Pack a snack, and put on your comfiest clothes because this one will take you on a journey. Kibra’s latest track, “Nile” is the first single made in partnership with Drummr Africa for their upcoming album, “Yamen Yamen” done in collaboration with a variety of African alternative artists. 

Eritrean/Canadian artist Kibra impresses with strong effortless vocals that perfectly peak through this song’s mix. Never once losing our attention or focus as the song progresses, Kibra’s voice expertly weaves in and out of the instrumental, delivering her message with calm confidence. She opens her first verse detailing the mysterious journey of two people, strangers, drawn to each other despite never having met. She takes us through her musings pondering what it could mean for her to fall for someone with whom she has no relationship. We hear her process these emotions through the chorus where she repeats the refrain, “Trust the vibe imma ride for a while - let it flow like the river of the night - keep it steady, take your time with me - I don't want to be wrong about we.”. She’s decided to trust. She’s decided to give love a chance, and with determination she implors her partner to do the same. 

Kibra’s vocals and lyrics are accompanied by skillful production brought to us by Nigerian producer, Sou Electric. Through a beautiful blend of guitar and kalimba, he creates a masterful mix of modern and traditional instrumentation. With this choice, Sou has strengthened the connection between Kibra’s entrancing lyrics and vocal performance and his musical production. The feeling of familiarity that Kibra muses about is exemplified in the modern 808, we’ve come to love that rumbles throughout the song and the simple kalimba offers representation to the potential feelings of doubt we as young Africans might have about mixing our two worlds, our culture and our modern existence.

With “Nile”, Kibra and Sou have done a beautiful job of bringing to life, an ever flowing feeling of duality. We are truly caught between two worlds. Kibra trusted the process and expertly got us to trust along with her. 

Listen to “Yamen Yamen” by Drummr which is out now. 
And make sure to stream “Nile” here.