Kenya’s music scene is buzzing with diversity. We’ve got everything from the laid-back vibes of Afrosoul to the high-energy beats of Gengeton. But there’s one thing that often makes people sit up and take notice, the lyrics. Two artists Benzema and Bensoul have become popular for talking about love, sensuality, and relationships, yet the way their music is received couldn’t be more different.
Benzema known for his bold, in-your-face style, while Bensoul, the soulful Afrosoul star, offers a more poetic take on love and desire. Both artists sing about similar themes, but public reaction to their lyrics is wildly different. Why is that? Let’s dive in and explore their musical styles, their lyrics, and the double standards that exist in the Kenyan music scene.
First, let’s talk about their sound. Benzema is a big name in the Gengeton world, a genre that blends reggaeton, hip-hop, and dancehall with Nairobi’s Street culture. His music is loud, raw, and unapologetic. Think catchy beats and lyrics that don’t shy away from sex, partying, or casual relationships. Tracks like “DUDU” or “Mpenzi Mtazamaji” are examples of his bold, no-holds-barred approach.
Bensoul, on the other hand, is the smooth operator of Afrosoul genre that mixes traditional African rhythms with soulful melodies and contemporary R&B. His songs are slower, more emotional, and more introspective. While he also sings about relationships and sensuality, Bensoul’s lyrics are filled with emotion and depth. He’s not just talking about desire he’s exploring love, heartbreak, and the emotional connections that come with intimacy. Songs like “Lucy” and “Extra Pressure” offer a softer, more soulful vibe.
Both Benzema and Bensoul talk about sex and relationships, but their approach couldn’t be more different. Benzema’s lyrics are direct, often explicit, and completely unfiltered. He uses sexual language without hesitation, with songs like “Na Iwake” or “ Kaa na Mamayako “ focusing on physical attraction and desire in an open, no-strings-attached way. His music screams freedom, rawness, and living in the moment.
Bensoul, however, takes a more nuanced approach. While he still sings about attraction and sensuality, his lyrics often carry a sense of emotional depth. He’s not just talking about the physical side of things he’s focused on the emotional connection that comes with intimacy. His songs paint love as something beautiful, tender, and sometimes painful. In tracks like “ Thick Thighs and “Doorstep” Bensoul brings a vulnerability that feels more introspective than explicit. Sensuality in his music is about connection, not just desire.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. While both artists tackle similar themes, their public reception is starkly different. Benzema, because of his Gengeton style, faces a lot of backlash. People often label his music as “vulgar” or “immoral,” criticizing his explicit lyrics and daring visuals. In fact, his sexual lyrics and bold persona make him a target for those who believe that his music promotes promiscuity or “bad behavior,” especially among young people.
Bensoul, in contrast, gets far less criticism. His sensual lyrics are often seen as more “respectable” because they come across as softer and more refined. Bensoul’s music is generally accepted because it’s tied to Afrosoul, a genre that’s often associated with emotional depth and African pride. His sensuality isn’t shockingit’s romantic, poetic, and easier for people to accept. The way he talks about love and sex feels “classier” and “respectable” to a broader audience, even if the themes are the same.
So why is there this difference in reaction? Part of it has to do with the genres. Gengeton, which came from Nairobi’s Street culture, has always been seen as rebellious, raw, and unfiltered. It’s music for the youth who want to challenge the norm, and it often pushes boundaries. That makes it an easy target for criticism from conservative groups who feel it promotes a kind of “dangerous” freedom especially when it comes to sex and relationships.
Afrosoul, on the other hand, is viewed as more “respectable” and “cultural.” The genre draws from African roots and combines soul and R&B, which tends to be seen as more sophisticated. Because of this, Bensoul’s music is often treated with more respect, even when he’s singing about similar themes of sensuality and intimacy. His music is seen as less “shocking” and more “tasteful” because it’s wrapped in a more refined package.
Another factor is gender. Benzema’s lyrics often portray women in a sexualized way, and critics argue that this objectifies them. Bensoul’s lyrics, while still sensual, tend to portray women as more than just objects of desire. His love songs often highlight respect and admiration, which fits more comfortably with the public’s expectations of “romantic love.” Because of these differences in how women are portrayed, Bensoul’s work is often viewed as more “appropriate” for mainstream audiences.
Despite the criticisms, both Benzema and Bensoul have made huge impacts on Kenyan music. Benzema’s Gengeton sound represents the voice of Nairobi’s youth raw, real, and unapologetic. His music reflects the excitement, energy, and challenges of urban life. His lyrics, though often controversial, are a reflection of the cultural shift happening among young people in Kenya.
Bensoul, on the other hand, has helped elevate Afrosoul, bringing Kenyan music to a broader audience. His ability to blend deep emotion with smooth melodies has earned him a loyal following. His songs resonate with people of all ages, and his softer, more thoughtful take on relationships and sensuality offers a refreshing contrast to the more brash styles of other genres.
The differing ways people react to Benzema and Bensoul’s lyrics highlight a bigger issue in Kenyan music, double standards. While both artists explore themes of love, desire, and sensuality, Benzema’s explicit style is often criticized for being “too much,” while Bensoul’s more refined approach is accepted without much fuss. This shows how societal expectations, genre biases, and even gender play a huge role in shaping how music is perceived.
But here’s the thing both artists are pushing boundaries in their own way. Benzema’s music gives a voice to the streets and the youth, challenging the status quo. Bensoul’s music, with its emotional depth and smooth sound, gives a more introspective look at love and sensuality. And in the end, both are making their mark on Kenyan music culture, each offering something unique to the conversation about love, desire, and expression.
So, whether it’s the raw energy of Benzema’s Gengetone or the emotional warmth of Bensoul’s Afrosoul, both artists are part of a larger conversation about how we view sexuality, relationships, and culture in Kenya today.
Written Otieno Arudo
