Best of the Month: September
This year is proving to be a great one for East African music as the region’s artists continue to put out exceptional projects.
Here’s what caught the editorial team’s attention in September:
Amani
Fave Song
‘Butterflies’ ft kris - Mxharia
“Butterflies” gives you those late-night feels when you’re thinking about someone special or just reminiscing on a past occasion. “Butterflies” will definitely take you there.
Fave Video
‘Gengetone Love’ - MATATA
This video is simply a vibe form when the song starts until it ends. The colorful aesthetics from the outfits and props just put viewers in a good mood and leave you with no other option but to dance.
Beverly
Fave Video
‘Lesotho’ - Nvirii The Storyteller feat RayGee
In March, at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in Kenya, Citizen TV ran a story on a talented homeless singer. Where he discussed his life and mentioned that he was a fan of Nvirii The StoryTeller. Since then, George Ndung'u AKA RayGee, has been featured on the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage songs to raise COVID19 awareness and now has a song, 'Lesotho,' with Nvirii.
Do you know when the universe does right by its occupants? This video is it! Shots of stunning natural backgrounds and camera tricks make a video with limited props, and people feel fresh and clean.. A feel-good video for an incredible song.
Joy R.
Fave Song
‘Aya Araathime’ - Kwame Rigii
Everything about this song is beautiful, from the relaxing visuals to the bright melodies to the unifying lyrics. Cultural ambassador Kwame Rigii sings in Kikuyu about remembering our roots and teaching the children, causes both close to my heart. And I mean, what could be cuter than hearing children sing in their mother tongue?
Fave Video
‘The Other Side’ - Trabolee
Hello hello, hello hello, can you hear from the other side? Can you heal me from the other side?
You’ll probably have to watch this video twice. First to follow the familiar story from one of our favourite cartoons growing up (and as adults). And the second time to absorb Trabolee’s always deep lyrics flowing on top of that smooth beat. The vibe here is right because Tra is Art.
Lanzi
Fave Song
‘Air Forces’ - Mustafa
It feels odd to call Mustafa a folk musician, considering how hip-hop his cultural presence is. But that’s exactly what he is. With his second single and video Air Forces, Regent Park’s poet laureate Mustafa proves his prowess as a balladeer, offering yet another enrapturing acoustic guitar driven song set to vignettes of people and places from his neighborhood.
Fave Video
Birmingham drill star M1llionz has been steadily feeding the streets upbeat anthems like "Y Pree" and "B1llionz" with tasteful and intentional music videos all year-long. His latest offering “Lagga” marks his sixth single of the year. It is a menacing track with an equally menacing video shot in Kibera, Nairobi. The cinematic visuals depict legions of mostly shirtless riotous young men brandishing pangas and assault rifles, racing pick-up trucks, dancing, and being generally squadded up. His flow is infectious and enveloping. There’s all sorts of speculation floating around as to the rapper’s Kenyan roots which he has played into but not explicitly confirmed. He did confirm on Twitter that there’s another Kenyan shot video on the way.
Lynne
Fave Song
‘So On My Shit’ - Silverstone
I've been on a Silverstone binge and she has barssss!!!
On this song, she reminds us she is the Queen of flow! Pure vibeezz.
Fave video
‘Silent Memories’ by Lewel Muriithi
Given that this song is a love song,the video gives an insight into the love he shares with his partner. From the great video shots to the rustic warm feel of the video and not to forget the styling, this video is pure gold.
Fave Project
‘CHAMO MILE: PYE’ by Bakhita
Bakhita takes us into her fantasy world with the project's visuals . The songs are empowering and leave me feeling like I am " being seen".
Fave Video
D. R. U. M’ - Nah Eeto ft Ssaru
The video screams rogue feminism. I love the shots + the editing. VHS candy all the way.
Fave Project
‘CHAMO MILE: PYE’ by Bakhita
The project upholds the importance of freedom & self love in our weird world. Its empowering, upbeat & fun.
Mike
Fave Song
Bandali - Mark Mick ft Kavali King, Josh Forehead & DJ Skyler
Stumbled upon this, this month!! Not sure its exact release date but it is a new one for me! Bandali is a location in Kampala known for dutttttyyyy vibes!!
Fave Video
‘FUNUNU’ - Asum Garvey
Love the various angles of the visuals. Quality edits too.
Fave Project
‘Chamomile:PYE’ by Bakhita
Jumped on this after reading Shishi’s review. Instrumentation is wavey.
