Sounds from the East
With African music being the centre of attention nowadays, people naturally tend to focus more on West African music but I think it is about time to take a precise look at East African music. When it comes to Sounds From The East, you know The iMullar is your plug! With their diverse beat and flow, this week’s selection features artists like Navio, Lhiroyd, Boondocks Gang, Fik Fameica, Rimon, Maya Amolo, Otile Brown, Nyashinski and Terrianne Iraki. Here are the 10 latest songs you should listen to in no particular order.
1. Fik Fameica featuring Harmonize – “Bedroom” (remix)
As you maybe guessed from the title, “bedroom” is a late-night track produced with a slow instrumental and a guitar that will get you addicted. This Ugandan-Tanzanian collab is –in a way- basically a booty call anthem, Fik America’s dope rhymes and his atypical raspy voice accompanied by Harmonize’s beautiful voice on the chorus will definitely put you in a certain mood, especially the ones who are not presently with their significant others in these hard times. Make sure to check it out and catch some vibes! Enjoy
2. Boondocks Gang – “Tik Tok”
If you do not know about Boondocks Gang, you need to check their music out and keep an eye on them, this group is a breath of fresh air in the Kenyan industry. Always putting out dope tracks, lively beats and sick bars, they will make you dance whether you understand Swahili or not! You may have noticed the rise in “tik tok” challenges on the internet lately… Yes, those complicated dance challenges that youngins are coming up with, every day. Artists are also hopping on the wave and creating songs that are “tik tok-friendly” but this track is not only a “tik tok-friendly” one, but it is also a banger and will be played in every Nairobi clubs once we get back to normal. You should listen to it and check the fun tik tok videos people have been recording.
3. Nyashinski – “Glory”
« Glory » is the 3rd track of the highly-anticipated « Lucky You » album by Nyashinski or one of the best MC’s in Kenya. This energetic trap song is what you need to jam to, do not worry if you can not understand everything just enjoy these smooth bars, so smooth that you will not notice when he mixes Swahili and English. His album is out everywhere and you should listen to it, you won’t be disappointed.
4. Terrianne Iraki – “HappyWith You”
Terrianne is one of the gems of the emerging scene in Kenya. This R&B track is what we can consider as excellence, to be honest; her soulful voice, the beautiful harmonies and the minimalistic production will allow you to discover her amazing vocals through her art of storytelling. You must check it out, it is on all streaming platforms, her voice needs to be heard.
5. Maya Amolo – “Jokes”
Maya Amolo is the artist you needed! If you do not know about her, she is basically the next big act in R&B and neo-soul. There are a few female R&B acts in the emerging scene of Kenya and they all have their own unique sounds. “Jokes” is the definition of perfection, from the vibrant instrumental produced by Prvke (Kevin Provoke) to Maya’s soothing vocals and this catchy chorus you will not have a choice but to listen to the song on repeat! Her song is out on all platforms and you should keep an eye on her, don’t say we did not warn you.
6. RIMON – “Out Of My Way”
“Out Of My Way” is a song from RIMON’s debut EP titled “I Shine, U Shine”, an R&B/Neo-Soul masterpiece in which she voices a message of empowerment to women worldwide. “Out Of My Way” is one of the best songs of the 6-tracks EP, her wonderful vocals on this chill but vibrant instrumental will make you fall in love with her sounds. RIMON is an Eritrean-born and Amsterdam-raised singer who quickly established herself as one of the more promising voices in R&B, you should for sure check her EP out.
7. Lhiroyd – “Bâtards”
“Batards” is Lhiroyd’s 2nd single of this year, being from Burundi, in this song he took us on a trip down memory lane by addressing his childhood and several memories from when he left his war-torn country with his family. He also refers to the numerous vicious people who made him suffer but does not lose hope. This french Afro-Pop track is a catchy one with mellow vibes made of a vibrant instrumental, a remarkable bass-line and Lhiroyd’s calming vocals. The music video also captures Lhiroyd’s universe and the atmosphere the song sets, you should watch it.
8.Otile Brown – “Juice”
You probably heard of Otile Brown before, if not, all you need to know is he is unarguably one of the best vocalists in Kenya. With his Afro/R&B vibes, his catchy instrumentals and the resplendent voice he never fails to deliver quality content, the way Swahili sounds when he sings will just amaze you. We strongly encourage you to listen to it and check him out if you do not know about him.
9. Nyashinski – “Sweet Aroma”
“Sweet Aroma” is the 2nd track of the sensational body of work that “Lucky You” is. It is a vivacious song where Nyashinski explores different aspects of his creativity with a catchy chorus, lovely harmonies throughout the song as well as his sick bars that we use. Check this song out and do not hesitate to listen to the album, you won’t regret it.
10. Navio featuring King Saha – “Nkwagala Omu”
Navio: one of the pioneers of the Hip Hop scene in Uganda is back with a rich body of work titled “Strength In Numbers”, a great mix of genres with pan-African features from Burna Boy to Seyi Shay or Kaligraph Jones. In this tranquil song, you will hear a different aspect of Navio’s sound thanks to this joyful instrumental produced by Mio Made with live trumpets done by Samurae. Navio and King Saha are both known for being “vibe-oriented” and allowing the flow of consciousness to become part of their style, a collaboration like this was the right pick especially when we consider both of their careers because they have come a long way… The song is just perfect, you should listen to it.
