Top gengetone songs of 2022

When gengetone went mainstream in 2019, it divided opinion, leaving many industry gatekeepers scratching their greying manes. As a Kenyan hip hop subgenre, it pushed the boundaries not only because of its sometimes irksome cacophonous delivery, but in its brazen advocacy for all things ‘illicit’.

So who would have thought that a few years down the road, Kenyan presidential candidates would be falling over themselves to include gengetone artists during their campaigns.

Whatever your views on gengetone, you can at least acknowledge that it has helped us appreciate the evolving nature of music. It also seems that the genre is here to stay. That’s why today, nearly five years since Ethic and Sailors turned the airwaves blue with their provocative language, we bring you a list of gengetone hits that Kenyans have been jamming to in 2022.

Kishash – Lil Maina ft. Ndovu Kuu

There is no question ‘Kishash’ has bossed the streaming platforms this year. Despite being lost in the visuals, ‘Kishash’ sells itself. Some would say this is Lil Maina’s best project.

Usiniharibie Mood – Mejja

You can’t stop him now, can you? Mejja continues to reign supreme mainly because of his provocative lines. As an old-timer, he has contributed immensely to the rise of many gengetone artists. ‘Usiniharibie Mood’ is a song you can’t, and won’t, hate. It’s Kenyan to the core, and with a touch of Mavo on the Beat, nothing could’ve gone wrong.

Gin Ama Whiskey – Breeder LW ft. Mejja.

We don’t mean to overpraise him, but Breeder LW is a beast. The guy’s flow on ‘Gin Ama Whiskey‘ is something else. Need we mention his performance skills? In only three months since its release, this dope jam has hit 2.3 million views and counting.

Sipangwingwi – Exray Taniua

With several hit singles under his belt, Exray Taniua is truly one the most influential gengetone artists of our time. Some say it’s in his electric aura. Others say that his controversial niche and the ability to network with the pros has kept him at the top. Think about it, the guy featured Kenya’s deputy president William Ruto in the ‘Sipangwingwi’ remix. Despite being released late last year, ‘Sipangwingwi’ is still topping the charts in 2022.

Dweet (Do It) – Trio Mio ft. A Pass and Masauti

As Kenya’s youngest and ‘dopest’ rapper, Trio loves to leave a mark. ‘Dweet’ is his latest single where he enters into an altercation with Masauti over a lover. Despite picking a clichéd topic, his rap skills shine through.

Kamkora – Cartoon Comedian

‘Kamkora’ has taken many by surprise, as few people expected that the comedian could actually sing. The song shows a unique side to the humorist, and the visuals will leave you questioning her net worth.

Wanjapi – Unco Jingjong ft. Breeder LW, Maandy and Lil Maina

Since its release, this remix has gained close to a million views in a span of a month, sending Unco Jingjong on his way to gengetone aristocracy. We wonder what he has in store for us next.

Kichwa Tu – Ssaru ft. Trio Mio and Timmy T Dat

Ssaru is arguably the best female gengetone artist out there. She is stylish, young and famous. Her addictive and unique flow in ‘Kichwa Tu​​​​​​​’ revolves around relationships and dating shenanigans. The song features Trio Mio and Timmy T Dat, who brought their A game.

Ka Unaweza – Maandy Ft. Mejja

Mandy is one artist who knows how to use unpredictability to her advantage. Being able to blend with anyone in the industry is a blessing. ‘Ka Unaweza​​​​​​​’ is, what one could call, ‘evolved gengetone’. Mejja was, of course, the perfect choice for the collabo.