Apio Moro & Supadrum’s Win’jan EP dazzles
Supadrum’s third release under their Artist Development Program (ADP) is here. The program features ‘Win’jan’ (‘Hear me out’), an EP by Ugandan, singer-songwriter Apio Moro. The three-track EP is equally captivating and uplifting which consequently projects Apio Moro as a refreshing entrant to the East African soundscape.
The first song, ‘Omali’ (‘My love’) is an afrodance track narrating the story of heartbreak by one reeling from rejection and unrequited love. Apio Moro successfully translates this emotion throughout the song with catchy motifs and complementary background vocals and ad libs.
‘Irango’ (‘Why?’) laments the current state of humanity. The track is supported by traditional instrumentation, particularly drumming, presumably borrowed from Apio’s Japadhola roots. There are tasteful music choices sewn into the fabric of this song, such as moments of chanted and wailed bemoaning and unexpected harmonisation and vocalisation which all unite in delivering a heartfelt message about the significance of love and compassion.
The final song of the EP, ‘Jamujokere’ (‘A lost cause’) is the perfect conclusion to the EP. Apio sings of a young couple navigating a turbulent romantic journey in the face of societal disapproval. Jamujokere enables Apio to shine entirely as a vocalist. Her vocal range, control and nuances are a joy to behold.
Undeniably, the most exciting aspect of the EP is Apio Moro’s vocal experimentation which is sustained through lyricism in her native Dhopadhola language. Other notable achievements include Supadrum teaming up with producers Desmond Bosire and Thomas Olang’o to deliver a colorful mix of genres in clear celebration of Apio Moro’s creative range.
