TikToker Ntazola on Kanjo saga claims Gengetone artistes are ‘lazy’

Published By Jane Njeri For The Statesman Digital
11 months ago

Gloria Ntazola, the TikTok sensation who gained fame after a heated encounter with a municipal officer in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) over a parking dispute, is once again making waves.

This time, she’s critiquing Gengetone musicians for what she perceives as a lack of substance in their music.

Ntazola argues that Gengetone lacks meaningful content, making it challenging for her to appreciate most Kenyan music.

he didn’t hold back in her criticism of Gengetone artists, asserting that they fail to invest adequately in their craft.

“I don’t listen to Kenyan music because there is nothing to listen to. With my beautiful face I should listen togengeton? Noo hell no. Very lazy musicians can’t invest in their art. Let’s stick to running. Heri niskize nyimbo za Waluhya kuliko gengetone. (I’d rather listen to Luhya songs than Gengetone any day).”

Her comments have sparked a diverse range of reactions online:

arunga.aj: The attention she received seems to have gone to her head, and now she’s acting like the next Nicki Minaj.

nellymuttai: It’s disheartening to hear someone working in Kenya dismiss local art as trash. She mentioned having a shop in town, but imagine if people refused to buy Kenyan products, claiming they are inferior and opting for imports instead. It’s fair not to consume, listen to Drake or Nigerian music or Amapiano, but avoid speaking negatively about Kenyan music and art just as you wouldn’t want anyone undermining your business.

m.u.t.u.g.i.i: I’m left hanging on the “beautiful face” comment. Not all light-skinned individuals are automatically beautiful.

eoser_: Kenyan music is a significant and diverse art form, so @ntazola_gloria, please refrain from criticizing it.

In 2023, she lost her TikTok account for violating restrictive community guidelines on the social media app after her viral controversy with a Nairobi city council officer.

“They took down my TikTok account and that’s okay. But let me tell you Sakaja(in reference to Nairobi Governor) talk to your people to stop harassing innocent Kenyans. Go for the corrupt politicians instead,” she said.