February, the month of love brings a lot of great moments and music with it however. Rap is a genre that prides itself on addressing a wide range of topics, and romantic love is one of them. Below is a list of some of those songs that engaged fans this past month.
By way of her occupation and inventive sonic vision, Nyokabi Kariũki’s impact on the Kenyan music scene warrants greater applause. Although the global music scene is witnessing a renaissance of African experimental sounds, the 23 year old Kenyan composer is one of the few women composers in the East African soundscape. Combining her 17-year classical training in piano, Nyokabi effortlessly defies the boundaries of genre by dabbling with classical contemporary to choral music, film, experimental pop, and East African musical tradition.
The year has begun with lot's of new music. This list picks out unique songs that see artists step out of their comfort zones or the unexpected norms. Whatever the motivations, we are here to enjoy some great East African hip hop.
Through the tender eyes of Peter Murimi, we delve into a cinematic world characterised by the duality of hope and fear in the face of indefinite uncertainty.
To many, live music albums are a lost art. The organic nature of different sounding artists coming together and creating a natural sonic genus doesn’t come easy. This train of thought highlighted Silk Sonic’s origins and their inherent chemistry, a similar story to Kelele Kollektiv’s.
The African creative renaissance is now and for the first time ever, this reality is being represented through film in The Ones Who Keep Walking - a stunning film by Amarachi Nwosu and presented by Johnnie Walker that shares stories of 20+ creatives across the continent.
“When people look at me, I want them to see a bad ass bitch”. This declaration is an introduction to Maandy’s musical persona.
Here’s a behind the scenes look at the creation of our “Full Full Condition, Vol. 2” compilation album.
Hypnotic vocal layering gliding over acoustic-driven, minimalistically produced tracks are Malaika’s signature, creating the perfect pocket for her poetic songwriting to shine through as heard on songs like “Tears”. And although rooted in indie-R&B, Malaika’s sound is versatile; from incorporating rock-influenced guitar patterns on “Let Go” to African melodies on “Nyota”, she takes us on a journey through various sonic landscapes on her debut EP.
DJ-ing wasn’t always the goal. His intention, at least at first, was simply to survive in Dar and eventually make a comfortable living for himself and his family. But then he got really good at playing music, and when the opportunity presented itself, chose to fully immerse himself into making it a career.
Tetu Shani feels like he’s at the tipping point of his career. He’s finally at the edge of self-expression that’s beyond any commercial or societal expectations.
In today’s climate of pop music where the commercial appeal of the artist is often more important than the quality of their music itself, Njeri delivers a lyrically and vocally sound project that will stand the test of time.
Nairobi’s lo fi prince, capespring. has released a new single in the form of limbo featuring mau from nowhere. It is a shimmery yet melancholy song that seems ready made for driving and contemplating on loves; present and past.
The EP sounds like a colorful clutter of lofi, rap, jazz. Or better yet, a term he coined known as “bedroom pop”. Jomande’s wit shouldn’t be limited to his lyricism. The project boasts of production and mixing from the youngin himself and guest appearances from capespring and tg.blk.
Singer/Songwriter Turunesh oozes East African allure, ranging from her Tanzanian and Ethiopian roots and upbringing and oscillating all the way to her artistic influences. After a mini hiatus from the music scene, she endowed us with her latest single “Cigarette” in early June - since her last release back in 2019.
Rising Somali-Canadian artist IDMAN isn’t interested in comfortability. Due to her multicultural and genre-defying roots, conformity would technically be impossible.
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.
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 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.
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.
