SPOTIFY LAUNCHES HIGHLY AWAITED GENGETONE FIRE PLAYLIST

Kenya’s music scene has been witnessing a significant shift in recent years, with a new and vibrant genre, Gengetone, taking center stage.

Spotify has created a one stop destination for Kenya’s hottest music genre; Gengetone Fire. The East Africa Editor at Spotify took on the exciting task of curating a playlist that would reflect the culture and spirit of Gengetone and propel the genre beyond its underground roots.

According to the editor, “it’s music for the streets by the streets”. The music has been buoyed by its audience through sharing DJ mixes via social media platforms, house parties and consumption via Nairobi’s vibrant matatu playlists.  

Gengetone is particularly Gen Z driven and Kenya has the biggest listenership, with more than 15 million streams of the genre. USA comes second, followed by the UK then Tanzania. Other African countries streaming Gengetone include South Africa, Nigeria and Uganda showing its cross border appeal. Top artists currently enjoying heavy rotation are Matata, Octopizzo, Breeder LW, Iyanii and Mejja.

Gengetone had humble beginnings as underground music, surviving through word-of-mouth sharing and live shows. However, playlists like Gengetone Fire have played a pivotal role in transforming the genre’s perception. Its growing popularity is evident, with Gengetone Fire streams increasing by 88 percent from last year.

The playlist has become a conduit for exporting Gengetone to the masses, and new players have emerged alongside the OGs, expanding the genre’s reach. Majority of the playlist streams are from Kenya, then the USA, Tanzania, Uganda and the UK round off the top five.

Gengetone’s raw and unapologetic style resonates deeply with the authenticity-seeking nature of Gen Z. The genre has straightforward and relatable lyrics, often reflecting everyday struggles and triumphs that capture the attention of young listeners looking for music that speaks to their experiences. The infectious beats and danceable rhythms also provide the perfect soundtrack for social media challenges and viral trends. 

Gengetone has long been considered a man’s game but the girls have also made their mark. The editor says, “there’s a lot of female artists in the genre, with artists such as  Maandy and Ssaru commanding a large audience and Gengetone has definitely been a catalyst. Ladies coming up in the genre are a real  breath of fresh air.”  

Ensuring that the playlist represents everyone’s favorites is a priority. The playlist reflects artists’ current output and fans’ preferences by accommodating both OG artists and new talents. 

The editor shared his top three songs from the playlist—Miondoko by Rico Gang, Naskia Wah by Boondocks Gang and Ethics, and Kiss N Tell by Kushman. He highlighted their storytelling, humour, and audience engagement, which makes them stand out.