Gengetone has no doubt been Kenya's soundtrack of 2019. Ever since Ethic Entertainment burst onto the scene with Lamba Lolo last year, Kenyan music has seen a massive shift with several street anthems topping the charts and playing everywhere from matatus and shops on the streets to boda bodas and your favorite local.
As we draw closer to the final month of the year, here are Loud.co.ke's 19 biggest gengetone hits of 2019. Aside from checking out this article and the videos, enjoy the #19Gengetone19 countdown all day right here on LOUD Radio this Friday and stream + download the official 'Gengetunes Vol. 1' mix ft. Kriss Snave.
(#1) Sailors - Wamlambez
Sailors Gang's meteoric rise was sparked by the release of Wamlambez in early 2019. Wamlambez morphed into a cultural phenomenon bigger than the song itself, with the words Wamlambez and Wamnyonyez now undoubtedly part of the Kenyan dictionary.
(#2) Ethic Entertainment - Figa
Figa by Ethic Entertainment was pulled down from online platforms due to copyright complaints arising from the beat used, but it's release marked a watershed moment for gengetone as it had the biggest premiere of a single ever.
Social media hype was at an all-time high for the anticipated release, with fans going wild as they raced to get the video past a million views as soon as it dropped. While the eventual copyright strike was unfortunate, Figa was a moment that showcased firsthand the cultural impact of gengetone and cemented Ethic Entertainment as the country's biggest artists in 2019. Figa and Figa Remix featuring Konshens still find themselves on many playlists thanks to dedicated DJs and fans.
(#3) Ochungulo Family - Kaa na Mama Yako
Ochungulo Family, the collective made up of NellytheGoon, Benzema and Dmore struck gold with their take on West Pokot Governor John Lonyangapuo's famous soundbite Kaa na Mama Yako. Incredible lyrical performances along with a colourful video and quality production made Kaa na Mama Yako one of the biggest gengetone hits of 2019.
(#4) Zzero Sufuri - Zimenishika
Zzero Sufuri delivered one of the biggest anthems of the year with Zimenishika, a stoner cult classic that was impossible to miss on any DJ's Serato. Its fun video with catchy vintage styling helped propel Zzero and Zimenishika to greater heights.
(#5) Gwaash x Vuva x B-Razor - Wabebe
Wabebe was one of the biggest party anthems of 2019, with Vuva's 'Wabebe..Skilooo' hook still stuck in a few people's minds. Expect to hear Wabebe in every matatu mix as it perfectly encapsulates Nairobi vibes.
(#6) Boondocks Gang - Rieng Remix ft. Rankaddah, Kristoff, VDJ Jones
Boondocks Gang first gained traction with Rieng in 2018, but the remix featuring Kristoff and Rankaddah the following year helped catapult Boondocks Gang to greater popularity. Terms and phrases including Ah Taniua and Rieng became popular largely due to Edu Maddox, Exray and Odi wa Murang'a.
(#7) Sailors - Pekejeng
Sailors followed up on the success of Wamlambez with yet another raw street anthem Pekejeng. It proved a smash hit and still has Kenyans odi dancing at the club.
(#8) Chris Kaiga - Zimenice
Chris Kaiga was responsible for the catchy feel-good single Zimenice, arguably 2019's favorite sing-along for inebriated Kenyans. The unique production style oozes good vibes coupled with Kaiga's relatable bars and goofy videos.
(#9) Ethic Entertainment - Pandana
Ethic Entertainment had an incredible year with several hit singles, not least of all Pandana. Pandana became the unofficial ratchet anthem with revelers at various entertainment joints going wild as soon as the beat drops.
(#10) TheOnlyDelo - Chupa ku Chupa
TheOnlyDelo had been gaining some buzz with various freestyles he posted online but it wasn't until Chupa ku Chupa that he truly blew up. After a video of Delo freestyling the song went viral, he got in the studio and put out an official release that went on to become a massive hit.
(#11) Ochungulo Family - Na Iwake Remix ft. The Kansoul
Na Iwake Remix was an early 2019 banger that built on the success of the original release by Ochungulo Family in 2018. It proved an instant hit and was on replay across the country in no time. NellytheGoon also delivered one of the most memorable hooks in recent Kenyan music history.
(#12) Masta Ajab, Bon' Eye, Brian Nadra & Konkodi - Drinks na Mayenx
Drinks na Mayenx was one of the best and biggest party tunes of 2019 in Kenya, with unmatched production from Musyoka as well as a great performance under his artist alter ego Masta Ajab. The rest of the Decimal Records' roster featured on the track came through to make Drinx na mayenx a year-defining tune.
(#13) Ethic Entertainment - Chapa Chapa
Ethic continued their incredible run in 2019 with Chapa Chapa, sticking to the formula that has seen practically all their music since their debut top the charts. Rekles, as always, delivers an iconic hook with Seska, Swat and Zilla bringing serious sheng wordplay and bars to the table.
(#14) Boondocks Gang - Mboko Haram
Boondocks Gang stayed consistent in 2019, giving fans some serious bangers along the way. One of the biggest was Mboko Haram, with its infectious and scandalous vibes making it a constant at every function.
(#15) VDJ Jones - Wale Mang’aa ft. Odi wa Murang'a, SWAT, Jua Cali
VDJ Jones came out as the most ardent DJ supporter of gengetone in 2019, and had his hands on quite a number of great projects. Wale Mang'aa was a massive tune with VDJ Jones bringing together genge legend Jua Cali and gengetone stars Odi wa Murang'a and SWAT for a sure-fire classic.
(#16) Sailors - Queen B
Sailors Gang make another appearance on this list with Queen B, a massive twerk anthem for 2019 in Kenya. Miracle Baby's unmatched energy along with the rest of the crew's unique vibes and flow made Queen B a huge gengetone moment in 2019.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r14_4fPliTk
(#17) KRG The Don - Mathogothanio ft. Boondocks Gang
Fast Cash Records boss KRG The Don sought out Boondocks Gang for Mathogothanio, a collaboration that became one of the biggest hits of the year. With a unique accompanying dance style, clean visuals and catchy hook it had all the makings of a smash hit.
(#18) Gwaash - Katambe ft. Retro Mars, Young & K4 Kanali
Katambe was a big tune from Gwaash and K4 Kanali, Retro Mars and Young. The jam is a proper party starter and, along with the infectious beat and bars became one of the most popular songs of the year.
(#19) Octopizzo - Wakiritho ft. Sailors
Rap legend Octopizzo linked up with Sailors for Wakiritho, a late 2019 tune that has already proved a fan favorite. Sailors shine with a different sound from what we're accustomed to from them, undoubtedly one of the great gengetone moments of the year.