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; Ismail Dannan, Harmonize, Rayvanny, JADI, Eddy Kenzo, Dua Saleh, Bas, Swagina, Zuchu, Shaka Mao, Victoria Kimani and Willy Paul.
Here are the East African songs you need to hear in no particular order.
1. Dua Saleh & Bas – “RE(a)D”
The amazing Dua teamed up with the music mogul, Bas, one of the best Sudanese artists of the diaspora. The duo delivered a calm song with trap vibes infused topped by their dope rhymes and Dua’s raspy vocals. Get familiar and make sure to check it out!
2. Ismail Dannan – “Guur Khayr”
The talented Somali vocalist is back with another lovely remake! Ismail really came through with some classic content and cheered up the whole Somali diaspora with the song. “Guur Khayr” translates to “Blessed wedding” and basically it’s a classic wedding song that is played at all ceremonies up to today, Somalis can relate to it and it will probably remind them of good memories while growing up. Check it out here! Ismail Dannan is very good when it comes to remixing classic Somali songs.
3.Alicia Keys featuring Diamond Platnumz – “wasted energy”
The great Alicia Keys teamed up with the East African music mogul, king of Bongo Flava, head of WCB Records in her self- titled album. The smooth raegge track is made of pure sounds, with an amazing bassline and soothing vocals. The collaboration might seem crazy at first but that is one of the greatest productions you will get to hear right now. This song was highly anticipated by the East African audience and let’s say they did not disappoint at all! Listen here
4. JADI – “Sleki”
Kaka empire’s very own, fast-rising boys band, JADI are back with another hit dubbed “sleki”! JADI never disappoints when it comes to delivering dope Kenyan-infused vibes R&B anthems, their chemistry just gets better on each tracks and their vocals are still as catchy as they were when we first mentioned their hit song “Jibeba” a while ago. Keep an eye on them and enjoy this one.
5. Victoria Kimani & FKi 1st featuring Stonebwoy-“Afreaka REMIX”
The beautiful Victoria Kimani blessed us with a remix of the groovy “Afreak” alongside FKi 1st and Ghana’s Stonebwoy. This track is one our favorites currently and you need to hear it! The explosive collaboration and the versatility of the production will get you addicted. We strongly encourage you to listen to it!
6. Shaka Mao featuring Swagina Music – “Believe me”
Kampala’s finest just released the visuals for his mid-tempo hit of his last EP and you need to see it! The music video captures the vibe of the creation in a very accurate way and it will allow you to discover Shaka Mao’s universe as well as the fast-rising act: Swagina Music, featured on the track! This is not their first collab ever and it is safe to say their connection is on another level. Make sure to check it out and keep an eye on those gems of the emerging scene of Uganda.
7. Harmonize featuring Rayvanny – “Paranawe”
The serial hitmakers from Tanzania came through with another banger! This bongo flava jam is what you need right now. Catch some vibes and listen here.
8. Zuchu featuring Diamond Platnumz – “Cheche”
“Cheche” is a complete WCB production and you know Diamond’s artists do not play.
In this song, you can hear Zuchu’s musical identity and some taarab influences. Check it out!
9. Willy Paul featuring Avril – “Coco”
One of the best vocalists from Kenya teamed up with Avril to give us a Swahili love song and we are loving it! If you need some sweet Kenyan vibes that is the song for you!
10.Swagina Music – “Ekibaala”
One of the gems of the Ugandan emerging scene just delivered an energetic song called “Ekibaala”! The gengetone influences are undeniable and the Luganda x gengetone fusion is definitely enjoyable. Listen here