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Arbantone: Kenya's Musical Identity Strikes a Chord with Gen Z

Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa shine with Afrobeat, Bongo, and Amapiano respectively, while Kenya emerges with its own Arbantone sound.

Yo, Gen Z! Let's dive into the music scene where Arbantone is taking charge and making waves in Kenya! #GothaTena🎶🔥

Entertainment Rundown:

  • Farewell Tribute: Tipsy Gee, Ebola Mkuu's 'To Koikai' Honors Jahmby Koikai

  • Abel Mutua Faces Backlash Over Scripted Kiss Scene With Sarah Hassan on 'Tahidi High’

  • Responsible Consumption: Nairofey's Advice on Influencer Content

  • Lilian Seenoi-Barr Becomes Northern Ireland's First Black Mayor

  • Feeding Futures: Food4Education's Impact Recognized on TIME 100 List

…but first, here is our daily trivia.

In the vibrant landscape of African music, where Nigeria boasts Afrobeat, Tanzania flaunts Bongo, and South Africa celebrates Amapiano, Kenya is making its mark with the emergence of Arbantone.

Kenyan UrbanTone fuses traditional African melodies with contemporary urban music styles drawing inspiration from old Kenyan Gengetone and Jamaican dancehall music that has captured Kenyan music lovers for a long time.

This innovative genre, resonating particularly with Gen Z audiences, seamlessly blends traditional African sounds with modern urban influences, reflecting Kenya's rich cultural heritage and contemporary urban vibe.

With its infectious beats and relatable lyrics, Arbantone has swiftly captured the hearts and minds of Kenya's youth, establishing itself as a defining sound of this generation. Songs like "Tiktoker", '“Bubbly Bubbly” and "Mukuchu" lead the charge, offering a fusion of urban and traditional Kenyan elements that resonate deeply with listeners nationwide.

As Gen Z continues to steer trends in music consumption, Arbantone stands as a dynamic symbol of Kenya's evolving music scene, providing a fresh perspective and a voice for the next generation. With Nairobi as its epicentre, Arbantone represents not just a musical genre, but a dance and cultural movement, driving conversations and shaping narratives in contemporary Kenyan society.

As Arbantone continues to gain momentum, it promises to leave an indelible mark on Kenya's musical landscape and beyond.

Farewell Tribute: Tipsy Gee, Ebola Mkuu's 'To Koikai' Honors Jahmby Koikai

“Koikai, Jah Jah Akuweke Fine…” Tipsy Gee and Ebola Mkuu, known for their hit song "Finish Kumalo," have collaborated on a tribute song for the late Njambi 'Jahmby' Koikai, who tragically passed away at 38 while undergoing treatment for endometriosis. Koikai, also known as 'Fyah Mummah,' was a passionate emcee who nurtured talents like Sauti Sol. The tribute song, titled 'To Koikai,' was released within 24 hours of her death confirmation and has evoked emotional reactions on social media, highlighting Jahmby's significant impact on the entertainment industry.

Jahmby Koikai. Image: Instagram

In her life, cut far too short, Jahmby used her influence to raise awareness against endometriosis.

Abel Mutua Faces Backlash Over Scripted Kiss Scene With Sarah Hassan on 'Tahidi High’

Collage of Sarah Hassan and Abel Mutua. Image: Instagram

Abel Mutua, known for his role as 'Freddie' in the TV series "Tahidi High," faces backlash on social media for allegedly orchestrating a kiss scene with actress Sarah Hassan, who portrayed 'Tanya' on the show. Mutua's remarks on the Mic Cheque Podcast, where he admitted to intentionally setting up the scene, have resurfaced, sparking outrage among fans and followers. In the podcast, Mutua justified his actions by citing the script's requirements, but many criticized him for his perceived unprofessionalism and ethical lapse. The viral clip has led to intense backlash on social media platforms, with fans expressing disappointment and anger. Additionally, Mutua shared reflections on his time on "Tahidi High" and recounted a personal incident where he was assaulted by a fan, highlighting the intense personal connection fans had with the show.

Responsible Consumption: Nairofey's Advice on Influencer Content

Nairofey. Image: Instagram

Nairofey advises Kenyans to consume online content from influencers responsibly, emphasizing the unnecessary pressure it can create. She highlights that influencers may provoke reactions to drive engagement, but consuming content uncritically can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Nairofey urges viewers to question the authenticity of what they see and reminds them thatits’s just content. She warns against believing in the idea of instant success through manifestation, stressing the importance of honesty and hard work.

Lilian Seenoi-Barr Becomes Northern Ireland's First Black Mayor

Lilian Seenoi-Barr

Lilian Seenoi-Barr has made history as Northern Ireland's first black mayor and the third on the island of Ireland. Installed as mayor of Derry City and Strabane, she arrived in Londonderry 14 years ago as a refugee from Kenya. Seenoi-Barr expressed her honour at becoming the first citizen, with a crowd of about 300 witnessing her receiving the mayoral chain. Attendees included family, friends, Kenyan political representatives, and members from various ethnic minority groups across Ireland. Seenoi-Barr's journey from her native Narok in Kenya to Londonderry's Guildhall is a testament to building a new future.

Feeding Futures: Food4Education's Impact Recognized on TIME 100 List

Food4Education (F4E), a Kenyan non-profit focused on eradicating childhood hunger through scalable and high-quality school feeding programs, has been included in TIME's 100 Most Influential Companies list. Led by CEO Wawira Njiru, F4E emphasizes the importance of investing in locally-rooted school feeding initiatives, especially considering Africa's projected demographic shift. From its humble beginnings of feeding 25 children in 2012, F4E now provides over 300,000 meals daily across Kenya. The organization operates a comprehensive network involving smallholder farmers, aggregators, warehouses, and rural kitchens, impacting over 1,000 schools. The recognition by TIME underscores F4E's innovative approach to combining nutrition and education to transform lives.