Kenya’s urban music scene is once again buzzing with controversy after Gengetone artist Fathermoh threw shade at Arbantone stars following the release of their latest collaboration, “Kiuno.”
The track, produced by hitmaker Soundkraft, features Arbantone artists Tipsy Gee, Spoiler 4T3, Gody Tennor, and Kantel. It has been making rounds online, drawing praise from fans of the genre. But not everyone is impressed.
Fathermoh’s Instagram Jab
Shortly after the release, Fathermoh took to his Instagram stories to poke fun at Arbantone artists for regrouping after months of pursuing solo careers. His post, reshared by Nairobi Gossip Club, read:
“Watu wa ile genre ingine wameungana tena, wameona enyewe solo hawaezi ???.”
The cheeky jab was a clear dig at Arbantone’s reliance on collaboration projects, with Fathermoh suggesting they lack the strength to stand individually in the industry.
READ MORE: The Untold Story of Fathermoh: From Komarock to the Limelight
Gengetone vs Arbantone: A Battle of Generations
The comment reignited the simmering rivalry between Gengetone and Arbantone, two genres that have been battling for dominance in Kenya’s fast-changing music landscape.
Gengetone emerged around 2019, fuelled by groups such as Ethic, Sailors, and Mbogi Genje. Its appeal lay in raw street lyrics, heavy basslines, and a rebellious spirit that resonated with urban youth.
Arbantone, a newer wave, blends Amapiano beats with Kenyan street rap. It is more polished and dance-oriented, appealing to fans who enjoy trendy club sounds.
While Gengetone prides itself on originality and raw energy, Arbantone has been accused by critics of being a “passing fad” riding on South Africa’s Amapiano wave. Yet, its rapid rise in clubs and TikTok challenges proves it’s gaining momentum.
Fans Take Sides
Fathermoh’s comments immediately sparked heated discussions online. Supporters of Gengetone sided with him, claiming Arbantone lacks staying power.
One fan commented ,"“Arbantone is nothing without collabos. At least Gengetone artists can stand solo.”
On the other hand, Arbantone fans were quick to defend their stars.
one fan clapped back.“Collaboration is not weakness. Even international artists drop collabs. Gengetone ni wivu tu,”
The debate highlighted the growing rivalry not just between the artists, but also among their fanbases, each side eager to prove their genre is superior.
Despite the mockery, “Kiuno” has been performing well online, with thousands of streams and positive feedback on TikTok. Fans have praised Soundkraft’s production and the chemistry among the featured artists, suggesting that Arbantone still has strong potential.
Meanwhile, Gengetone continues to evolve, with artists like Fathermoh pushing its boundaries beyond the raw street sound that made it popular.
The back-and-forth between the two genres is likely to continue — and while it sometimes appears hostile, it also keeps the Kenyan music scene vibrant and competitive.
Fathermoh’s latest jab at Arbantone stars is more than just playful banter. It reflects the ongoing battle for dominance in Kenya’s urban music industry.
Whether fans side with Gengetone’s gritty authenticity or Arbantone’s fresh Amapiano-infused vibe, one thing is certain: the rivalry is fuelling creativity and keeping the spotlight firmly on Kenyan music.
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