Toneydontcare is redefining Kenya’s music scene 🔊 WhatsMusic.de

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Toneydontcare is redefining Kenya’s music scene

written by Toneydontcare and WhatsMusic.de

Toneydontcare is redefining Kenya’s music scene

Anthony Muthengi, known in the vibrant music scene as Toneydontcare, is a trailblazing force in Kenya’s Afro Shrap movement. Born at Kenyatta Hospital in the heart of Nairobi, his journey from the bustling streets of the city to the forefront of a genre that melds traditional African sounds with contemporary Shrap beats is nothing short of extraordinary.

As one of the pioneers of Afro Shrap, Anthony has carved out a niche that celebrates Kenya’s rich musical heritage while pushing the boundaries of innovation. His unique ability to blend rhythmic beats with poignant storytelling has garnered him a loyal following and critical acclaim.

Anthony’s talents extend beyond the mic. He is a skilled beatmaker and a proficient music producer, bringing a distinctive touch to every track he crafts. But his artistic prowess doesn’t stop at audio; he is also an accomplished videographer, video director, and editor. His keen eye for visual storytelling complements his musical creations, making his projects a multi-sensory experience.

A core member of Sauceboiz Music, Toneydontcare stands out not just for his artistic talent but for his relentless dedication to the craft. Whether it’s behind the camera, in the studio, or on stage, his passion for music and visual arts shines through, making him a pillar in the Afro Shrap community and a beacon of inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere.

His journey is a testament to the power of creativity and the impact of cultural fusion, embodying the spirit of Nairobi’s dynamic music scene. With each beat, each lyric, and each frame, Toneydontcare continues to shape the soundscape of modern Kenya, one groundbreaking project at a time.

Interview with Toneydontcare

Tell us about yourself, who are you and where do you come from?

Hey there, I’m Toneydontcare, but you can call me Tonny. My real name is Anthony Muthengi and I was born in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya. Growing up in this vibrant city, I was surrounded by a rich variety of sounds and traditions that shaped my musical voyage.

How was your passion for music born? Who are your idols?

The sounds of the Nairobi, the rhythms of traditional African music and the energy of genge beats all played a part in shaping my love for music from a young age. I was always drawn to how music could tell stories, evoke emotions, bring people together but still tear people apart. Two of my biggest idols are Kanye West and Metro Boomin. Kanye’s ability to push boundaries and reinvent himself with every album has always inspired me. His fearless creativity and dedication to his craft resonate with my own approach to music and visual arts. Metro Boomin, on the other hand, is a genius when it comes to creating beats and producing tracks that leave a lasting impact. His work ethic, innovative sound and ability to elevate artists through his production have greatly influenced my own journey as a beatmaker and producer.

What kind of music do you do?

My sound is a fusion of various elements that make it truly art. At its core, my music blends traditional African rhythms with the edgy, contemporary beats of Shrap, creating a dynamic and infectious vibe. One of the special aspects of my sound is the way I incorporate African instruments that add a rich, organic texture to my tracks, grounding them in the cultural heritage that inspires me. My production style is heavily influenced by the innovative sounds of Metro Boomin, which means you’ll often hear deep, booming basslines and crisp, futuristic synths in my music. Lyricism and storytelling are at the heart of my artistry. I strive to tell compelling stories that resonate with my audience, often drawing from personal experiences. My lyrics are a blend of Sheng and English, reflecting the linguistic diversity of Kenya. In essence, my music is a celebration of culture, innovation, and storytelling, all wrapped up in the infectious energy of Afro Shrap.

What is the most important song for you? What message do you want to convey to the listener?

One of the most important songs I’ve written is called My Bad. This track holds a special place in my heart because it’s a raw and honest expression of regret and self-reflection. It is about a time in my life when I lost someone I deeply cared about because I was blind to the signs that I wasn’t doing things right. The relationship fell apart because I was too caught up in my own world and didn’t realize the impact of my actions on my partner. It’s a song that delves into the feelings of guilt and sorrow that come with the realization that I could have done better, that I should have paid more attention, and that my action or lack thereof led to the end of something beautiful. The message I want to convey to the listener is about the importance of awareness and communication in relationships. It’s a reminder to be present and attentive to the needs and emotions of those we care about. It’s also about acknowledging our mistakes, taking responsibility, and learning from them.

Why should a listener who doesn’t know you listen to your music?

To anyone who’s never heard my music, I’d say this: my intention behind every track I create is to connect, inspire and move people in a way that transcends the ordinary. I pour my heart and soul into every beat, every lyric and every melody, aiming to craft songs that resonate on a deeper level. One of my goals is to tell stories that matter stories of love, regret, triumph and everything in between. I want my listeners to feel seen and understood, to find solace in the music during tough times and to celebrate life’s highs with the same tracks. My music isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about making a positive impact, sparking conversations, and encouraging self-reflection. So, give it a listen. I hope it speaks to you, inspires you and becomes a part of your own story.

What are your future projects? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I’m really excited about the future and the projects I’ve got lined up. One of the biggest things I’m working on right now is an EP called Sunsets and Candles with my label mate linkyonwaves a person who I view as a brother. This EP is all about love and appreciating the moments that truly matter. We’ve poured a lot of heart and soul into this project and each track is a reflection of those serene, beautiful moments that often go unnoticed but mean the world to us and hopefully to our audience. As for the future, in the next five years, I see myself continuing to push the boundaries of Afro Shrap and making a significant impact in the music industry. I want to keep innovating and creating music that resonates with people on a deeper level. I’m also passionate about visual storytelling, so you can expect more immersive music videos and visual projects that complement the music. Stay tuned, because there’s a lot more to come.

Tell our readers a funny episode that happened in your career as an artist.

Oh, I’ve got a good one for you. A while back, I was working on a music video for a track I am featured on called First Time Shooter. It was one of those perfect Nairobi days and everything seemed to be going smoothly. We had this grand idea to shoot a scene on top of a building. The concept was to capture the essence of Syokimau’s other ghetto side. We managed to convince the building’s owner to let us use their house and there I was, standing on the balcony, feeling like a total rockstar. Everything was going great until I slipped on some soapy water that I had not seen. I lost my balance and fell down a flight of stairs. There I was, covered in dirt and feeling mortified. Our camera guy burst out laughing, and honestly, I had to laugh too. It was one of those moments where you just have to laugh at yourself. Later that day, after cleaning up and finishing the video shoot, I realized how important it is to stay grounded literally and figuratively. The incident reminded me that no matter how high you might feel in the moment, life has a way of keeping you humble. It taught me to appreciate every step of the journey, to not take myself too seriously and to always be ready for the unexpected. That day ended up being one of the most memorable shoots we’ve ever done and the resulting video turned out amazing. So, to anyone reading this, embrace the mishaps and the messes they might just be the best part of your story.

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