Behind The Scenes Of Salma Munde's Tantalizing 'UTAMU'

You should all keep a keen eye on rising Tanzanian artist Salma Munde. Their latest offering, ‘UTAMU’, is an absolutely tantalizing take on Swahili culture’s sultry undertones. Salma’s steady, soft cadence added to the beat-driven, minimalistic and enchanting track create a hypnotic effect that will leave you hooked. And the songs visuals are stunning! The video serves us soft and seductive drizzled with mystery. Their coy, suggestive approach at showcasing sensuality is both liberating and refreshing.

We caught up with Salma to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the creation of ‘UTAMU’

Firstly, who is Salma?

Salma Munde is a Tanzania born multitalented Singer/Songwriter Poet and Rapper.

Their music and style is a celebration of the modern African existence, fusing different genres like Soul, RnB and Hip Hop with Traditional rhythms and Swahili inspired stylings. 

Tell us about UTAMU. What is the message of the song and what inspired it?

Utamu is a song I wrote on my love for sensuality, how its energy can be playful, diverse and a treat for the senses.

Utamu is all about Swahili culture with some Ray C influences as well, because that is what I grew up listening to. I find Swahili culture very sexy, its modest on the surface but there is undeniable sensual undertones in everything we do. How we talk, cook, smell and especially how we write poetry so I wanted to reflect that Pwani authenticity but modernized. 

UTAMU’s visuals are stunning, what inspired it’s creative direction?

We wanted to make the video all about flavor, Utamu is a descriptive song and so we wanted to match all the delicious imagery we were already picturing in the video. We took our time coming up with a colour palette that was all about the taste budz.

Can you talk us through the symbolism used in the video?

The video, like the song is filled with metaphors, from dripping watermelon slices to creaming cupcakes. It was all the power of suggestion, we wanted to continue with the subtle poetic approach. Valerie, the creative director, behind Utamu Music video wanted it to feel like I am exploring and discovering the flavors of my own sensuality.

Who else was involved in the making of the project?

Music Produced by Domi Arcard (domi beats)

Mastered by Bryan Rayson

Music Video

Creative Director Valerie Asiimwe Amani

Director of Photography Aishi Mengi

Assisted by Remi Busch

Styling Assistance by Vaazi stylist

Are there any future projects in the works that we should look out for?

I just finished recording a song called Morning, Noon and Night I’m excited to share next month + I have been enjoying song writing sessions with fellow East African artists like Tofa Jaxx so expect lots of exciting collaborations soon.