Rising Somali-Canadian artist IDMAN isn’t interested in comfortability. Due to her multicultural and genre-defying roots, conformity would technically be impossible.
Nyokabi Kariuki’s single Galu shares sounds from the Kenyan coast
Last week, emerging Kenyan composer and sound artist Nyokabi Kariuki released her single Galu on 14th July under SA recordings. Galu is the fourth track from SA recording’s Singles Series, which aims to champion new music from upcoming composers via digital release featuring composers such as Homay Schmitz, Shiva Feshareki and Hamu.
How Artists Apondiii and Magati Maosa Are Creating Safe Spaces
Nairobi's creative scene survives as one of the industries most affected by the pandemic. With the postponement of major exhibitions in the past year, the city’s most prominent galleries feel like ghost towns, adapting to reconcile the traditions of past exhibitions with the competing tensions of covid protocols. Apondiii and Magati Maosa decided to take matters into their own art by crafting a tender exploration of belonging.
GONDWANA TEASES THEIR UPCOMING EP ‘SEASONS’ WITH LEAD SINGLE ‘WECHE’
Gondwana KE is known for their authentic African sounds across many dance floors in Nairobi and are now marking their 30th release with ‘Weche’ produced by Under Bridges' Punk Mbedzi and Gondwana’s resident Dj/Producer Euggy and performed by Akoth Jumadi.
A Moment with Luchi Star
The Luchi Star is a new name to Kenyan music but he doesn’t let this dictate his success rate. Having already released a remix from veterans such as Mejja and current hitmakers like Maandy, he is ready for a takeover.
April's Hip Hop Hits
Here is a look at what Kenyan hip hop had to offer through April.
A Moment With Yung Stevie
We caught up with rising Cyprus-based, Kenyan rapper Yung Stevie.
The Big Bad Wolf of Kamwokya
If Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s life were a fairytale, musician and political opponent, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, would be the big bad wolf or the evil stepmother trying to thwart his presidency. In reality, President Museveni is the villain in the story of Bobi Wine, those who dare to run or speak against him, and everyday Ugandans demanding better.
Snapshot on Maandy, The Femme Fatale
Maandy is not your ordinary rapper, branding herself as an artist she refuses to confine herself to genres.
March Madness
March was been a fabulous month for hip hop so let's get into it, shall we?
Karun's 'Catch A Vibe' EP Sets The Perfect Mood
Nairobi R&B artist Karun’s Catch A Vibe EP lives up to it’s name, providing a laid-back and captivating listening experience through fusion of alternative R&B, afrobeats and drill sounds,
Women In Gengetone
We highlight some of the women taking over Gengetone.
Listen To Tofa Jaxx's Funky New Single "Umenikaa"
Tanzanian singer-songwriter Tofa Jaxx introduces us to a different side of his artistry on his first release of the year, electro pop love song Umenikaa
Elisha Elai: Breakthrough Artist 2020 UnKut Hiphop Awards
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.
In Conversation: BNRD
Kenyan producer BNRD’s debut project, Lyfe Changes, is a two year labour of love that is steeped in intentionality
January's Jumpstarters
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.
In Conversation With Bakhita
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: Reflecting Society
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.