Nakam Sai, Kudade, and Set It are some of the most streamed Arbantone songs of 2024

Arbantone is the newest genre to take the country by storm. Kenya’s music culture has long been a center of creativity.

Arbantone, a new and vibrant development of Gengetone, creates a distinctive sound that appeals to young Kenyans by fusing traditional elements with modern dancehall sounds. In addition to representing the nation’s youth’s inventiveness, this genre also captures their goals and life experiences.

Arbantone’s deft use of nostalgia is one of its distinguishing characteristics.

In order to appeal to both Generation Z and Millennials, artists frequently sample and rework traditional dancehall songs from Kenya and other countries, adding contemporary features. Generational divides are bridged by this blend of the old and the modern, which brings back happy memories of Kenya’s musical heritage while also delivering something new.

An important factor in Arbantone’s explosive growth has been social media. The popularity of the genre is being driven by viral dance challenges on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. The popular song “Set It” by Dyana Cods is a prime example; its captivating lyrics and irresistible beat caused a viral dance frenzy, making it the third most popular Arbantone song in Kenya, according to Spotify Wrapped 2024.

Spotify’s carefully selected playlists and streaming statistics demonstrate Arbantone’s expanding prominence. Fans of the genre now turn to the Best of Arbantone Hits 2024 playlist. Leading the way is Lil Maina, whose number-one single Nakam Sai won over fans’ hearts and became this year’s favorite Arbantone song in Kenya.

“Arbantone is a cultural movement that reflects the hardships and victories of Kenya’s youth, not merely a genre. According to Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, “the 93% increase in local music consumption on platforms like Spotify highlights how Arbantone has contributed to this growth.”

Top Arbantone Tracks of 2024:

1. Nakam Sai – Lil Maina
2. Another Banger – YBW Smith
3. Set It – Dyana Cods
4. Kudade – Fancy Fingers
5. Dance ya Kudonjo – Sean MMG and YBW Smith

Most Streamed Arbantone Artists of 2024:

1. Lil Maina
2. YBW Smith
3. Sean MMG
4. Buruklyn Boyz
5. Soundkraft