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, Abnormal Sleepz, HMD, Hoosh, Niile, Navy Kenzo, Hamzaa, Rotation, Willy Paul and Mejja.
Here are the songs you need in no particular order! Enjoy
1. Kagwe Mungai – “Chay Chay”
Kenya’s finest, the one and only Kagwe Mungai is back and not here to play. He has blessed us with an Amapiano hit and it is safe to say you’ll be obsessed with the sounds. Remember Amapiano is not for everyone and it can be hard to catch the right vibes, but be sure Mungai delivered quality content and “chay chay” is the song you need right now. The mix of Kiswahili on the Amapiano instrumental is as smooth as the South African legwork you must start doing when you hear this jam. Check it out here!
2. Hoosh – “Missed Takes”
Hoosh has been dropping gems back to back and we’re loving it! “Missed Takes” is a fascinating song in which he proves once again how diverse his sounds are and how easy it is for him to switch it up.
The Sudanese artist masters the art of storytelling in a way that sets him aside from the rest, all of his creations are like journeys into his universe. “Missed Takes” is the perfect example to describe his art, a particular reflective vibe is installed thanks to the deep introspective lyrics, the guitar-led instrumental as well as his rasping and authentic sound. Make sure to listen to it, it is available on all platforms.
3. Navy Kenzo featuring The Great Eddy – “Jelousy”
Navy Kenzo are back with their long-awaited project: “Story Of The African Mob” and this was needed. With collaborations from everywhere in Africa, from Tanzania to Ghana, the journey they’re taking you on with this solid piece of work is an amazing experience. One of our favourite tracks is “Jelousy”; a slow-paced creation on which they linked up with The Great Eddy.
4. Abnormal Sleepz featuring HMD- “Running”
It has been a while since we got the chance to enjoy such smooth and sweet afro-fusion sounds but Abnormal Sleepz and HMD came through for us. Known for his signature semi-conscious style and DIY attitude, Sleepz hits us with a perfect “summer is over”-anthem. Groovy but slightly infused moody vibes, a soulful bassline which will put you in a beautiful mood and HMD essential vocals; “Running” is the perfect song for this period. Get familiar.
5. Wauve – “Day by Day”
The East African prince from London blessed us with this upbeat song a few weeks ago and we honestly think everyone needs to hear it. Sit back relax and enjoy this lovely creation, whatever you’re going through right now, this song will definitely make you smile, help you cheer up and get you through tough times! Make sure to listen to it.
6. Rotation – “Friday freestyle”
As you may know Rotation from Sudan has been one of our favourite acts and he just dropped a cool “Friday freestyle”. If you’re not familiar with Rotation just know his diversity is out of this world and no matter what instrumental he hops on is a masterpiece, he never disappoints. Make sure to check it out and catch some vibes if you’ve missed Rotation as much as we did.
7. Willy Paul featuring Mejja “Prakata”
The one we describe as a Kenyan Hip-hop veteran, Willy Paul, joined forces with Mejja to give us a banger called “Prakata”. The song is as energetic as the title and they came through with the raw gengetone vibes from the 254. Listen here
8. Tiwa Savage featuring Hamzaa – “Pakalamisi”
Queen Tiwa teamed up with the amazing Hamzaa in her new album for a groovy love song and we’re obsessed with it. The slow-paced song is catchy and so soothing, t just gets better each second into it. You know that 234 x 254 connection never disappoints and it can only be a banger, don’t worry if you cannot understand Yoruba, Kiswahili, or Pidgin just press play and enjoy! You won’t regret it.
If you are familiar with Jaskelis then it will definitely give you some “activate” vibes!
9. Niile – “Thin Ice”
One thing you need to know about the current Sudanese artists is they’re some of the most diverse artists in terms of genres and sounds. The one and only Niile just dropped a deep funk track with disco vibes and we love it. The artist behind the trap anthem “Kalam” switched it up one time and you must hear it! Enjoy!
10. Navy Kenzo featuring Mugeez – “Body Tight”
Navy Kenzo teamed up with the one and only Mugeez from Ghana to give us a mid-tempo banger. The East-West African connexion in this song is on another level, and it just gets more addictive. From the harmonies to the blazing trumpets and the smooth percussions (with a beautiful linguistic mix per usual), the song has the perfect formula.