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 Wauve, G-SALIH, Nel Ngabo, Karun Mairo, Yvan Buravan, Davis D, TooDope & Rotation, Lhiroyd And Josh Forehead.
Here are 10 songs from East African you need to hear in no particular order.
1. G-SALIH – “The journey Freestyle”
The C!rcle’s very own is back and has blessed us with amazing freestyle. Through his sharp rhymes and energetic delivery, G-SALIH is self-reflecting on his journey and is taking us way back in order to understand where he is at right now. These wonderful chords, the soothing bassline and superb melodies emphasize the retrospective aspect of the freestyle and will definitely take you on this particular journey; we got to give credit to Anwar Ahmed for this crazy production! The whole creation will make you feel like you’re cruising in the streets of Los Angeles and you need to experience this. Listen here
2. Mairo – “Kill Bill”
The Eritrean rapper based in Switzerland, one of the Xtrm boys, Mairo, has proved once again the way he masters the art of rapping is actually perfect. In this energetic record, an extract of his last album, produced by Hospital, the heavy 808s topped by the onslaught of rhymes is a pure auditory pleasure. If you do not understand French, just know Mairo is sending a reminder in case you forgot he’s one of the best to do it. Check it out here
3. Karun – “True to me” (SKY girls anthem)
The Kenyan songstress released a beautiful song for the SKY girl sisterhood! Trust me we need this type of songs right now, the record is an upbeat creation on which Karun laid her lustrous vocals and you know she never disappoints. If you do not know about SKY girl, it is a sisterhood of teen girls who are all about staying true to who they are and what they believe in. We think Karun was the best act to record this anthem and you should hear it!
4. Blvxb featuring Too Dope & roTation – “Loot”
2 of our favourite Sudanese acts have been featured on Blvxb’s new project and one of our favourite songs on it is “Loot”! Check this Arab trap song out and get lit!
5. Wauve featuring Stonebwoy & ZieZie – “Pamela”
One of our favourite acts from the East African diaspora, the one and only: Wauve is back at it again with a banger alongside Stonebwoy and ZieZie. “Pamela” can be described as afro-fusion infused with R&B elements song and it was brought to you by Wauve himself as you know he always produces quality content. The guitar is catchy, the chorus is dope, the collaboration is fresh and new; you need this track in your life right now! Check it out here and thank us later.
6. Edoquarto & Josh Forehead – “Ugandan Princess (Got Lost)”
The Ugandan rapper Josh forehead teamed up with producer Edoquarto to deliver an exceptional body of work! The song that caught our attention is “Ugandan Princess”, it’s the only track with this pattern in terms of rhythm and it will give you summer vibes to some extent. Check it out to catch some vibes and make sure to listen to the whole project!
7. Nel Ngabo – “Zoli”
One of the fast-rising acts from Rwanda dropped an EP in July and we encourage you to keep an eye on him.”Zoli” is by far one of the best tracks of the project; here he pours his heart out to the girl he loves by reminding her how beautiful (“Zoli”) she is on this Bongo-Flava/Afro-fusion instrumental! If you do not know Nel Ngabo, check him out and get familiar.
8. Davis D – “Micro”
Another fast-rising act from Rwanda who is ready to take over Africa released this Afro-pop, love song and we like it! If you have never heard of Davis D aKa Shine Boy make sure to listen to his hit “Dede” first. Enjoy!
9. Lhiroyd – “Balader”
One of the best East African acts in France right now just dropped another summer hit and he did not miss!
In this song, the Burundian artist addresses numerous topics such as child labour in the DRC or his own personal conflicts as well as the music industry. Check this Afro-pop groovy track out
10. Yvan Buravan – “Low Key”
Rwanda’s finest has blessed us a few weeks ago with this lovely jam and it still slaps! In this 3:26min record you’ll get to hear lovely lines in Kinyarwanda, English and French. Yvan’s harrowing vocals are catchy and a breath of fresh air right now! Give it a listen and enjoy.
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