Revisiting Odes by Queens - Kenya’s First All-Female Album
Kenya’s first all-female album, Odes by Queens, saw release on the 14th of April 2020, with producer Waithaka bringing together 10 Kenyan female artists. Inspired by Babyface's work on the soundtrack album Waiting to Exhale, Waithaka wanted to create something similar that showcased the voices and experiences of Kenyan women. "The inspiration came from a conversation with Kibali, who suggested I should work with some of the ladies he was doing events with," he shares. One of those women was Wanavokali singer Ythera, who ended up playing a central role as the album's A&R.
The album’s creation was a whirlwind, with Waithaka and the artists only having a month to write and record the bulk of the project in Kenya. "All the songs were the artists' ideas," he explains, noting that the creative process was deeply collaborative. Speaking on the album’s impact, he says, "This album is theirs and I was just a part of the presentation. I got to meet amazing artists that have gone on to collaborate with me on my other projects and theirs." He also expresses his surprise at the positive reception, adding, "It surprised me big time. I knew we had a good project...but I didn’t know what to expect from the outward reception."
The album opens with Come See Me, a beautiful, heartstring-tugging ballad featuring Maryolive. The song is a portrayal of the emotional aftermath of a break-up, when pain gives way to a profound sense of freedom. It feels like a soundtrack to rediscovery, tinged with melancholy yet grounded in resilience. Mary Olive's performance is deeply moving, her voice gliding over the delicate piano arrangement with a mixture of sorrow and quiet triumph. Lyrics like "Come see me shed my shame, come see me end the pain, come see me free" are a beautiful highlight of the moment when grief begins to transform into liberation. The simplicity of the production highlights the rawness of the emotions in play, starting off the album in reclamation of power, clarity, and peace.
Ja Hera, the second track, is a bold, jazzy celebration of love. Featuring Meryl Paige, the song's title, Luo for ‘My Love,’ sets the tone for a track that feels like the musical embodiment of the honeymoon phase in a relationship. It’s filled with passion, playfulness, and an irresistible energy that pulls you in. Meryl Paige’s vocal delivery is rich and soulful, perfectly matching the bold and lively instrumentation. The jazzy undertones create a warm, nostalgic vibe, making it easy to imagine dancing along with your partner. The lyrics bring to life the intense emotions of a new romance, when everything feels thrilling and safe, and giving in to love comes naturally. Ja Hera strikes a balance between fun and heartfelt, making it an excellent choice for any romantic playlist.
The next track Akia, a fan favorite from Odes by Queens, is a deeply emotive track that highlights the fragility that accompanies falling in love. The title, meaning "I Don’t Know" in Luo, reflects the uncertainty that defines the track. Serro sings of a love she’s dreamed of, one that feels right in every way, yet the scars of past heartbreak make it impossible for her to fully embrace it. Her hesitance leads her to push her partner away, a reaction all too familiar to those who have loved and lost. The song’s gentle arrangement enhances its emotional weight, with Serro’s expressive vocals taking center stage. Akia is a touching reminder of the courage it takes to love again and the inner battles that often come with it.
Happy Place, the fourth track, is a warm and soothing ode to the comfort and safety found in love. With production that evokes the nostalgic charm of the '90s, the track strikes a perfect balance between mellow grooves and heartfelt emotion. Chep’s cheery vocals shine as she compares her significant other to a sanctuary, a place of peace and solace. Lines like “You’re my happy place, and I know it, you’re my happy space, that’s for sure” express a love rooted in security and reassurance, a bond that feels like a safe harbor amidst life’s chaos. Happy Place is a reminder of the healing power of love and the rare gift of finding someone who feels like home.
Kama Wee is an infectious sonic highlight of love at first sight. With its title translating to "Like You" in Swahili, the song underscores the thrill of instantly connecting with someone who feels like the perfect match. Over Waithaka’s Afro-pop inspired production, Miss Kuria delivers a flirty and playful performance. She sings about meeting someone who checks all the boxes; he’s dancing to her favorite song, he looks amazing, and he’s exactly her type. The track’s upbeat tempo and catchy melody mirror the excitement of falling for someone effortlessly, with every moment feeling like serendipity. Kama Wee radiates an irresistible energy, making it the perfect track for anyone who has experienced that instant spark of attraction. Its lively sound and relatable lyrics make it an uplifting anthem for those who believe in the magic of love at first sight.
Utaweza (Swahili for Will you be able to) follows, a track that grabs your attention with its simplicity and holds it with its charm. Featuring Zaituni, the song strips everything down to just a guitar, making it feel intimate and personal, like she’s singing directly to you. It starts with a spoken word verse that oozes confidence, almost like a dare, before flowing into a stunning taarab-inspired melody. There’s a playful, teasing energy in the way Zaituni challenges her lover to keep up with her, asking if they can really handle all she brings to the table. The minimal production lets her voice and the raw emotion of the song shine, making every note and every word land just right. Utaweza doesn’t try to do too much, but what it does, it does beautifully. This is the kind of song you’d want to replay, just to soak in the confidence and energy Zaituni brings.
Marafiki (Swahili for friends) hits hard in a way only a song about betrayal can. Mellah pours her heart out over smooth, Sade-inspired production, singing about a friendship that crumbled under the weight of backstabbing and lost trust. The track feels like a conversation you’d have in the quiet of the night as you try to make sense of what went wrong. Mellah’s voice is soft but bears the weight of so much pain. The production wraps everything in a bittersweet, almost soothing atmosphere, making the emotions hit even harder. This isn’t just a song about losing a friend, it is about the kind of betrayal that makes you question everything.
Power Pose instantly lifts your mood. With jazzy undertones and a message of empowerment, Priscah Ojwang delivers an anthem for women who keep moving forward even when the future feels uncertain. Both the songwriting and the electric guitar grab at you in equal measure. Priscah’s lyrics are encouraging without feeling preachy, and the guitar adds an edge that makes the song impossible to ignore. When she sings, "Lemme see your power pose," it’s like a gentle nudge to straighten your back and face the day with confidence. This track feels like a warm hug mixed with a confidence boost, perfect for mornings when you need a little extra motivation. It’s empowering, relatable, and just the right balance of jazzy and fun.
Ndi Waku, which means "I'm yours" in Gikuyu, is a heartfelt declaration of love and commitment. Featuring Wabi Sherie, this tender track is a love letter to her husband and the deep bond they share. The production, tinged with the earthy tones of the nyatiti alongside rhythmic percussions, gives the song a warm, authentic feel. Wabi Sherie’s voice is soothing and gentle, wrapping the listener in an intimate embrace as she alternates between Gikuyu and English. This blend of languages feels intentional, natural and personal. Ndi Waku is a beautiful tribute to love that’s enduring and true. Its gentle rhythm and heartfelt lyrics make it a standout track, one that feels as comforting as it is genuine.
Closing the album on an empowering note is Stand Up Queen, a bold anthem dedicated to women everywhere. With an infectious 80s R&B groove, the production sets a high-energy tone, drawing you in from the first beat. Ythera’s commanding vocals take center stage here, delivering a powerful message of self-assurance and pride. The song is a reminder for women to embrace their power, take up space, and unapologetically shine. Her voice is nothing short of stunning, adding an extra layer of strength to the already confident tone of the track. Stand up Queen is a celebration of women owning their greatness and stepping into their full potential. With its infectious rhythm and Ythera’s unstoppable energy, it’s an anthem that leaves you feeling empowered and ready to take on the world.
Odes by Queens is more than just an album; it is a defining moment in Kenyan music history. As the first all-female album in the country, it showcases the talent and diversity of Kenyan women in music. Waithaka, the mastermind behind the project, has a rare gift of being able to pull off meaningful and creative concepts. You can see it here in how he brought together 10 incredible women to tell their stories, and you see it again in his recent album Soul'd Duets, which paired male and female Kenyan artists together for unforgettable duets. With Odes by Queens, Waithaka created something timeless, a tribute to the voices and experiences of Kenyan women and a reminder of the power of intentional, thoughtful storytelling in music. It’s an album that doesn’t just break ground, it paves the way for more.
Looking back, Waithaka is proud of how Odes by Queens has contributed to the visibility of female artists in Kenya. "The scene has really changed and we have more female artist releases plus collaborations. I do like to think that Odes did contribute to the growth we’re seeing." His advice to aspiring female artists: "Stay true to your craft and it will always find the right audience."
