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 Hoosh, MaMan, Rayvanny, Lhiroyd, Xenia Manasseh, Ibraah, King Saha, Harmonize, MR.LU*, KiliHippie & BoiBlacc.
1. Hoosh featuring MaMan – “Kabasa”
Hoosh teamed up with Young Justus’s very own, MaMan, to deliver a summer banger! This creation is the product of the 2 Sudanese artist’s versatility and their several influences. The Afro-fusion/pop song tells a story on the uncertainty of love, emotional intelligence and mutual heartbeat. Like we always say it, it is obvious you are now familiar with MaMan, considering the fact he has been featured in most of our SFE but if you do not know about Hoosh, you should definitely check him out in our SFE playlist. Hoosh is an independent artist originally from Sudan, based in the US and his sounds are a mix of his numerous influences which are described as “silky rhythms and smooth underlying beats infused with hard-hitting 808s”.
“Kabasa” was highly anticipated and the reception of the song has been very exciting, you can listen to the song on numerous editorial playlists! Enjoy
2. Rayvanny – “Ccm Wayaa!”
As you may know, the presidential elections in Tanzania are coming, therefore a lot of Tanzanian artists are releasing songs in honour of the President and his party. They usually celebrate the achievements of the government and hail the party so you might consider this as propaganda but it is safe to safe to say those songs are just super patriotic! Check this Afro-fusion infused Bongo Flava track out and catch some vibes. If you see any songs with “CCM” in the title by a Tanzanian artist, just know it’s going to be a vibe (not just because it is in support of their current president).
3. Ukweli featuring Hiribae & Xenia Manasseh – “Potion”
The amazing Xenia from Kenya is back at it alongside Ukweli from the visionary collective: EA wave and it is safe to say they gave us what we needed! The R&B track is a smooth creation in which you will enjoy Xenia’s silky vocals if you do not know her you must keep her in your radar! You should also check her “Fallin’ Appart” EP, her sounds are a breath of fresh air in this industry. Catch some vibes.
4. MR. LU* – “Hot Luv”
Hot luv is the first single of MR.LU*’s upcoming project “Nairobi Lost tapes”. The song is a result of LU*’s desire to highlight local Kenyan music, he sampled a classic made by the Katitu Boys Band and its fire! The producer, DJ and composer began an ethnic flip series in which he incorporates ethnic music to contemporary hip-hop bass elements. If you want to hear more of his sounds keep an eye on him and anticipate “Nairobi Lost Tape”. Check this lively production out.
5. Dj Seven featuring Linah – “Sererea”
If you have never heard of Dj Seven well let us introduce you to his music, he is an amazing producer but also the official Dj of the Tanzanian Super Star, Harmonize. In this Bongo-flava hit, Seven joint forces with the vocalist Linah to give us groovy Swahili love song!
6. KiliHippie & BoiBlacc – “The Blacc Circle”
“The Blacc Circle” is a project you need to hear, the Kenyan duo released an amazing piece of work made of 8 tracks and we promise you won’t skip any of the songs. The sharp rhymes and the mellow instrumentals will transport you in their world, each track is a part of their stories and a type of self- reflection. We strongly encourage you to listen to this album, their stories and their sounds need to be heard!
7. Ibraah – “Wandoto”
Konde Music Worldwide’s very own, Ibraah has dropped the music video for the 2nd track of his debut EP “Steps”. Check the lively visuals of this sweet Swahili jam here. If you haven’t checked his EP yet, you must listen to it, the 5-tracks project is a very solid piece of work with features like Harmonize (his mentor), Joeboy from Nigeria or Skiibii.
8. Lhiroyd – “Beautiful Day”
A beautiful day is the 4th single, Lhiroyd dropped this year and you need to hear this vibrant production! The France-based, Burundian Afro-pop sensation went out of his comfort zone to give us a pop song in which he addresses his journey, his career and hope. Listen here
9. Harmonize featuring Lady Jaydee – “Wife”
Head of Konde Music Worldwide, Harmonize dropped his Afro East album back in March and the whole of Africa is still jamming to it. “Wife” the 7th track featuring the Tanzanian singer Lady Jaydee still slaps and they released the music video recently. The song tells the story of 2 lovers about to get married. Check the visuals out here.
10. King Saha featuring Eth – “Mwooli”
Mwooli is a love song in which Uganda’s finest, the one and only vocalist, King Saha alongside the fast-rising act, Etc are expressing the love they have for their soulmates and how beautiful they are to their eyes. Check this sweet jam here.