Arbantone, a new music genre blending 80s and 90s sounds like Rhumba and Zilizopendwa with urban beats, is gaining popularity in Kenya, especially among Gen Z. Okello Max, an Afro-soul artist, leads the charts in this genre, with other notable artists like Watendawili and Bien contributing to its growth.
Spotify’s City Express playlist, which highlights Arbantone, has grown by 121% over the past year, with Gen Z streams increasing by 110%. The genre is also popular in Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, and Nigeria.
Arbantone’s popularity continues to rise, especially among Kenya’s Gen Z listeners, who favor Spotify’s “City Express” playlist. This genre merges retro sounds with modern beats, with artists like Okello Max leading the charge.
The playlist’s growth shows significant interest, not just in Kenya, but also in neighboring countries like Tanzania and Uganda. Spotify’s data reflects a growing global embrace of Arbantone, cementing it as a key player in shaping the region’s evolving music landscape
