Elisha Elai is surely one of the deserving breakout stars of 2020. He has dazzled many hiphop heads in the country within the last year. Whether it's spitting fast on tracks like Python or Usiku Mzima which features Katapilla, or his clever and witty bars on Nairobi Hii, the fans are loving him.
Kenyan producer BNRD’s debut project, Lyfe Changes, is a two year labour of love that is steeped in intentionality
EA music scene- and hiphop has seen some great music already with only a few days into the year. Here are some of the January’s Jumpstarters that were attention grabbing.
One thing about Kenyan artists? They don’t like to be boxed in. Especially not when they have so much to offer. One of the ones who’s really stood out to me in the past year is Bakhita, who labels herself as a multi- disciplinary artist.As a multidisciplinary, all her talents/skills posses different colored threads that form into an all encompassing rainbow woolen ball
Trio Mio is an excellent case study of what creative freedom can bring to the industry. More young names who are risk takers willing to shake the game and experiment on various sounds are highly needed.
capespring.’s disposition for experimentation is showcased on ’Indigo’ as he fuses traditional hip-hop influences with pop-sensibilities.
Driven by acoustic guitar licks, Hoosh’s introspective songwriting and pop-infused, sombre melodies take centre stage as the Miami-based, Sudanese artist relatably self-reflects on the toxic mechanisms that he uses to cope with his problems.
Shrap the movement has a substantial number of affiliates, associates and proteges; but only a specific few have been at the forefront, propelling the machine forward since its beginning until now. Among others, Mawinch is one of the very first people that comes to mind.
Tap into Kenya’s dopest femcees.
Drawing inspiration from the sonic landscapes of Outkast & The Neptunes, the poet turned rapper’s effortless wordplay is once again displayed over a skilfully flipped Lupe Fiasco classic.
Denmark-based, multifaceted Tanzanian artist JJ Paulo creates music that is simultaneously feel-good and conscientious. His latest project, Baba Mufasa, is an afro-beats tinged, meticulously produced offering. On it, JJ Paulo pays homage to his Tanzanian roots, sprinkling sonic elements of sukuma culture throughout the EP, and encourages Africans to celebrate each other.
mau from nowhere has the innate ability to make you feel seen and validated through his vulnerability. He lets you in and in doing so creates an environment that is real and non-judgmental. You can ease into his music, shrug your shoulders and say “I don’t know if everything is going to work out but at least I’m not in this alone”.
Dubbing their sound as 'AfreakNSoul', Skeme Music fuse rap with dancehall, hip-hop and Afro music crating a fresh and unique sound. Heavily influenced by their upbringing in Mathare and Kibera slums, the duo’s music is equal parts conscientious, inspirational and infectious.
This TKR Presents event has established itself as the point where music, art, and fun Intersect. From the basement of Lavington Mall in December 2017, the underground event started from the bottom… now it’s here. A bold statement that events in Nairobi are back. Even at the quaint Dagoz Bar in Dagoretti Corner. And it feels good to be back. Even on a Sunday afternoon.
Here’s what caught the editorial team’s attention in October.
The PYRAMID PROJECT is a live band formed by some of Kenya’s foremost musicians.
Multi-dimensional Kenyan artist Tetu Shani is delivers yet another gem with his latest offering, Live at Kwetu. One to push boundaries, Tetu’s Live at Kwetu EP offers listeners an opportunity to experience the essence of his intimate live performances digitally.
The godfathers of Kenyan punk issue a call-to-action on Take The Throne, urging listeners to dismantle elitist, meritocratic systems. This reactionary single highlights the plight of governmental suppression of ordinary citizens across the globe.
The dynamite artist and activist has been up to a lot since her last drop "So Tired" late last year, and the proof is in the music.
Here’s what caught the editorial team’s attention in September.
