Best of the Month: April
Hey everyone, we hope you’re continuing to stay safe and finding ways to remain sane during this season. Despite theses seemingly apocalyptic times, East African artists from both the continent and diaspora continue to bless us with great music.
Here’s what caught the team’s attention in April:
Beverly
Fave Song - Utawezana By Femi One feat Mejja
I hate to be basic but Azziad brought me to this song but Femi One and Mejja made me stay. Mejja has established himself as one of the premier storytellers in Kenyan music and he doesn’t disappoint in ‘Utawezana.’ The stand out on this track remains Femi One as she goes toe to toe with a legend, reminding us in a fun and cheeky way that she is a great rapper.
Fave Video - I’m Offended By Smallz Lethal
Smallz lethal combines two of my favourite things, music and politics. Smallz tackles inadequate governance and the realities of life as a young person in Kenya over what can only be described as the perfect track, and he hits the nail right on the head. The video is the final touch to seal this masterpiece.
Fave Project - Shift Happens by Emma Cheruto (This was covered in March)
A fun fact about me is that I’m perpetually late to everything. Which is what happened with this great album that our very own Joy R. AKA La Music Junkie covered in our March Staff Picks. So I won’t say much other than Joy was right, go read her summary, and this album is a great listen.
Joy
Fave Song - Akia by Waithaka ft Serro
Akia is simply a gift sent from Afro-Latin heaven. Serro's soulful vocals, Kabaseke's Spanish guitar and Waithaka's proud production complete this masterpiece. I dare you not to dance while you listen to this.
Fave Video - Kairitu by Abaki Simba feat Ayrosh and Moseh Drumist
Talk about a simple video to accompany a simple song. When you're not singing along to the catchy hook by Ayrosh, you're probably wishing you are surrounded by nature like Abaki Simba. It's a joy to watch these (lion) kings let loose in the wild while dancing to the beat of their African drums.
Fave Project - Odes by Queens by Waithaka
Prolific producer Waithaka teamed up with 10 Kenyan queens to create this one of a kind album. Odes by Queens was inspired by BabyFace's 1995 album "Waiting to Exhale" which also features ladies exclusively. Just like its predecessor, there are plenty of new voices and musical gems to discover here.
Michelle
Fave Song – wabebe/speedometer by Mr. Lu
This is my favorite song because of its versatility as a mash-up; you can find yourself bopping to this in a club, and still have it in the background of a Sunday afternoon chill session.
Fave Video – Nuu by Ayrosh ft Muringi
Introducing me to the talent that is Muringi, Nuu is a vibrant, delicate love song with visuals that do not fall short in depicting this.
Fave Project – Ben Soul QuaranTUNES
Keeping on brand, Ben Soul brought us QuaranTUNES to keep us company during the month of 4/20, ranging from sultry ballads to the lighter-raiser that is Peddi.
Monica
Fave Video - unbrellar by Dua Saleh
Everything that Dua Saleh has put out thus far looks and sounds like nothing you’ve seen before. The Minneapolis-based gender non-binary Sudani artist produces content that drenched in authenticity and intensity. Their latest offering, ‘umbrellar’ which is off of their upcoming EP, ROSETTA, does not disappoint and is visually stunning.
Fave Project - Lucky You by Nyashinski
Nyashinkis’s highly anticipated ‘Lucky You’ album was definitely a highlight of April. Not only is the project full of quality content (there are literally no skips) but the rollout was impeccable starting with a game-changing YouTube live premiere earlier in the month. Big shouts to him and his team as they have has set the bar high for Kenyan artists
Shishi
Fave Song - Tabasco by Shappaman
Feels like a summer jam! Addi and Shappa's chemistry came through in a fun way with this one. It's the type to boost your mood. You just know it'll be fun to watch at a concert.
Fave Video - Sick Ah' by LE RU ft Ayoo
It's fun, captivating & straight to the point! I love Natasha Ayoo's aesthetics ✨
Fave Project - Lucky You by Nyashinksi
It’s great storytelling of his Kenyan experience. The production is also very lively making the experience more enjoyable.
Kalanzi
Fave Song - UNA by Lagum the Rapper
Ugandan lyricist Laugum the Rapper has teamed up with singer Tai Tai on UNA, a beautiful dance-ready tune that reminds me of the summery rapper-singer RnB duets of the 2000s.
Fave Video - BANGA by Mbithi
The visuals for Mbithi’s quarantine single BANGA are simple but compelling. The camera circles the young Nairobi rap star in a dark smoke-filled room as he delivers a medley of sharp tongue-in-cheek sheng bars from the heart.
Fave Project - Almost Juma by Puma Juma
Puma Juma’s freshman contribution, Almost Juma is a playful coming of age story set to a futuristic medley of Drill and RnB. Whether spewing playful hip-hop braggadocio, commemorating loved ones lost, meditating nontoxic adolescent romance, Juma shows growth and hunger on each track. His voice is husky and flow is confident. A promising release from the young lyricist.
Amani
Fave Song - Don Dada by Alex Miseda
This song is an absolute club banger. Alex describes a feeling that he gets whenever he gets into contact with a certain girl. Alex talks about his heartbeat as a don dada whenever "she" calls.
Fave Video: Sweet Sensi by Bensoul ft. Nairobi Horn's project
Bensoul takes us on a trip with him in his video Sweet Sensi. He shows us a few of his shows and explains to us his love for his sensi. The upbeat reggae tune of Bensouls voice accompanied by the Nairobi Horn’s project help set the mood for the visuals of the jam.
Fave Project - Alive by Alex Miseda
Alex Miseda’s Alive is a whole mood. The 19-year-old takes us through banger after banger as he sets a vibe with his first song Don Dada. Alex talks about the kind of party that is going to happen after quarantine is over and all the excitement that will happen during the occasion. The album is an upbeat afro grime fusion filled with a summertime feeling. This album will definitely get you in a summer mood and keep you feeling uplifted and booted.
