetone mixes.

Matatus serve as a platform for promoting the genre, showcasing extravagant artwork and creating a unique and immersive experience for passengers. This symbiotic relationship between Gengetone and matatu culture has propelled the genre's popularity even further.

Genge to the World: Trace Awards & Festival, a Global Showcase of African Music and Culture

As Trace, the global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker, commemorates its 20th anniversary, it prepares for a groundbreaking event: the Trace Awards & Festival to be held at the BK arena in Kigali, Rwanda.

The highlight of the Trace Awards & Festival will be a three-hour live televised music ceremony that will shine a global spotlight on African and Afro-inspired music, honouring musicians, creators, entrepreneurs, and achievers from Africa and the African diaspora.

 This night of celebration will showcase the diversity of African music, honouring artists across a wide range of genres from Afrobeat to Dancehall, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba while saluting artists in a number of cultural/lifestyle categories.

Genge Music: From the Streets of Nairobi to the GRAMMY Awards

In a historic moment for Kenyan music, Genge, the precursor to Gengetone, has found its rightful place at the GRAMMY Awards.

The Recording Academy has introduced the Best African Music Performance category, recognizing the diverse and influential music originating from the continent. Genge, with its raw energy and unfiltered expression of urban life, stands shoulder to shoulder with other prominent African genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Ndombolo.

Genge, born on the streets of Nairobi in the early 2000s, became the powerful voice of the urban youth, reflecting their experiences, struggles, and aspirations. Blending influences from hip-hop, dancehall, and local Kenyan sounds, Genge became a musical revolution, fearlessly addressing social and political issues.

In recent years, Genge has transcended national borders, gaining recognition beyond Kenya. Artists such as Ethic, Ochungulo Family, and Sailors have leveraged social media platforms to reach international audiences, propelling Genge onto the global stage.

The genre's unique fusion of Swahili and English lyrics has resonated with music enthusiasts worldwide, leading to collaborations with renowned international artists and performances at prestigious music festivals.

The inclusion of Genge at the GRAMMY Awards signifies a significant milestone for Kenyan music, positioning it alongside other internationally acclaimed genres.

This recognition validates the talent and creativity of Kenyan artists, opening doors for collaborations and global opportunities. It celebrates the exceptional contributions of pioneers and contemporary artists who have elevated Genge to new heights, showcasing the power of music in transcending boundaries and celebrating artistic excellence.

Josephine Wanja MPRSK is a seasoned Public Relations (PR) practitioner and consultant. She is also the founder of Black Dot Limited, a Communications PR and Events outfit in Kenya. You can reach her through her email at [email protected]

Do you have an opinion article to share with us? Reach us on [email protected] 

Olivier Laouchez, co-founder and Executive Chairman of Trace with Danny Mucira, Managing Director of Trace Eastern Africa. /COURTESY