East African Connect
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 Bey T, YK, Eaz Ba Bully, Hoosh, Diamond Platnumz, Lhiroyd, Juno Kizigenza, AKA Keyz, Nightlight and Moms. Here is a list of 10 East African Songs you need to hear in no particular order.
1.YK & Eaz Da Bully – “Bad Habits”
Our fav Sudanese acts from the UK are back with an amazing joint project titled “Home Run 2”. YK’s catchy vocals and Eaz’s sharp rhymes are a dope mixture and it might be their formula to bangers. These two acts never disappoint and in this track, they join forces to discuss their bad habits as well as their lifestyle on a melodious Instrumental. Check it out and get familiar!
2. The C!rcle – “Almost Home”
Sudani collective aka the Poets & Soldiers from the 249 dropped another gem and they delivered quality content per usual. The song explores the frustrations of being stuck and longing for some semblance of ‘’home’’. The soothing production will allow you to get into their universe as you enjoy these amazing rhymes.
3. YK & Eaz Da Bully featuring Hoosh – “G2g”
The UK duo teamed up with one of our favourite Sudanese acts of the diaspora to deliver a soulful masterpiece! G2g is by far one of the best songs on the tape, from the atypical but soothing vocals of Hoosh to the dope rhymes delivered by Eaz and YK’s catchy lines alongside the dulcet guitar. Read the review of the project here.
4. Diamond Platnumz – “Haunisumbu”
Bongo Flava King, Tanzania’s finest, Diamond Platnumz delivered an ‘’unbothered king anthem’’ and we love it; Lizer brought a lovely instrumental with a moody tone yet infused with colourful melodies. The way WCB’s CEO delivers his message is beautiful when it comes to pouring his heart out! For those who do not understand Swahili, this track is like some sort of diss track to an ex, the title refers to him being unbothered no matter what the ex might do in public. Listen here.
5. Lhiroyd – “Gola”
“Gola” is Lhiroyd’s latest single and per usual the France-based Burundian afro-pop artist never disappoints. This track is an extract of a project aiming to shed light on urban artists from Orléans, France and you know Lhiroyd never fails to represent his city! On this Brazilian funk type beat, Lhiroyd goes off through sick bars while merging west and central African elements like he always does!
Considering how effortless it seems for him to hop on any type of production and make it a banger, showcasing his versatility might be the easiest thing for him. Listen here!
6. Juno Kizigenza – “Solid”
Rwanda’s finest, Juno Kizigenza gave us a sweet love anthem in which he claims the love he has for his soulmate is solid and how he will do anything in order to make her happy. The switch from English to Kinyarwanda and the rich Rwandan afro-pop instrumental brought to you by Element is what you need to hear right now. “Solid” had a great reception in Rwanda as it started trending via a challenge on Instagram brought spontaneously by his listeners. Check it out here.
7. Nightlight= – “Ma’Vie”
“Ma’Vie”, french for “my life” is Nightlight’s latest song and you need to hear it! This tranquil trap song is a deep body of work in which Nightlight unburdens his heart as well as his thoughts while mixing Sudanese Arabic, English and French. If you’ve never heard of him before I strongly advise you to check him out and get familiar.
8. Moms – “Muscador”
Our Switzerland-based Somali eclectic rapper unleashed an energetic drill track and we are obsessed with it! Moms is going off with sharp rhymes and for those who do not understand French, he is simply flexing! You might have noticed drill is not for everyone yet rappers tend to hop on this genre very quickly, well Moms did a great job here and you won’t be disappointed. Make sure to listen to it here.
9. Bey T – “The Most”
Kenya’s Bey, one of the first artists revealed by emPawa Africa is back with a trap-anthem and she is not here to play! People might think she’s doing ‘’the most’’ when she’s just in a ‘’Imma just do me’’ type of vibe. Bey T has been dropping a lot of trap songs lately and we’re here for that, it just gets better each release. Check it out and catch some vibes.
10. AKA Keyz – “Maximum”
Last but not least, one of our favourite Sudanese MC’s just blessed us with a spirited track, full of heavy 808s complimented by his lively rhymes and his lit chorus! I strongly recommend you check this song out, you will be impressed! Listen here.
