Music streaming platform Spotify predicts that Arbantone artists such as Sean MMG, Lil Maina and YBW Smith are the Kenyan artists to look out for in 2025.
Arbantone, much like its predecessors Genge, Gengetone, Kapuka and more, is a Kenyan genre of music that blends urban beats with traditional rhythms. It is also known for its infamous ability to tackle controversial topics most Kenyans would rather ignore.
In a report released by Spotify in 2024, data showed that Arbantone captivated global audiences and highlighted its growing influence.
Standout artists at the forefront of this movement are Sean MMG and Lil Maina.
Sean MMG, a dynamic artist made a name for himself as one of Arbantone’s breakout stars. In 2024, he was also among the performers at Sol Fest – one of Nairobi’s more popular concerts. He is also known for one his popular songs called “Majuu” featuring YBW Smith.
Rapper YBW Smith has also contributed to Arbantone’s popularity with viral hits like “Lele”. Unlike Sean MMG, Smith has been making music since 2018, dabbling in genres such as Gengetone, Reggaetone and electronic dance.
A well-known name associated with the genre, Lil Maina’s contributions to Arbantone showcase its versatility. Known for his Genge-inspired urban sounds, Lil Maina’s lyrics seamlessly blend Swahili, Sheng, and English which resonate with younger audiences, particularly those who grew up in urban areas.
His innovative approach has not only earned him a dedicated fan base but also positioned him as a key figure in Arbantone’s evolution.
Platforms like Spotify have played a pivotal role in amplifying Arbantone’s reach. Through curated playlists that spotlight both emerging and established artists, the genre has found a global stage, allowing listeners to discover the vibrant sounds shaping Kenya’s music industry.
Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, Spotify’s Managing Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, said, “Spotify’s commitment to connecting people with the music they love is at the heart of everything we do. We’re thrilled to continue celebrating milestones and reinforcing our commitment to the growth of the music ecosystem across Africa.”
Lil Maina leads the pack with 230,365 listeners, Sean MMG with 162,547 and YBW Smith with 140,159. While these numbers may seem small, given global estimates – Bruno Mars currently leads on Spotify with 139M monthly subscribers – they align with Spotify’s market share and subscribers in Kenya.
Bien, who is the most listened-to artist in Kenya, boasts 702,765 monthly listeners.
As such, Spotify predicts that Arbantone will continue to evolve in 2025 and promises to be a landmark year for the genre and its trailblazers like Lil Maina, Sean MMG and YBW Smith.
