January's Jumpstarters
EA music scene- and hip hop has seen some great music already with only a few days into the year. Here are some of the January Jumpstarts that were attention grabbing.
WAVY - Khaligraph Jones and Sarkodie
After teasing the collabo for the whole of December last year, Khaligraph Jones finally dropped the song mid month. As fans expected, the duo delivered heavy bars on a hard hiphop beat. Khaligraph Jones, a veteran and arguably the international face of Kenyan hip hop continued to cement his name on the continental stage. He has won the biggest African awards available to a rapper, but his collabo with African hiphop stars are easily countable. Hence fans are satisfied that he's added this one under his belt,and that he is going to use it as a platform to enter other markets such as West Africa and South Africa; and get people going on a conversation about EA hip hop. The visuals were pretty standard, with Khaligraph Jones interchangeably performing in two backgrounds and Sarkodie delivering his verse while seated in a car. The directors really worked on lighting to make a visual with little change of scenery. All in all,fans are loving it,as the song trended number one in Kenya,Ghana and Nigeria during its release week.
Joni- Parroty, Kabagazi, One Boy & Mejja
From the squad that made LEWA - one of the biggest singles of 2020, one couldn't have expected less than a hit. The four rappers seem to have an undeniable chemistry in the booth. Parroty, Kabagazi and One Boy are just coming into the game, benefitting from the outfit Wanati. The Wanati outfit is a collective run by Ochunglo Family to identify and promote talent among urban youths(Nairobi) from disadvantaged backgrounds. Last year saw the young talents burst into the limelight and gengetone fans will be happy to see this consistency. So amazing is their energy, you cannot put it off. They rap about what foods they like and dislike- yes imagine ! And it's not some form of cheeky sexual connotations or euphemisms- because ,lord knows these rappers call a spade a spade! This has seen them receive quite the criticism about some of their lyrics being dirty. The whole escapade that followed the release of Parroty's hit song 'Niko Thirsty' is certainly one of the more memorable and lively Ezekiel Mutua vs gengetone artists episodes. So the song is really about food,and it is delivered over an afro trap - gengetone beat hybrid. True to Gengetone fashion, the video is shot in an open field with no props except people who are dancing. It's a great song both on a sonic level, and artistically, because all the four rappers stepped out of their comfort zones to try something different content wise.
Yes Indeed - Jakk Quill
Jakk Quill's work ethic is amazing. Having been nominated last year for the Unkut Hiphop awards- Best Lyricist category, most fans, including this writer (full disclosure) feel he was deserving of that prize. Bygones aside, he's started the year on a high note dropping two singles- Hopes & Dreams and then Yes Indeed. The song is influenced by another song of the same title by Ray Charles,an American artist,that was dropped in the 1940's.Fans of Lil Baby may also relate to a song of the same title that got a Drake cosign,and arguably was the start to what Lil Baby has achieved over time. He insists (Jakk Quill) that the title isn't that but a manifestation of what he believes he can achieve, and the perception of himself as an artist. Could he one day achieve the success levels of Ray Charles or Lil Baby? Only time will tell,but the rapper is set on breaking the glass ceiling. The video to the song was shot by QBic Frames and employs a playful concept of clear and blurred vision. The video syncs with the feel of the song which is mellow but deeply introspective,and to a certain extent brings out the persona of Jakk Quill. The persona of a rapper doing his thing,and secure in the knowledge that his craft is the best that can be.
Iwake - Chiefgeng
It is their grooviest number if you ask me.This song particularly gives a vibe that summarizes this group Chiefgeng. They are part of a new sound that is calm yet lyrically loaded. This tune is doing big numbers on streaming sites and wonders for this rap duo,and deservedly so. Iwake is the last song on their currently successful EP- Account. It is a motif used to explore the themes of love, friendship, coming of age and even smoking. The duo were thrust into the limelight after their verses on Sabi Wu's Fanya Like This,and it looks like the love won't stop any time soon. The duo have embarked on a media tour,and 2021 looks promising for them.
Are you Stupid- Natty
Fast rising Kenyan driller Natty ,a.k.a Rong Rambo is keeping consistent. His latest single is a self produced song, with the quality of his beats only getting finer and finer. And although his genre of rap is Drill, there is something of a melodic spirit to his songs. And this one feels just so. Perhaps it is the clever repetition that gets listeners hooked,and replaying the song. Perhaps it is the sheer musicality of the beats. Whatever secret that works for the charmer,it is widely agreed that he makes earworms,and fans will be hoping for Natty to do more of what he did on this number.
Mbosho - Tunji
Tunji is running these streets like a don. He dropped this drill tune, riding the wave like many other non drill rappers. The beat was well chosen and it was comfortable for the highly energetic rapper. The video is wonderful with the script having an outdoor party as the storyline. However the directing and editing strategy of upclose takes that change fast, fits well with the high tempo of the track and the general mood about drill music. This song is important to Tunji , because it now speaks to what a versatile rapper he is. Ever since he burst onto the scene,he received the trapper tag, and the industry hasn't looked at him with a different pair of lenses. Labels may be dangerous for a creative, especially one like Tunji whose music,as time has shown, is inspired by energy,and raw emotion, rather than genre or a specific kind of lifestyle.
A Tale From This City - Asum Garvey
The Showman is seeking to extend his high flying tempo from last year. In this track,he does just that. He addresses questions about himself, and speaks his mind on a number of issues. One of the bars that draws attention to the song is when he talks about people sending him trap beats whereas he is a hiphop rapper. This statement is going to restock conversations about Kenyan hiphop and it's subgenres. What is trap,rap and what is hip hop? For whatever reason,Asum Garvey is reigniting this debate which usually doesn't end conclusively, is a matter of speculation. But what if that is what Asum wants, a debate with his name in it? He is after all, a person that calls himself The Showman.In the same freestyle he reminisces of his achievements in the previous year and says that he has a number of projects done,and yet to be released. This will definitely keep fans hopeful and on the lookout for new music. The Hotbox music signee flexed his lyrical ability and storytelling skills on this one.
Steady Dripping - Monski ft Tunji
Monski is back. After almost a year long silence, the inaugural Unkut Hip Hop Awards Female artiste of the year is on the verge of releasing an album. Steady Dripping is one of the tracks off GOLD- the album and it features Tunji. The Alex Vice beat is boisterous enough for the femcee to bring out the hard bars that she is known for. Tunji delivers the second verse in the same upbeat, hard hitting fashion, making the song a banger for clubs, workouts,and just about any situation where you'd want to get pumped. The video is superb, creating an aesthetic that is rarely executed. It is a video shot in the very streets of the Nairobi CBD and the rappers are dressed in street fashion. The blend of colors with the background that paradoxically feels alive and inanimate at the same time, is a masterpiece of videography. The director balances close and medium range shots with a splendid change of angles that makes the video the exact opposite of dull.
Mamacita - HighGrade
This is only the second song by the group signed under House of Badass. Their song 'Sticky' featuring Rekles of Ethic Entertainment, was an absolute banger in 2020. This new single will perhaps remind the gengetone world of a group that is focused on staying in the game and is keeping it a hundred. The groovy song is a testament to the continuity of Gengetone as a genre ,as a brand,as a lifestyle and it's novel way of bringing forth unexpected stars. The road ahead looks good for these folks no doubt.
Donjo - Femi One
Femi One is in a party mood. But why wouldn't she be? The clout she got from the 'Utawezana' song with Mejja has propelled her into new frontiers. Coming off this song,she has been Incorporated into collabo by artists from Uganda and Burundi and that list is set to grow. The song Donjo is about partying and celebrating life- something the rapper rarely addresses in her music. The audio was released before the video,and was able to capture the attention of fans. And if the audio was great, the video made the song greater.The numbers rose astronomically after the visuals dropped.This is because this video was radically different. Unlike the bold colored backgrounds and few bodies ,along with something of a commercial approach we'd expect in Femi One video,this one has more people, more colors that are subtly blended, and certainly more spirit rather than a monotonous feel. The thing about this visual, is that it is exquisitely suave. It is as if to send a subliminal message that someone has upped their game. It therefore sets a tone and standard of what the femcee is going to do for the rest of the year. With enough experience and the support of one of Kenya's biggest labels (Kaka Empire), it is time she set her sights on the wider East and Central African fanbase.
Last Warriors - Kikosi Kazi ft Kaa La Moto, Breeder LW, Trabolee, Kayvo Kforce & Romi Swahili
Kikosi Kazi have been doing it for a while now, and their reputation precedes their name. Known as a collective that does hip hop in a classical manner, the choice of rappers they collaborated with on this song is really no surprise. The guest list includes Kaa La Moto,Trabolee and Breeder LW,who are growing their influence fast and so fit the same mold as the group itself. They also have Kayvo KForce and Romi Swahili who are veterans in the game. This song is huge, as it brings together the emerging hip hop stars of Tanzania and Kenya. It is a song that is making waves, and making tongues wag. The level of exposure it's giving to the artistes is phenomenal, and the idea of bringing East African music together is powerful and profound. Could this be the start of an East African hip hop movement- to perhaps rival the South and West? We are only hoping for better things for this group of talented and ambitious mcees.
The beat is an old skool hip hop beat, and all the rappers deliver their bars in a slow but purpose intended way. The subjects addressed are also heavy; politics,corona, religion, poverty and the working together of East African rappers. Basically each of the guys did their thing and it came out so nicely in the end. The visuals are shot and directed by Florian,a videographer affiliated with the Kikosi Kazi collective. Shot in the streets of Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam,he uses everyday experiences,such as hawking in the market, eating at a food kiosk,and even just a group of people walking on the street, to first of all tell the story of the song,and then as an aesthetic that correlates with the mood and feel of the song. Switching between original color,black & white,and sepia modes,he reinforces the artistic ideal of plot sequence as well as keeping the whole thing flavored.
Lazio Freestyle - g3 gang
This underground group has been one of the most consistent. And this year, they have started with a bang. They have released a mixtape titled ,'No White Collar',and their lead artist,Jodeye Faneto,is set to release a joint mixtape with rapper and chief producer at Lus Music records, Skkinny Gean. The rap group is part of a larger collective from Buruburu area known as Buruklyn. (Not to be confused with the Buruklyn Boys). The Buruklyn movement derives its name from word play on Brooklyn, where the late drill Icon Popsmoke hailed from. And just like Pop Smoke, these artistes perform drill music but with a different flavor. Unlike the conventional hard going UK flavor, g3 gang have an alternative medium tempo with less background sounds. What is also unique about this group,is that when they deliver their verses, they change the flow so cleverly, even being melodious at times. This kind of tinkering is not common in drill music and that is why this song is an absolute breath of fresh air. The video is shot in a residential neighborhood, Lazio, in Buruburu 58 The shots are taken up close, but in true drill fashion,the faces of the rappers are masked. The video screams drill,drill,drill ! For those looking to expand their drill playlists check out this group.
