Matako Baridi isn’t exactly the type of phrase you’d expect to hear as the title of an EP, especially one so enchanting. However, when you look at the cover art, you get a glimpse of what this project means to Kerby (KingKERBY)) and Nabiwsa (SonOfTheSun) and how its invention came about. 

It’s a short and sweet 5 track EP narrated by Kerby over Nabiswa’s instrumental production, and is what they’re calling SwaRnb . Right from the jump, we are made aware that this is the type of project you sit down for and absorb with a hot cup of tea. There is a great deal of chanting, plenty of harmonious melodies, and hypnotising African rhythms that are reminiscent of sitting down by a campfire somewhere in the Great Rift Valley. Two standout tracks like this are ‘Welele’ and ‘Mwenendo’. ‘Mwenendo’ is  an enthralling journey of 7 minutes and 56 seconds where we are told about the demeanour of his muse in a way that fills you with considerable amounts of appreciation for the divine feminine and mother nature herself. It is such authentic storytelling; directed from the vision in his mind to our ears, without a single interruption. ‘Welele’ is similar in rhythm but is more for the people and partying in nature together.  Olango vocally appears on two tracks, while Amzi Odek appears on another two as a producer. 

In simple terms, Matako Baridi is a direct connotation to the cold months of June/July, where our behinds get so cold that we have to appreciate the people and the moments who fill us up with warmth and joy.

The entire EP encompasses deep feelings of contentment experienced at the end of the day/week/month and definitely one you should make a point of adding to your baridi playlist right this season!

Stream Matako Baridi here.