Genre bending and shape-shifting is the name of the game when it comes to these projects. The alternative scene has been thriving as the borders between musical worlds have thinned. The  basis of each of these projects is hip-hop and this is showcased in the rhythmic and percussive elements as well as lyrical flows and vocal cadences. But the artists’ creativity is seen in how each turns the traditions of the genre on its head, and expands with their own musical sensibilities.

EA OPEN - Agent Mgumbe, Tai Dai, mwami

On this witty, eclectic project, over junkyard beats and dreamlike synths musical trio Agent Mgumbe, Tai Dai and mwami lament love and lost connections, they cherish lovers and ask for better all while singing swaggier than you’ve ever heard before. 

EA OPEN marks an expansion for each of these artists. Agent Mgumbe, a Kenyan producer, also known as rapper Lukorito, takes over production on the 5 tracks. His distinct samples and synths carry under each track with ease, offering the vocalists the chance to showcase their lyrical prowess and creative performance. On songs like “td2”, Agent Mgumbe travels across the genre spectrum with each track - staccato-ed kicks flash us back to the 80’s while era specific drum loops and a smart use of crackle builds the world up. 

The project’s voices, Tai Dai and mwami, both hail from the pearl of Africa, Uganda making this EP a true East African collaboration. Tai Dai, fresh off this year’s party anthem, “Thursday”,shows little sign of slowing down as her precise delivery and witty lyrics keep you close throughout the project. Mwami’s distinctive and smooth steady voice glides over Agent Mgumbe’s textured beat production capturing the listener in a rumbling timbre.

Check out some good ball on EA OPEN here.

The Graduation: A Remastered Project - Razor Man

A celebration is well deserved as this artist elevates his sonics and musical range with this latest project. Razor Man’s latest EP, “The Graduation: A Remastered Project” brings together 5 of his most influential tracks, songs that in many ways have been meaningful to the artist and his audience over the last five years of his career. 

Razor Man has been steadily releasing work over the course of the last 5 years and his progression is clear across his extensive discography. This EP does a fantastic job of succinctly bringing together his best moments and allowing the audience to get a fresh taste of who Razor Man is today. This EP also marks an exciting moment for Razor, as we see him bring in the team that brings his stage performances to life. Singer-songwriters Andyah and Maali’s voices colour  the most beautiful moments on this project. Andyah’s light and sweet inflections create magic as Maali compliments her tone with precision and vocal dexterity.  

The true meat of this project comes in the form of its new production choices. “The Graduation: A Remastered Project” was made in collaboration with producer YAH LISTEN, aka Sam Mbugua, who flipped these fan favourites and infused them with new life. As in songs like “City Nights”, YAH LISTEN manages to capture the essence of each track while, allowing the songs to grow as their creator has, updating the songs sound catalogue with fresh kicks and his own personal synth flavours. 

Find “The Graduation: A Remastered Project here. 

KSHS (KENYAN SHILLINGS)  - King Kerby

The Kenyan sound has shifted and King Kerby is part of defining the new wave. As a local pioneer, Kerby has been an important part of pushing Nairobi’s alternative sound for ages. For a little over the last year the rapper has been consistently releasing music, giving his fans to watch real time as he grows with his sound. 

This EP straddles the line between R&B and hip-hop, where it has very specific hip-hop elements with its beats and the flows King Kerby chooses to employ, it’s also deeply melodic and carries incredibly danceable rhythms. KSHS is a project perfect for your next day party or bbq. The whole project is fun while also managing to be poignant in its lyrical content. Kerby speaks of wanting to embody the idea that music can be “healthy, mentally and emotionally intelligent plus spiritually in tune”. On the EP’s opening track, “THRIFTED”, Kerby is redefining his relationship with wealth and consumerism as he speaks of the power of purchasing second-hand clothes and allowing oneself the unique opportunity to create their own personal style, serving as a metaphor to creating one’s distinct destiny. 

This EP, produced exclusively by American producer and artist Mark Evich, is full of exciting production moments. From the mellow drill sounds of “BAD BEE” featuring Big Yasa to the sultry Alt-R&B of “Bra Shopping” with rising star, N’Jiru KSHS is a thrilling taste of Kenya’s ever evolving sound.

Find KSHS (KENYAN SHILLINGS) here. 

IT'S NOT THAT DEEP - tg.blk

Answering the call many have had for the last 3 years, tg.blk finally gifted her fans with a 6 track EP. Consisting of 4 of her most recent singles and 2 fresh tracks, “ITS NOT THAT DEEP” highlights tg’s expansion and range as she stretches her rapping and singing over a variety of hip-hop, jazz and pop subgenres. 

While the rising star has only released a few tracks on streaming platforms, her long history of releasing on Soundcloud is evident in this project. This is most apparent on the opening track, “petty change”. Its lyrical complexity indicates years of practice and skill training, while songs like “Motorola Money” an electronic/dance music track, showcases tg’s ability to bend and flex her style over different kinds of beats. 

This project flaunts tg.blk’s self-confidence and braggadocio as in songs like “can’t stand it” where she raps lyrics like, “I’m a bad bitch, living lavish, I’m so blessed hoe, you can’t stand it.” The reserved rapper has found her footing with her music and is less afraid to share with her audience all she’s been doing over the last year.

“ITS NOT THAT DEEP”, is a journey through the mind of a woman becoming comfortable with herself, love and she’s speaking on it. Check out, “ITS NOT THAT DEEP” here.

SOFT STEPS - mau from nowhere 

mau from nowhere wows again with his latest project, “SOFT STEPS”. Pulling from a wide bucket of new sonic ideas mau gives us a musical story that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time. These new takes on mau staples can be attributed to the artists’ willingness to collaborate with producers that infuse their own spirit into the tracks. As in the project’s second single “Restore” made in partnership with UK producer Jay James. “Restore” speaks to the artist’s desire to grow and see oneself through change that is sometimes forced upon you. 

mau from nowhere grabs our attention in varied ways across this project. His signature rap colours each song but it’s his singing that takes centre with these songs. His lead single “Crooked” has the artist crooning for the majority of the track. Over swirling keys and a sultry bass, mau from nowhere asks the object of his desire to give him a chance. He recognizes her beauty and he boasts of his own as he confidently showcases his desirability. “Crooked’s” production is also a slight departure from mau’s typical “Sad Boi” sounds. Textured by punchy kicks and snappy percs the song has a special groove that only the hips to swaying and the feet to tapping. 

“SOFT STEPS” is a showcase of the artist’s desire and capability to make and create new work, as in the opening track “Fly” produced with American producer, hihi that expands into the popular world of the alté genre, a space the artist continues to explore on, “By Your Side”. This track features production credits from producer/performer Suté Iwar and Kenyan singer-songwriter NAiLA. 

After his successful debut album “The Universe Is Holding You”, “SOFT STEPS” is a strong re-introduction into the EA alternative zeitgeist boasting strong collaborations and dynamic musical exploration. 

Check out “SOFT STEPS” here.