Joefes Drops 22-Track Album ‘The Art of Gengetone’

Kenyan artiste Joefes has released a new 22-track album titled The Art of Gengetone, a project he describes as proof that the Gengetone sound remains vibrant within Kenya’s urban music landscape.

Born Getugi Nyamweya, Joefes says his career has been shaped by gradual development, consistency and a strong connection to street culture. He adopted the stage name “Joefes” while still in high school, where he first explored performance alongside frequent collaborator iPhoolish during drama and music festivals.

Although his mother supported his artistic ambitions, he recalls that his father did not initially embrace his interest in music. That opposition, he says, strengthened his resolve to pursue music seriously despite limited resources.

His enrolment at Pwani University marked a turning point. There, he met producer Mophart, who offered him recording opportunities that expanded his creative and technical skills. He was later signed by Black Market Records before finishing university, a deal he says provided him with equipment, studio access and financial stability.

Joefes’ first project, Metamorphosis, served as an open-ended experiment. With his first access to a professional studio, he recorded without a specific concept or direction. He later released his debut video Ebibengi, though financial constraints slowed his early progress.

Over time, he says he has developed confidence in his sound, writing approach and collaborative process. These experiences form the foundation of The Art of Gengetone, which he describes as a structured response to critics of the genre. “Gengetone is the voice of the street. You can’t kill it,” he says.

The double-disc album reflects two sides of his identity. The first disc features his alter ego, Mr Nun, while the second presents Joefes in his familiar style. The format allows him to balance commentary, humour, introspection and high-energy themes while maintaining the core elements of Gengetone.

The album includes collaborations with Teslah, Wamagui, Fathermoh, Exray Taniua, iPhoolish, Kushman, Unspoken Salaton, Vic West, Steph Kapela, Moraa and others. Joefes says each artiste was chosen based on creative chemistry rather than convenience.

The project covers a wide range of themes, from ambition in Million Dollar Ndoto and male vulnerability in Kuona Dust, to nightlife energy in Gideon Boots and Dunda, narrative storytelling in Gondi and Za Lunch, and social commentary in Chorea Madawa. He notes that his writing is grounded in real-life experiences.

Joefes says Gideon Boots was the most challenging track to complete, adding that the version released is still a demo as he awaits the master from producer Vic West. He cites Kuona Dust as his personal favourite, describing it as his most honest depiction of men’s struggles.

Overall, The Art of Gengetone presents Joefes as an artiste intent on both preserving and expanding the possibilities of the Gengetone genre.