Breakout stars of the year
@chebetkorir
Mention them; Ethic, Sailors, Boondocks Gang, Zzero Sufuri, Fat Boy Gwaash, Ochungulo Family and many others.
This breed of Kenyan musicians, despite the backlash and controversy they’ve generated, has taken to another higher level what Genge greats such as Nonini and Jua Cali started in the early 2000s.
The rise of the new wave of Genge sub-genre called Gengetone has been like a raging wildfire in 2019. Their input in the industry cannot be ignored.
Ethic
They are known for hits such as Lamba Lolo, Figa, Thao and Chapa Chapa and are enjoying millions of views on YouTube.
Ochungulo Family
The boy group consisting of Benzema, Nelly The Goon and Dmore are known for creating songs out of trending memes. They have created a name in the music game with songs such as Na Iwake, Kirimino, Aluta and Twa Twa.
Boondocks Gang
The gang comprises Bobby aka Ex-Ray, Frank aka Odi wa Murang’a and Edward aka Maddox. The ambitious trio is known for club-bangers such as Mathogothanio, Mboko Haram and Rieng Remix.
Fat Boy Gwaash
His song Wabebe has been one of the most popular club bangers in Kenya this year. His latest song is a collabo called Short and Brief with Lyrical Picasso, Frasha and DJ Crème.
Chris Kaiga
His most popular song that brought him to the limelight, Zimenice, was recorded in 2017, but it only went viral this year after he dropped the video in May.
Masauti
Mohammed Ali Said aka Masauti reinvented himself and released his hit jam Kiboko early this year. Comedian Jalang’o has also pushed his music career and introduced him to industry big wigs such as Khaligraph Jones who featured on the remix of Kiboko.
Sol Generation
A brain child of Sauti Sol, the group consists Bensoul, Nviiri The Storyteller, Kaskazini and Crystal Asige. Their single Extravaganza is definitely one of this year’s biggest jams.
Bey T
The rapper has been a force to reckon with this year. She released the track Wololo with Khaligraph Jones recently featuring her in Khali Kartel 3 song.
Zzero Sufuri
The fast-rising artiste’s star shone bright with his breakout smash single Zimenishika, one of the biggest hits in 254 this year. He has other songs such as Manzi and Nuclear.
