Happy new month everyone! We hope that these last four months of 2020 will be kind to you. East African artists continued to deliver great music through last month; here is our rundown of the best of August:

Amani

Fave Video

‘I'll Be Okay’ by KALI

“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.

Fave Project

‘At Second Sight’ by IKEN

This project feels like a dream from when the first song starts to when it ends. Simply amazing how Iken creates beautiful harmonies on his songs.

Beverly 

Fave Song

‘Utamu’ by Salma Munde

Firstly, shoutout to my Twitter TL for putting this song and artist on my radar! This song is spectacular. Soft and sultry with just enough grit from the rap at the beginning of the track. I can’t wait to hear what other music they release. 

Fave Video 

‘True To Me’ by Karun ft. SkyGirls

Two words. Girl. Power. If only, I could leave the review there. Karun and SkyGirls joined hands to release this incredible pop song that encourages girls to be true themselves and what they believe in. It’s the perfect upbeat and dance in your room by yourself type of song.

Fave Project

‘CTA’ - Muthoni Drummer Queen

Should this count as a project? I’m writing this, so I’m definitely going to say yes but most importantly, Cleaning The Airwaves offers an in-depth look into Kenyan artists’ life and stories of their art. This month the focus was on Muthoni Drummer Queen and she dropped nothing but gems. From colonization limiting our perception of art to media acting as gatekeepers towards artists in this country, Muthoni Drummer Queen reminds us why she is queen. Do yourself a favour and check out this incredible series.   

Joy

Fave Song

‘Rhythm’ - DJ Mura and Kerby

King Kerby has really been on a roll this year. In Rhythm, he teamed up with the young prodigy DJ Mura to create a classic summer song. I can imagine drowning in the rhythm of the drums on a moonlit Kilifi beach pretty soon.

Fave Video

Kirinyaga - Ayrosh

Coincidentally, this Kenyan jam was also produced by DJ Mura. A standout track from Ayrosh’s Murasta EP, Kirinyaga visuals is just what we needed this month. I mean, don’t you just want to find that forest and breathe in the beauty of God’s creation?

Fave Project

Tawasifu ya Moyo - Njoki Karu

After Noel Nderitu recommended this EP on Twitter, I knew I had to listen to it. And just like him, I almost cried. Njoki Karu’s heavenly voice and heartfelt lyrics are a soothing balm to any inner wound you may be carrying.

Lynne

Fave Song + Video

‘Corporate’ by MR. LU* & Selo

This song gives me nostalgia.Its a perfect combination of modern sound and folk sound.The message and delivery is amazing. The video concept  and editing is perfect and  how can i not mention the styling on the video. Luca is phenomenal!

Fave Project

‘EAB4L’ by Baraka

Baraka's new project is a representation of how dope the Kenyan trap/ shrap industry is.His project has eleven tracks and my favorite track  has to be Purpose . His production team  really outdid themselves. The dope beats and fire lyrics do it for me.He  also has amazing features such as Jovie jovv,Ekumbo and Joseph Kiwango.


Michelle

Fave Song + Video

‘True To Me’ by Karun ft. SkyGirls

Karun returns with a simple message in True to Me, where she sings casually, almost offhand: “no one’s gonna stop me.” Witnessing Karun’s solo journey, tinged with the dreamy, colourful hues of her RnB-pop motifs, this has been true so far. The video is an explosion of colour, true to Karun’s form, where she has on a cobalt blue jumpsuit by Monoxrome Nairobi, the fashion outfit also responsible for Sauti Sol’s Midnight Train album launch fits, and a face cuff by Teresia Kyalo, similar to the one in Beyonce’s Black is King, seen there sitting pretty on Tiwa Savage’s face. True to Me is a paean that bears witness to the growth of Karun’s confidence on the scene, and more than that, is a truly uplifting banger.  

Fave Project

‘Nairobi Lost Tapes, Vol 1’ - MR. LU*

This collection of songs is a layered, nuanced musical journey. There is a lot to speak of here: the confluence not just of music, but of Kenyan histories, cultures and influences - and the resulting project, with all its textures, gives me pause for thought. With the release of Hot Luv and Corporate as singles, together with their videos, MR LU* is hard at work, and this is just the beginning. Nairobi Lost Tapes, Vol 1 will be talked about - even as it speaks for itself, loud and clear. 

Shishi

Fave Song

‘Oh Yeah’ by Jaydabliu ft. Loa Myst 

It's one of the sweetest breakup songs I've ever heard. Parting ways can be healthy. 

Fave Video

‘Corporate’ by MR. LU* & Selo

The styling, the messaging, the editing, the juxtaposition! 

Fave Project

EA Wave reimagined Ami Faku 

It's a catharsis of sweet nostalgic bliss from start to finish. 

Mike

Fave Song

Nyumvira - DJ Toxxy 

The chorus & instrumentation may not make sense to your mind, but trust...your body will get it. The bounce is hypnotic! 

Fave Video

‘Corporate’ by MR. LU* & Selo

For me the genius is the split-screen effect! Like who would have even made the comparisons in mind let alone visual!!! 

Fave Project

‘Square One’ - Jaydabliu

This project is labelled “Alternative”, the listener already has the expectation that the audio arrangements will be nothing short of space-bound. A mellow introduction,” We’ve Come So Far”, the title, a kind of ode to the ever-growing Nairobi and EA creative industry! Well, that's just me. In addition appearances from Lisa Odour and Taio are always additions to any project. Also showcasing the audio diversity of the project.