Alternative Sounds From the East
You may know about Alté music–very popular in west Africa–an amazing movement, genre, philosophy, representing a new wave of young African artists and their eclectic sounds as well as the unconventional aspect of their art that makes them unique. When ‘Alté music’ is mentioned you may think of Amaarae, Zamir, Odunsi or Santi but what about the altés of the other side of the continent? This week’s selection will cover alté sounds from East Africa, with artists like Gaidaa or Karun to Lhiroyd, Mairo, Bensoul or Xenia Manasseh, MaMan, Le Ru to Hiba Elgizouli. Here are 10 East African Alté songs you need to hear in no particular order.
1. Gaidaa – Like Trouble
You probably heard of the talented Dutch-Sudanese singer this summer with her amazing performance of ‘Morning Blue’ at COLORS. Gaidaa’s 2nd single ‘I like Trouble’ is an amazing song with nice alté RnB vibes, you will be addicted to her wonderful vocals. Sit back relax and enjoy the song while watching these colourful visuals.
2. Karun – Hit Me Up
The gorgeous Karun is an artist from Kenya, she describes her sound like an amalgamation of neo-soul, contemporary and alternative RnB. This song will definitely put you in your feelings, as she is pouring her heart and emotions into the lyrics expressing how she misses this man. She is alone and it’s like she is dreaming of a love that is gone but we do not know where. The music video highlights it well by showing Karun alone throughout the whole video.
3. Lhiroyd – John Lennon
In this energic song Lhiroyd -Burundian artist based in France- shares his views on his goals, how he wants to achieve them and to become a legend like the leader of the Beatles which is the title of the song and part of the chorus as well, which will obviously make you dance. Lhiroyd is a vibrant artist with many influences, musically speaking, his music is vivacious and colourful. I strongly encourage you to check this beautiful music video and enjoy Lhiroyd’s vocals.
4. Hiba Elgizouli – Bidaya
If you have never heard of Hiba Elgizouli before, I encourage you to go and check her music out. The visuals of Bidaya are a visual delight, it represents what we could define as neo-Nubian, the colours, the outfits as well the Sudanese cultural elements melted into her art. This masterpiece will remind you of “A Seat at the table” and “Losing you” by Solange.
5. Faizal Mostrixx featuring Karun – In My Soul
Karun is back again with a neo-soul track produced by the versatile Faizal Mostrixx from Uganda! The Kenyan-Ugandan duo is giving us Afropunk vibes and we love it! If you are not familiar with it at all I advise you to check the song out you won’t regret it.
6. Mairo – Tribe
Check this amazing song by Mairo, an Eritrean rapper based in Switzerland with unique sounds and dope rhymes. Enjoy this interesting music video which captures Mairo’s universe and get into his world for 3mins while savouring Hospital’s production. Mario also dropped an album “95 Monde Libre”, in January so do not hesitate to check it out if you want to learn more about him and his crazy world.
7. Maxwell Owin featuring Joe Armon-Jones and Xenia Manasseh – Probably Never
If you do not know about Xenia Manasseh, it is not too late, hop on the wave. Xenia is a 23-years old- wonderful artist from Kenya, her music is heavily influenced by Neo-soul and will give you Erykah Badu vibes, here especially thanks to Maxwell Owin and Joe Armon-Jones and their amazing production. According to Manasseh she has the vision to create music for everyone and wants it to be a reflection of her life, experiences etc… If you love soul and alternative RnB music you have no choice but to listen to it.
8. Bensoul – Ile Kitu
Sol Generation Records’s very own, Bensoul is a soulful singer who wants to make music in order to leave a legacy by creating timeless sounds. He is signed to Sauti sol’s record label so you can already guess the type of vocalist he is if you do not know him. Check this lovely song out, mad vibes guaranteed! (you’re allowed to replay it as many times you want)
9. MaMan – HNA
MaMan is one of the leaders of the new school of Sudani music, and his 2nd album “Shammasi” won’t disappoint you. The versatility of his art is amazing and he proves it with HNA, I encourage you to listen to this masterpiece you will thank us later.
10. Le Ru – Forbidden Fruit
If you do not know about about the “sweet and spicy hummingbird” aka Le Ru from Kenya, you should definitely check her latest track out. She describes her music as R&B with an African feel, and it’s just amazing!
Listen to Sounds From East Africa
Wash your hands, clean your phones & earphone and be safe out there.
