Best of the Month: March

What’s up everyone? We hope you’re taking care of yourselves and staying safe. Amidst the havoc that has been the past month, music continued to keep us sane. 

Here’s a list of what caught our attention in March. We guarantee that you’ll find gems to add to your quarantine playlist ✨

Monica

Fave Song - Another Kind by Ceee

“East Africa is steadily growing into an R&B hub and Ugandan singer Ceee is lending her voice to the growing list of crooning stars coming out of this region of the continent. I came across her EP, Passion, two weeks ago and ‘Another Kind’ was the stand out track for me. As a self-proclaimed R&B head, I’ve had this song on repeat. From the 90’s influence, to the sticky lyrics, and Ceee’s hypnotic alto, this track is worth checking out.”

Fave Video - Kata by Matata Official

“Matata emits such feel-good energy which is desperately needed at this time. Characterized by swaggy, colourful ‘fits and killer choreography,  “Kata” makes you want to get up and dance.”

Fave Project - Nairobass by XPRSO. 

“What I love about Nairobass is that it’s refreshingly relatable. XPRSO. managed to capture the essence of Nairobi and package into a 7 track EP - balancing feel-good, vibey content on a song like “Party” with conscience tracks, like “Thinking” ft. Palmtrees, that feature political tones.”

Joy R. aka La Music Junkie

Fave Project - Shift Happens by Emma Cheruto

The slow and groovy EP explores Emma Cheruto's impressive vocal range as she tackles complex themes of love, loss and relationship struggles. The project highlights the inescapable cycle of love. You never know if you are dealing with your everlasting love or just caught up in the cycle. The flow of the songs is symbolic, starting out with ‘’Nice Car’’ which talks about the immediate admiration of seeing someone you fancy, and as the E.P. progresses one can see the slow change from love to doubt, and inevitably hurt, loss and all their passionate dynamics. This brings the story to a halt at ‘’Circles’’ where she sings about the wonder of finding love after all of that. Across the 8 tracks, Emma navigates the cycle of love expressing the passionate highs and the heartbreaking lows of relationships.

March welcomed Emma Cheruto's much-awaited debut E.P. with a truly clever name. Shift Happens centres around the circle of love from infatuation to heartbreak, and the desire to break out of it. You'll enjoy the live music feels, Cheruto's solid vocals, and the R&B, trap and even jazz influences. 

Fave video - Vitu Kwa Ground Ni Different by Vallerie Muthoni 

You need to check out Vallerie Muthoni's directorial debut and her bold take on the popular Kenyan phrase. Brown Suga is busy flexing her fresh drip and money moves just like in Spicy SZN, with a cameo appearance by her bestie Xenia Manasseh. The classy black and white visuals shot by CJ Pixels will keep your eyes on the prize all video long.

Fave song - Power by Muthoni Drummer Queen

It's been a while since we heard something new from the other Muthoni. Well, the Kenyan Queen is back with an empowering anthem that was right in time for International Women's Day 2020. Power is about taking back what is ours as women because "we getting loud, we getting louder". MDQ switches effortlessly from English to Swahili like a boss on top of her Swiss team GR! & Hook's punchy production. And the music video partly shot in McMillan Memorial Library is a visually appealing ode to Nairobi culture and Kenyan history.

Kalanzi

Fave Song - Ikijipa by Mbogi Genje

Mbogi Genje’s latest contribution Ikijpa is a flurry of clever and boastful one-liners over a bouncing piano-driven Gengetone beat. The sheng expressions they use will surely go over your head upon first listen but their playful flow will ensure you keep running it back. 

Another Fave Song - Kazi by Pyuzer ft. Mr. Blue

Rising Tanzanian star Pyuzer ends a year long hiatus with Kazi, a motivational hustler’s anthem that sounds more like an affectionate ballad. Him and Mr. Blue trade flows and melodies about the struggles of dream chasing over atmospheric bongo flava production from Mesen Selekta.

Beverly

Fave Song - Kesi Baadae by Nviiri the Storyteller

Nviiri the Storyteller has one of the most captivating voices out there. He could read the ingredients off the back of a BlueBand container and not only make it sound good but a hit song! ‘Kesi Baadae’ is no different. The tale of forbidden love has never seemed as promising and vibrant as it does with Nviiri's vocals and the accompanying stellar production from Wuod Omollo. 

Fave Video - Kata by Matata

I’m going to be honest with y’all, the last time I watched a new music video, it was safe to touch your face, and it was ‘Kata’ by Matata. This group is doing everything right when it comes to music videos. The song is a bop, the visuals are bright and captivating, and the dancing is always on point.  Honestly, a miracle that this is not yet a TikTok challenge. 

Shishi

Fave Song - Party (XPRSO) 

Great storytelling. Fresh nostalgic feel. Gets you in your feels, but you also want to dance along. 

XPRSO. Presents: Nairobass. Our debut EP.

Fave Video - Fake by Shappaman x Magix Enga

The black & white contrast alongside the editing and the VFX makes it super cool to look at. It carries the message of the song really well. It's also smooth with the Samurai vibes.

Fave Project - NAIROBASS

Our debut project Nairobass features production from XPRSO's very capable RVMP, MR.LU*, Mars Maasai and collaborator Danzo. Vocal performances delivered by frequent collaborators Chevy Kev (Kiinyume), Palmtrees and Lukorito (whose debut album has been produced by Mr. Lu and is slated for release soon) as well as XPRSO producers RVMP, MR.LU* and Mars Maasai. We hope you enjoy our latest offering that underlines our love for bass, dark samples and bright synths as our musical tools of choice. This is Nairobi as we know it - a collection of lived experiences. Production: Mars Maasai, MR. LU*, RVMP, Danzo. Lyrics: Chevy Kev, Lukorito, Palmtrees, Mars Maasai, MR.LU*, RVMP, Danzo. Cover art: MR. LU* Mixing and Mastering: Mars Maasai, MR.LU* & RVMP. stream/dowload: https://ampl.ink/1jN4J

"I literally did a review on this masterful EP! Click it here and see why I'm still gushing about it.”