Music has always had a special status in Kenya. So far, traditional or cultural music has dominated. However, this has been replaced by modern music. The new music offers either a fusion of old and new or completely new music genres. The following are the 10 recommended Kenyan music you should listen to:
Here is our list of the 10 best Kenyan music genres
1. Gospel
Kenya is a country where gospel music exists and gains widespread acceptance. Yes, gospel music is currently the most successful type of music in Kenya. It is massively broadcast by radio and television stations in the region. This has led to many gospel artists venturing onto the scene. Some of the notable artists are “Jimmy Gait, Betty Bayo, Size 8, Holy Dave, Bahati, Hope Kid, Ruth Wamuyu, Lois Kim and many others.
2. Genge
Genge is a form of music originating from a specific location in the state capital, Nairobi. This music is representative of the people on the east side of the city. It is affiliated with the record label “Calif”. Some of the artists in this stable you would like to hear include “Jua Kali”, “Q-tasi”, “Alahola”, “Nonini”, “P-Unit” and others.
Also See: 10 Evergreen Oromo Music You Should Hear
3. Kapuka
In the same period, Kapuka was also discovered as “Genge”. It was a kind of show of force between the two genres. Although there are several production houses for this music, originally it was associated with the “Ogopa” Djs. Some Kapuka musicians include Nameless, Boomba Clan, Collo, Mustapha, Kendi, Marya, and Avril, among others.
4. Ghetto Hip Hop
Although this type of music has been influenced by Western or American hip hop reflecting the culture of the people living in the Kenyan ghettos. It has experienced a renaissance since its discovery almost two decades ago. Among the pioneers were “Kalamashaka” and “Ukoo Fulani”. Current musicians include “Cannibal”, “Machizi”, “La balaa”, “Mau mau” and others.
See also: love messages, cute things to say to your girlfriend, bible verses about love
5. Kenyan Skirt
A person who appreciates rock may also find Kenyan rock quite ideal. Although rock hasn’t moved as quickly as other forms of music in Kenya, it is gradually gaining attention. There are few rock groups in Kenya where “Murfys Flaw, the Tragedy of Recent Years, the Claymore Project and the Parking Lot Grass” are the most popular.
Most popular Kenyan music genre
6. Afro Fusion
Afro Fusion is basically a mix of African and Western tunes. This music will feature the use of African drums as well as Western instruments. This also applies to the singing, which reflects both African and Western music, such as jazz, rhythm and blues and pop. Popular music comes from artists like “Mercy Myra”, “Eric Wainaina”, “Yunasi”, “Suzanne Owiyo”, “Atemi” and others.
See also: 10 coolest and most popular Eritrean music
7. Benga
Benga is one of the oldest styles of music in Kenya. It has been played for almost half a century and is similar to music from the Caribbean or the Cuban region. The melodies and instrumentals borrowed a leaf from samba and rumba. Artists performing in Benga include Ken wa Maria, Tony Nyadundo and the late D.O. Misiani”.
8.Rap
Kenyan rap is among the fastest growing genres of music. Although it’s been around for more than a decade, new and fresh talent is always being discovered. In fact, rap musicians are among the best performing artists. They include “Octopizzo, Rabbit, Bamboo, Abbas, Kaligraph, X-tatic, Muthoni, the drummer queen”.
9. Spoken word
The spoken word has always raised eyebrows when it comes to the music. Some consider it poetry, others appreciate it like any other music. Spoken word performances have brought new ideas for entertainment. This includes collaborating with other musicians as well as adding instrumentals to the artistic performance. Among the pieces of music to look out for are those of “Jemedari, Number 8, Specified” and others.
10. Afro pop
Afropop, also known as Kenyan pop, is also one of the country’s oldest music. It can be traced back over half a century. The music features acoustics from different cultures in Kenya and beyond. It is also played with traditional instruments. Notable artists include, Gidi, Majimaji, She Mushrooms and many others.
Although the list above features the 10 recommended Kenyan music to listen to, the music scene in Kenya has become very vibrant. This has led to new types of music based on regional realities such as taarab. There is music that comes from certain Kenyan ghettos like genge or ghetto rap. The age group also defines the type of music, for example benga or afro-pop.
Don’t miss:
Ask a Guy
Chemistry Jokes
Nicknames for Guys