Music shapes cultures and societies around the world, passing down from one generation to another.
Music has the power to change people's moods, change perceptions, and inspire change where it is needed.
While everyone has a personal relationship with music, its effects on the culture around us may not be immediately noticeable.
The use of social media has recently been fueling more open discussions about sex, drugs, and philandering behaviour among other social vices.
In 2018, the former chief executive of the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) banned two hit songs Wamlambez and Tetema from being played in public, except in clubs and bars.
Mutua said the two songs were "pure pornography" and "dirty and unsuitable for the mixed company".
"Tetema and Wamlambez songs are strictly forbidden outside of clubs and bars. It's embarrassing to see even national leaders singing and dancing to the obscenity in public. The lyrics are dirty and not suitable for public consumption, especially children."Diana B brags about how her ‘Sponsor’ spoils her with expensive gifts and trips, while a less-monied young man is busy pampering her with sweet nothings.
An example is a song by former group Sailors with their popular song, "Wamlambez".
"Both songs are pure pornography. While we may not ban them because they are coded, it's important for the public to know that they are dirty and unsuitable for mixed companies. Let them be restricted to clubs, for adults only!
Most ‘Gengetone music lyrics communicate social vices.
Pombe by Iyanii although still played in the public encourages the use of alcohol.
Although it's a club banger, the enthusiasm that ensued after the release of the song depicted Kenyan's love for 'sherehe'.
Leta Pombe, however also speaks about the repercussions of alcohol among them becoming a liar once you are drunk.
Iyanii gained massive recognition after his song became a national hit after its release last year.
His other song glorifying alcohol includes Furaha and Tukutane kwa Bar.Education
Mejja and Otile Brown's song 'Watoto na Pombe' encourages immorality.
In a verse, Mejja sings how he meets a woman in a club whom he ends up with him in his house.
Well, how is that song an entertainment song?
Bahati's wife Diana Marua launched her music career and rebranded to calling herself Diana B.
A few months in her career, she teamed up with singer Vinny Flava for a new tune dubbed Mubaba.
In the song, Diana B brags about how her ‘Sponsor’ spoils her with expensive gifts and trips, while a less-monied young man is busy pampering her with sweet nothings.
With the increased 'sponsor' culture, the songs encourage young girls to date married men.
Here are some lyrics from the song;
"Nakuwanga na allergy ya umaskini, napenda good life, napenda fine things… Nimekam na mubaba, mfadhli, juu nakuanga na allergy ya umasikini. Napenda goodlife, napenda fine things, love bila pesa si tamu ni pilipili.
“Heri nipate heartbreak Dubai nikiwa kwa Yacht na champagne mi hudai, than a fly guy kutoka Githurai anajigamba na doshi na mfuko ni kirai. Hapa salamu ya good morning ni mpesa baby sio umelala aje, umeamkaje baby, hizo ni ufala baby. Ndo upate simu natumia, uza kidney baby."
Nairobi by Bensoul featuring Nviiri tells the story of a dejected lover who's found out that their partner is a serial cheater.
Released in January last year, Bensoul uses Nairobi city as a reference point.
The song spotlights the fast-spreading promiscuous lifestyle and cautions people from being trapped in misleading relationships.
Bensoul told Mpasho that most of his songs are from personal experience.
"There is a friend of mine who sent me messages on how he was being played by a lover in broad daylight. I wrote this song as an affirmation that he should not forget we are in Nairobi. And that is where the idea came from."
Bensoul was asked if he views Nairobi as a big bedroom.
"Yes I do," he said. "It is all about per person sharing. Hata mimi nimechezwa mara mingi, but such is life."
Mihadarati by Kibra finest Stivo Simple Boy sings about the evils in society and condemns them strongly in the song.
He became a darling to many after his first hit song Mihadati.
What are some of your best songs from our artistes?
Jules Gaitho Explores the Seasons of Friendship