The rivalry between Kenya’s two biggest urban sounds — Gengetone and Arbantone — is once again in the spotlight. This time, the clash pits Gengetone’s Fathermoh against Arbantone stars Gody Tennor and Ybw Smith.
The dispute began earlier this week when Fathermoh mocked Arbantone musicians for leaning on group projects. In a post on Instagram, he suggested that Arbantone artists “can’t make it solo.”
The remark struck a nerve. Gody Tennor, best known for his gritty Arbantone hooks, fired back in his own Instagram story. “People talk a lot but I’m still fully booked,” he wrote, hinting that an album was already in the works.
Ybw Smith joined in with a more pointed response, sharing a photo of himself holding bundles of cash. “Too much advice without money is just gossip,” he declared — a clear shot at Fathermoh.
The exchange has sparked fresh debate over the direction of Kenya’s music scene. Gengetone artists argue their style remains raw, unfiltered, and deeply tied to Nairobi’s street culture. Arbantone’s defenders insist their sound, which blends Amapiano beats with rap verses, is driving dance floors and streaming charts alike.
Fans have been quick to take sides. Supporters of Gengetone applauded Fathermoh for speaking his mind, while Arbantone loyalists pointed to bookings and growing online numbers as proof of dominance. One fan summed it up: “Booked and busy. That’s what matters. Let the music and money talk.”
Industry watchers say such rivalries are not new. Feuds have long driven interest in music scenes, often pushing artists to innovate while keeping fans hooked. Whether this latest dispute ends in fresh creativity or fizzles into online mudslinging remains to be seen.
What is clear is that both genres — Gengetone and Arbantone — are shaping Kenya’s soundscape in their own way, with young fans eager for every twist in the story.
About the Author
