Songs You Need, Vol. 1

Here’s a rundown of songs that you need to add to your playlist:

MR LU* & Selo - Corporate

Eclectic Kenyan Producer/DJ MR. LU* enlisted fellow creative Selo on ‘Corporate’, the mood elevating second single off of his recently released project, Nairobi Lost Tapes. Corporate reminds us that you don’t need to be stuck in the 9-5 grind forever, and that we shouldn’t be fixated on the success of others and forget that there’s life outside of work.  Written on a bus on the way to the studio, MR. LU* samples legendary Kenyan Benga artist, Joseph Kamaru on this bouncy track. ‘Corporate’ is accompanied by impeccable visuals. The videos director, Chebeni, takes us on a journey through Nairobi’s CBD, juxtaposing nostalgic scenes from it’s past with the city centre’s bustling present.

Nessy - Sili Silali

Rising Kenyan singer/songwriter Nessy is lending her voice to the growing list of the region's R&B crooners. On her latest offering, ‘Sili Silali’, Nessy’s soothing vocals float over a lulling acoustic track characterised by gentle guitar chords and hypnotic harmonies. The song is beautifully written; she masterfully crafts her lyrics to create a raw and relatable track detailing heartbreak. Nessy is definitely one to keep an eye on.

DJ Toxxyk ft. B-Threy & Trizzie Ninety Six - Nyumvira

Rwandese DJ Toxxyk enlists pioneers of Kinyatrap B-Threy and Trizzle Ninety Six on dance-floor ready Nyumvira. Characterized by smooth flows over a head-bopping beat, this track will definitely have you missing the club.

Dj Mura, KIng Kerby - Rhythm

Rhythm reminds us to take time and chill. Kerby talks about a stressful situation that was going on with a romantic partner. His solution was not to sulk but to find a rhythm and get lost in it. Rhythm is definitely a jam to with drums that you will definitely drown in. 

Caleb Awiti ft Razor Man - Portland

Caleb’s song Portland talks about a girl and the impression she left on him, from the way she carried herself to her moves on the dance floor. The song continues to talk about the thrills that the two of them had on a night out in Nairobi. This song is simply a vibe - Caleb’s vocals give you no other choice but to fall in love with the song.

Angell Mutoni ft.Mucyo - On My Brain

Angell Mutoni and Mucyo are Kigali-based singer/songwriters and poets using their art to broaden the notion of Rwandese womanhood. The two songbirds linked up on “On My Brain”, a sultry R&B track about missing your lover. Suffice it to say, the song’s lyrics are masterfully crafted and are carried by Angell and Mucyo’s sweet harmonies over a bouncy, percussive-driven track.  “On My Brain”  has been out since late July but Angell recently teased an upcoming video which we are eagerly waiting for. 

Trabolee - O P N D R S

Trabollee is arguably one of Nairobi’s most-skilled emcee’s and his latest offering, “ O P N D R S” does not disappoint. He masterfully crafts socio-politically conscious lyrics with his laid-back, classic flow and showcases his witty wordplay yet over a gritty, bouncy track whose instrumental is characterized by jazz and old-school hip-hop.

Mark Mick x DJ Skyler Ali x Kavali King x Josh Forehead - Bandali

Enigmatic Ugandan rapper Mark Mick teams up with fellow mavericks DJ Skyler Ali, Kavali King and Josh Forehead on the infectious “Bandali”. Gritty, growling vocals borrow from dancehall in delivery and flow over the songs driving beat. Everything about this song is electrifying and it will definitely have you missing the club. 

Jiggy - Chaguo La Teens

Drawing from UK drill has become popular amongst emcees in Nairobi. Rising artist Jiggy rides this wave on his latest offering, “Chaguo La Teens”. His choice in a track that fuses elements of shrap and drill, coupled with his laid-back delivery and bouncy flow make for banger.

KALI - I’ll Be Okay

“Yasss girl” is what comes to mind when this song starts. Kali’s song talks about a young lady who is trying to figure out herself while being in a relationship. KALI sings about the challenges of self-expression and being comfortable with your self when she says “ they pretend like it dont phase ’em Trying to turn it around dumb it all down so they can Be the ones the world accepts.” KALI’s voice is an instrument on its own; add the acoustic guitar to the mix and you got your self a true anthem.