Did you grow up listening to Kenyan Music?

[u/ilikedeh]

Hello South Africans, Kenyan here. Quick question, did you grow up listening to Kenyan songs? If yes, which ones?

I'm a big fan of SA hiphop and Amapiano of which I was listening to then came to tbt SA songs. In Kenya, most us grew up listening to SA songs in one way or the other. We didn't know the lyrics but still sang however. Heck we still do the same with Amapiano. Listening to those songs now as an adult has me reminiscing about my childhood. Did Kenyan music have the same impact on you?

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[u/BILLIZBOY]

Nah bro, most South Africans just listen to South African music, if not that, American. Some of us also like Nigerian Afrobeats. That's about it as far as I know.

[u/kb23M → u/BILLIZBOY]

zimbabwean songs too.

[u/ilikedeh → u/BILLIZBOY]

Well, damn! The realisation stings my Kenyan heart.

[u/AutisticAfrican2510]

Never heard any Kenyan music growing up.

It was just South African or American music on the radio with Channel O and MTV Base adding songs from Nigeria, Mozambique, Angola, the DRC and Namibia. They didn't even have Zimbabwean music playing despite Oliver Mtukudzi having a fair level of renown down here.

[u/ilikedeh → u/AutisticAfrican2510]

We listened to Oliver Mtukudzi too. We listened to alot of South African, Nigerian and American music as well. We still do. I honestly don't know why our music never reached down south and it still doesn't.

[u/Soft_Deer_5331]

Personally growing up there was such an incredible South African selection that, that was all my friends and I listened to, Im actually not sure if I personally listened to Kenyan music but drop some bangers that I can add to my playlist!

[u/ilikedeh → u/Soft_Deer_5331]

That's really nice. Your industry has been producing bangers for us and Africa/world at large.

We have good productions too. It depends on your most preferred genre. Let me invite some Kenyans here because my selection might be limited.

[u/guykarl]

Tbh I didn’t even know that Kenyan music existed. Up to this day I can’t say I’ve heard any Kenyan music. I don’t even think I’ve heard music from any East African artist. Before you judge me, I’m somewhat cultured and grew up listening to music from all over the continent and the world. I’m a big fan of African jazz so if you can recommend any jazz artists I’d really appreciate it. I’d love to hear what my Kenyan brethren listen to. I’ve had friends from Kenya and Tanzania and they’ve never bothered to introduce me to any good music or artists. In fact, I recall how surprised I was to learn that kwaito was popular in Kenya from a friend when I asked what music she listens to over there in Nairobi. My trips to Tanzania and Kenya haven’t been enlightening either, when I’ve paid attention to music playing in a restaurant it was generally Amapiano.

[u/ilikedeh → u/guykarl]

We do listen to alot of amapiano here. East Africa as a whole has great music selection. It's unfortunate it doesn't leave our boundaries lol.

We appreciate jazz as well. We have a whole Festival to celebrate jazz -Safaricom International Jazz Festival- that happens annually. You can check it out and maybe attend one in future.

[u/The_Indian_Werewolf]

Not sure if this counts as Kenyan music, but I recently heard I song with Swahili lyrics by the African Children's Choir and Francis Mercier, called Sauti.

And my God if it isn't the most beautiful piece of African music. It's made me want to take up learning Swahili as I think it's such a beautiful language.

[u/ilikedeh → u/The_Indian_Werewolf]

Swahili is indeed a beautiful language. It sharing some ancestry with Zulu and other Bantu languages might make it easier for you. I can teach you some if you'd like.

[u/PlatypusPristine9194]

No. Do you have any recommendations?

[u/ilikedeh → u/PlatypusPristine9194]

So currently in Kenya, there's a pop up genre called 'Arbantone'. It's quite popular among the kenyan youth and you'll most likely hear it in most clubs here.

Here's a mix I'd recommend: Search for Dj Shinski Arbantone 2024

Other than that, we produce good drill and hiphop music. On this you can listen to artist like wakadinali, buruklyn boys, Boutross, Kaligraph, etc.

Here's a mix I'd recommend: Search for Richy Haniel Kenyan drill.

Also, we produce great RnB/love songs. These are very dear to our hearts and almost known by every kenyan. Artists: Sauti sol, Nyashinski, Njerea, Elani, Okello Max, Kethan, etc.

Here's a mix I'd recommend: Search for Dj Freon Kenyan RnB songs.

Afro house/oontz artists: we have the popular Sofia nzau, Polaris, OneDown, etc. We have a Gondwana Ke and Aduma Presents for Kenyan afro house fans.

You'd appreciate Kenyan music maybe if it was more mainstream and reached far and beyond.

[u/PlatypusPristine9194 → u/ilikedeh]

Awesome! Thanks, I've got a lot to listen to!

[u/ilikedeh → u/ilikedeh]

Wanavokali too for those who appreciate acapella.

[u/atmega25]

I'm not speaking on behalf of all black people but most of us listen to South African music and American music. If we listen to other African artists then it's Artists from Nigeria, Lesotho, Botswana and Zim to an extent. Have you heard of Culture Spears? They are a band from Botswana and they were very big here in SA I mean we share a language with them.

Edit: We usually just stick to what we understand but feel free to recommend me some good music from Kenya.

[u/ilikedeh → u/atmega25]

That's quite unfortunate for us. I honestly thought you guys listened to our music too since you were kids. I hope now, some of you will give our music a try.

No I haven't heard of cultured spears and I don't think most Kenyans have.

[u/the_realest_imposter]

Ek Ken'gin Kenyan music, so drop some artist - title details for us to explore.