Gengetone

Gengetone is the loud, rowdy, joyful sound that took over Kenya in the late 2010s. It came out of Nairobi's estates and matatu culture: fast dancehall-inspired beats, heavy bass, call-and-response chants and lyrics in raw Sheng, often performed by crews rather than solo artists. It's party music first, full of inside jokes, catchphrases and hooks the whole room can shout back.

Gengetone changed what a Kenyan hit could sound like and showed that songs in Sheng, made cheaply by young producers, could dominate the country's playlists. It also paved the way for newer styles like Arbantone, and its energy still shows up across Kenyan pop.

On this page you'll find Gengetone uploaded by independent artists and crews on Ziki. Start with the most-played tracks, then check the latest uploads for new records. Every song streams free. Follow the artists you like so their next release shows up in your library, and share your favourites with the group chat. If you make Gengetone, upload it here so fans browsing the genre can find you.