Best of the Month: February
Happy new month! We hope March will be kind to you. Here’s a look back at what caught the editorial team’s attention in February:
Michelle
Fave Song & Video - Pump Up The Bass by Bakhita
“This song reminds me of a carefree girlhood, and the friendships that hold it together.”
Beverly
Fave Song - Probably Never by Maxwell Owin and Xenia Manasseh ft. Joe Armon-Jones
“ ‘Probably Never’ a recent release by Maxwell Owin and Xenia Manasseh featuring Joe Armon-Jones. If you like chill hip-hop vibes or listening to soothing jazzy hip hop type music à la Digable Planets, this is the perfect song for you.“
Other Fave Song - Pendeka by Boutross ft. Zikki and Xenia Manasseh
“My second favorite is from Shrap rapper Boutross’ album ‘6lxviewsii8k’. ‘Pendeka’ featuring Zikki and Xenia Manasseh, this song reminds me of the Ja Rule and Ashanti collabs we grew up on, the mix of hard rappers and the sweetness of the crooners on the track. Coincidentally ‘Pendeka’ has what sounds like a sample from “Body on Me” by Nelly, Akon, and Ashanti.”
Fave Video - Suzanna by Sauti Sol
“This is a little bit controversial because I don’t agree with the lyrics but you can call me a Bad Feminist. Sauti Sol has just done something with the Melody on ‘Suzanna.’ The vocals, the harmonies, the way the instruments instruct your limbs to dance, if it were not for the lyrics, this would be the absolute perfect song.”
Monica
Fave Song - Class Clown by TNT Kenya
“Rap duo TNT Kenya never disappoint. ‘Class Clown’ is yet another banger that’s perfect for your weekend pre-game”
Other Fave Song - Disco Matanga (Yambakhana) by Sauti Sol ft. Sho Madjozi and Black Motion
“I dare you to sit still when this song comes on! Made for Netflix’s first original African series, Queen Sono, Disco Matanga (Yambakhana) is a cross-continental match made in heaven, perfectly fusing nqom (Sho Madjozi), afro-house (Black Motion) and afro-pop (Sauti Sol). One of my favourite things about Sauti Sol is their authenticity. All of their lyrics on this song are in Luhya proving that it is possible to fuse the traditional with the contemporary”
Fave Video - Chain Chain by Chris Kaiga
“Chris Kaiga has been putting out hit after hit with his signature debe sound. Chain Chain’s quirky and comical music video perfectly matches the songs upbeat, feel-good vibe.”
Joy
Fave Song - IIWII by Mau
“Opening with upbeat drums and a tuneful whistle, Maũ and Swami Sound successfully demonstrate their musical finesse with this new playful sound. This summery track proves to be the perfect song for a road-trip or an afternoon brunch with friends and family and has already been added to a plethora of my playlists. 10/10 would recommend.”
Fave Video - Gere by Diamond Platinumz ft. Tanasha
“Gere” is a song that captures the essence of young love in its entirety. Not only does it flaunt incredible music production, but the video is vibrant and colourful – remaining true to the roots of the lively African culture that both artists represent.”
