3 Gengetone Songs that Would Represent Kenya at the Grammys
Written by Elizabeth Nyambura on August 3, 2023
During the month of June 2023, there was a major announcement about the inclusion of Genge music to the grammys. For the first time, there is hope of recognition for Kenyan music. What if Gengetone was given the same chance? Perhaps looking at a list of emerging artists would help us add more on to the list..
- “Lamba Lolo” by Ethics
The group is considered to be the Gengetone pioneer in Kenya. We saw an evolution of music in Kenya through this group. For the first time, there was a genre called Gengetone in the year 2018. The Ethic group, made headlines in every club gig, graduation or birthday party. The group consists of Rekles, Seska,Swat and Zilla.
2. Trio Mio “Cheza Kama Wewe”
At the age of 16 years, Trio Mio released an original song then later on remixed it with Mejja, Exray and Nellythegoon. This saw another turn in the Gengetone genre. Not only was music done by groups, but young, emerging artists had a go at it too and Trio Mio went for it. Cheza Kama Wewe turned out to be a success, not only in the clubs but also in the political rallies.
3.“Kaveve Kazoze” by Spider Klan
Forget about the flashy cars, vixen and fancy locations, Spider Klan beat all the odds in what is called “standards” According to popular opinion, every group has its star, in this case, Ngesh was it. Since their success, there have been many brand deals for the group. Perhaps the new normal wins after all, right?
If you are keen to observe, the above songs did not follow any standards, the artists were simple, original and innovative. In fact, Lamba Lolo by Ethics was filmed using a phone. How many artists today would use a phone to shoot videos?
This was a great discovery journey, which songs would you nominate for awards? Under which category? If you were to nominate any of the new emerging artists, who would cut the list? How do the veteran artists support the new ones? Which group do you think deserves to be in the list?
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