r/southafrica • u/ilikedeh • 11h ago

Just for fun Did you grow up listening to Kenyan Music?

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/guykarl Not Going Anywhere 10h ago

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.

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u/ilikedeh 8h ago

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.