Album Review: 'Color' by Bakhita
Initially released on SoundCloud in 2018, ‘Color’ is a five track exploration of the spectrum of emotions that we experience during the varying stages of our lives. “I feel emotion cause I’m Human”, states Bakhita on ‘Human’, the opening track of the EP. This intro is a powerful piece of spoken word that encapsulates the complicated relationship that we as humans have with our emotions. “It’s not complex to believe in true connection/It may be hard but it’s a necessary lesson”. Societal influences have corrupted our understanding of the power of emotions but Bakhita
Throughout this project, Bakhita aptly uses color as a metaphor. The second track, ‘Black’, tells the bleak story of a relationship falling apart, “How can I continue to be strong for us both?/ How can I be the only one ready to let us go?” . Bakhita’s emotion filled voice croons, “I’ve been up for hours thinking should I have relinquished more power, maybe/Should I have kept trying to understand your desires, your hopes, your fire”. The doubt that comes with a failing relationship, and knowing that you should let go but just can’t is all-to-relatable.
‘Silver’, the EP’s third track, presents an upbeat, funky, electronic contrast and gives as the EP’s first feature as Bakhita collaborates with rapper Nomad.
The projects fourth track, ‘Gold’, features fellow Nairobi RnB singer Ku Kim and is an empowering, feel good song about the most important type of love - self-love. The track is characterized by bass heavy, bouncy production. Bakhita confidently states that “I am my own god, my own king, my own queen” and Ku Kim echoes these sentiments: “I’m way to fly you can’t even catch me”.
Color closes out with ‘Purple, a heavily percussive, experimental, dissonant track that implores us to embrace, feel and share them our emotions.
Whilst being an RnB/Soul EP, elements of electronic, funk and hip-hop influences can be heard throughout ‘Color’ thus providing a dynamic listen. Where production could be tighter, Bakhita makes up with her storytelling.
Stream Color here.
