A new wave of music sound has hit the Kenyan music industry. artists and producers are re-investing and creating a new sound that targets Gen Z and millennials. The sound is referred to as “arbantone” music.

Arbantone originated on social media in 2023 and was pioneered by Kenyan producers such as Soundkraft and Motif Di Don, artists such as Gody Tennor, and their fans. The name “Arbantone” is inspired by viral songs that found their way on social media as part of content creation.

"Arbantone" means urban Kenyan music, loved by Gen Z and millennials. It involves creatively remixing previously released songs’ beats, lyrics, and sounds inspired by specific music genres or other musical genres.

"Arbantone” gives freedom of expression, as  seen in the dance challenges created using “Arbantone” songs. Content creators enjoy the new sound the same way artists and producers do.

Arbantone is mainly being pushed by the artists and the producers themselves. Even though it is still evolving, it has faced criticism from fans. Some feel that “arbantone” is still the same as Gengetone.

Here is a list of the top arbantone songs released in 2023.

PHOTO | COURTESY: Arbantone artists 

1. “Tiktoker” by Soundkraft featuring Gody Tennor, Tipsy Gee and Kappy.

2. “Hii ndo Inabamba (Ramsha)” by Gody Tennor featuring Kappy, Kushman and Tipsy Gee.

3.“Baki Home” by Gody Tennor, Tipsy Gee.

4. “Usini advise” by Kappy featuring Gody Tennor, Tipsy Gee and Motif Di Don.

5. “Lele Remix” by YBW Smith featuring Lil Maina and SosaTheeProdigy.

6. “Ngwai”, by Lil Maina featuring Danski.

PHOTO | COURTESY: Lil Maina

7. “Anapiga Pic” , “Lele” and “Niko na Dem” by YBW Smith.

8. “Ma G Kwenye Klabu” by Lil Maina featuring Scar Mkadinali.

9. “Namdai” by Kappy featuring Kushman and Gody Tennor.

10. “Bubu” by Lessi Sting, Fathermoh and UncoJingJong

11. “Kwa Bar” by Odi wa Murang’a, Fathermoh and Harry Craze.

12. “Kuja Ivo” by Gody Tennor featuring Sean MMG, YBW Smith and Tipsy Gee.


Top Arbantone artists who are taking over the Kenyan music industry include: Gody Tennor, Sean MMG, Lil Maina, Spoiler, Ebola Mkuu, TMS Garvey, Kappy, Fidel Rayd, YBW Smith, Tipsy Gee and Ranzscooby.