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 October:

Beverly

Fave Video

“Bar” - Nvirii The StoryTeller Feat Femi One

Coming just at the right time - the end of the month AKA peak turn up time - ‘Bar’ by Nvirii and Femi One reminds us of when we would go outside maskless and live our somewhat best lives at the club, bar, or local. The play on words, the fun and light heartedness of the video are just a few of the stand out things about this song and video. I’ll let you find out the rest for yourself. 

Joy

Fave Video

“Straight No Chaser” - Crystal Asige feat Nairobi Horns Project

If you thought Crystal Asige had flown under the radar after Sol Generation, you thought wrong. The songbird is still shining bright in this video alongside top Kenyan jazz band Nairobi Horns Project. About a tumultuous relationship, she gives it to you straight no chaser!

Fave Project

“Live at KWETU” - Tetu Shani

This new EP by Tetu Shani is just as its name suggests. He recorded it live at the quirky KWETU Space in Nairobi (right before it moved to Kakamega). And it contains some of your favourite Tetu tunes, making you feel like you're at one of his concerts again. 

Lynne

Fave Video

“The Most” - Bey T

Callivan creative films outdid themselves on this one.From the dope shots to the amazing choreography and the set locations this video is definitely "Doing the most!"

Fave Project

“Changanya” - Nabalayo

One word for this project is Surreàl. On this project Nabalayo takes us on a meditative trip. Giving the listeners a chance to self reflect. Everything in this project blends perfectly. From her amazing voice to the incorporation of African instruments especially the African drums, his is my favorite project in 2020 !

Don’t sleep on Nabalayo!!!!

Mike

Fave Project

“Full Full Condition, Vol 1” - Tangaza Magazine Compilation

Taster of EA’s upcoming artists!! The ones we’ll all be championing in the coming years. 

Mesh Mwandishi

Fave Video

“Fununu” - Asum Garvey

Asum Garvey has been doing his thing a long time,but this video  is just so diffrent- and for all the good reasons.Clever, interesting and hooking,are just the words for describing it. With an album set to be released later this year,in the final stages, it's not hard to see why he's gone big on this video.

He recruits top notch video director Chebeni,who directs a clever blend of reality and animation, that is surreal.

Fave Project

“DWMD” - Jovie Jovv

Fans have been waiting for a lone Jovie Jovv album for long. The release of the project has then satisfied the fans. The music catalogue contains high energy music that gets you pumped up. The hooks are catchy and memorable and the beats are carefully selected. 

The features also make the album a reflection of the elite Nairobi rap scene with names such as Silverstone Barz, Vallerie Muthoni,Barak Jacuzzi and Wakadinali-just to name a few,gracing this project. Definitely something, you won't regret listening to.

Monica

Fave Video

“Dogtail” - mau from nowhere

Mau from nowhere’s latest offering, “Dogtail”, of his poetic lyricism and his ever-evolving brand of off-kilter production that peaks your curiosity and keeps you engaged. The single speaks on the exhaustion and sense of futility that miscommunication in relationships can cause through the idiom of a dog chasing its tail in circles. “Dogtail’s” video perfectly encapsulates this. The predominant use of 3D footage gives the video a disorienting quality while the almost frenetic and choppy pace at which add a layer of confusion and frustration that perfectly match the theme of the song.