Kenyan music has long been a vibrant and ever-evolving landscape, with each generation contributing its own distinctive sounds and styles. In recent years, a new genre has emerged that has captivated the attention of music enthusiasts both within and beyond the country’s borders – Arbantone.

This dynamic genre, which has gained significant traction since its inception, is a testament to the creative ingenuity of Kenyan artists and producers. Characterized by its seamless blending of familiar beats and lyrics, Arbantone has carved out a unique niche in the Kenyan music scene, resonating with a new generation of listeners.

Rise of Arbantone: A Reflection of Kenyan Identity

The origins of Arbantone can be traced back to the pioneering efforts of a new crop of Nairobi-based artists, inspired by the dexterity of the trailblazing Genge artistes. These young musicians sought to create a sound that not only paid homage to the Kenyan musical heritage but also reflected the lived experiences and aspirations of their contemporaries. At the forefront of this movement are artists like YBW Smith, Gody Tenor, Tipsy Gee, and Soundkraft, who have become synonymous with the Arbantone sound. Drawing inspiration from the infectious rhythms and conversational Sheng lyrics of Genge, these artists have crafted a unique blend that resonates with the Kenyan youth. “Arbantone songs are mainly characterized by beats sampled from Kenyan Old School hits – which are syncopated with new Gengetone-like beats to make them dance-ready – and easy to lip-sync lyrics which are aimed at making the tracks ubiquitous within the ‘Challenges’ of the popular short-form video hosting service, TikTok.” This innovative approach has not only captured the attention of Kenyan music fans but has also positioned Arbantone as a genre that reflects the evolving cultural identity of the country. By incorporating elements of Genge, a genre that has long been associated with the urban youth of Nairobi, Arbantone artists have tapped into the pulse of the nation, creating a sound that resonates with the aspirations and experiences of a new generation.

The Sampling Phenomenon: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

A defining characteristic of Arbantone is its heavy reliance on sampling, a technique that has long been a staple in the world of music production. These artists have skillfully reimagined and recontextualized classic Kenyan hits, breathing new life into the familiar melodies and rhythms.

“Music sampling, the reuse of a sample of a sound recording in another new recording, has for long been part and parcel of music production processes. Some of the mainstream music genres are known to have the core of their sounds coming from sampled beats.”

The sampling approach adopted by Arbantone artists serves as a testament to their deep appreciation for Kenyan musical heritage. By weaving in elements from the past, they not only pay homage to the pioneering works of their predecessors but also create a dynamic dialogue between the old and the new. The success of tracks like “Tiktoker,” which samples the iconic “Bidii Yangu” by Jua Cali, and “Bubbly Bubbly (Na Niki),” which draws inspiration from Kenyan classics, underscores the power of this sampling-driven approach. These songs have not only garnered millions of views on platforms like YouTube but have also captured the hearts and minds of Kenyan music enthusiasts, proving the enduring appeal of Arbantone.

“Soundkraft, another producer who is at the forefront of purveying for this new genre, is behind the most successful Arbantone single so far Tiktoker. Tiktoker has garnered over 4.2 million views since it was uploaded on YouTube, indicating how Kenyan music fans are embracing the new Arbantone aesthetic.”

However, the reliance on sampling has not been without its challenges. Some within the industry have raised concerns about the lack of originality and creativity, arguing that Arbantone artists are merely recycling old beats. This debate has sparked a lively discourse on the balance between honoring the past and forging new musical frontiers.

Embracing the TikTok Phenomenon

Arbantone’s rise to prominence has been closely intertwined with the growing influence of social media and the ubiquitous presence of TikTok. The genre’s catchy rhythms, easy-to-lip-sync lyrics, and dance-ready beats have made it an ideal fit for the viral video-sharing platform. “Interestingly, the most successful Arbantone song so far is one that is dedicated to the activity of making content for TikTok, a daily lifestyle engagement that many youthful Kenyans have become familiar with.” The success of tracks like “Tiktoker” and “Mapeng(TikTok divas)” underscores the symbiotic relationship between Arbantone and the TikTok phenomenon. These songs have not only gained traction on the platform but have also influenced the creation of viral dance challenges, further cementing the genre’s appeal among the youth. “Arbantone songs are mainly characterised by beats sampled from Kenyan Old School hits – which are syncopated with new Gengetone-like beats to make them dance-ready – and easy to lip-sync lyrics which are aimed at making the tracks ubiquitous within the ‘Challenges’ of the popular short-form video hosting service, TikTok.” This embracing of the TikTok culture has not only propelled the success of individual Arbantone artists but has also contributed to the genre’s wider acceptance within the Kenyan music landscape. As the younger generation continues to shape the cultural narrative, the symbiosis between Arbantone and social media platforms like TikTok is likely to remain a defining characteristic of the genre’s evolution.

The Arbantone Pioneers: Crafting a New Musical Legacy

At the forefront of the Arbantone movement are a cohort of young, talented artists who have emerged as the torchbearers of this new sound. From YBW Smith’s distinctive vocals to Gody Tenor’s smooth delivery, these musicians have carved out their own unique identities within the genre.

“The most successful of artists so far from the genre, or rather subgenre as others might term it as aforementioned, is Buruburu based artist YBW Smith. In 2023 YBW Smith gained profound notoriety from tapping into this new wave to establish himself as probably the first wonderkid of the Arbantone genre.” Soundkraft, the producer behind the chart-topping “Tiktoker,” has emerged as a trailblazer in the Arbantone scene, alongside his collaborator Motif Their ability to blend familiar beats with contemporary elements has earned them widespread acclaim and cemented their status as key figures in the genre’s evolution.

“Soundkraft, another producer who is at the forefront of purveying for this new genre, is behind the most successful Arbantone single so far Tiktoker. Tiktoker has garnered over 4.2 million views since it was uploaded on YouTube, indicating how Kenyan music fans are embracing the new Arbantone aesthetic.”Other artists like Tipsy Gee, Spoiler, Lil Maina, and Ebola Mkuu have also made significant contributions to the Arbantone landscape, each bringing their unique flair and perspective to the genre. “Armed with a deep-seated musical candour and eagerness that seems unencumbered by youth, these artistes — the likes of Gody Tenor, Tipsy Gee and Spoiler, alongside other Arbantone acts such as Ranzscooby and Ebola Mkuu — are sporadically releasing tracks that are gradually imprinting the genre as a viable component of Kenyan mainstream music.”

The success of these artists has not only solidified Arbantone’s position within the Kenyan music scene but has also paved the way for a new generation of musicians to explore the genre’s boundless potential. As they continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, the Arbantone pioneers are shaping a musical legacy that will resonate with Kenyan audiences for years to come.

Navigating the Challenges: Embracing Originality and Legality

Despite the overwhelming success of Arbantone, the genre has not been without its fair share of challenges. One of the primary concerns raised by industry stakeholders has been the issue of originality and creativity. Some have argued that Arbantone artists are simply repackaging old hits, lacking the innovation and originality necessary to establish themselves as true musical pioneers. This criticism has sparked a debate within the industry, with proponents of Arbantone defending the genre’s ability to breathe new life into classic Kenyan sounds.

“This trend, however, has brought about different views from different industry players who believe that this crop of artistes lacks creativity. A while back, award-winning singer-songwriter and actress Habida expressed her thoughts against the same.”

Alongside the discussions around originality, the issue of copyright and legal compliance has also come to the forefront. The heavy reliance on sampling has raised concerns about the potential infringement of intellectual property rights. “By virtue of a person who purports to re-record a sound recording without the authority of the producer and author/composer commits an act of infringement as defined under Section 35(1) a of the Copyright Act,” reads the advisory in part. While some Arbantone artists have argued that the sampling process is often done legally and with the necessary permissions, the legal landscape remains a complex and evolving domain. Navigating these challenges will be crucial for the long-term sustainability and legitimacy of the Arbantone genre.

The Future of Arbantone: Embracing Tradition, Shaping the Future

As Arbantone continues to captivate Kenyan music enthusiasts, the genre’s future trajectory remains a topic of keen interest. With its unique blend of old and new, ​Arbantone has the potential to become a lasting fixture in the Kenyan musical landscape.

“The core phenomenon of musical culture remains evolution. Some might fault Arbantone for its heavy reliance on sampling, others might dismiss it as just another replication of Gengetone. But Arbantone serves as evidence of a Kenyan music industry that is evolving. And that is something that should delight every Kenyan music head – or anyone really who has their finger on the pulse of Kenyan popular culture.”The ability of Arbantone artists to tap into the nostalgia of Kenyan musical heritage while simultaneously crafting a sound that resonates with the contemporary youth has been a key factor in the genre’s success. As the genre continues to evolve, the challenge will be to strike a balance between honoring the past and embracing the future.

“In a 2012 interview with the popular American online music publication, Pitchfork, the vocalist in the popular Metalcore band, Converge, Jacob Bannon, is known to have dismissed music genres as irrelevant. He said that nearly every form of music is a ‘melting pot of things of things.’ But with regards to Kenya, a country whose music falls behind in rank when compared to the buzz of West African Afrobeats and the enchanting vibe and conviviality of Amapiano and its dances, perhaps new uniquely Kenyan genres might be needed for the country to find its voice in the wider Afro-Pop conversations.”

As Arbantone artists continue to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation, the genre’s ability to adapt and evolve will be crucial in shaping its long-term impact. The successful navigation of legal and creative challenges, coupled with a steadfast commitment to honoring Kenyan musical heritage, will be the keys to Arbantone’s enduring legacy.