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 : Bensoul, Selektaa, Karun, MaMan, Cali Zaki, Kahu$h, Ruby Afrika, Lhiroyd, Zuchu, Alikiba. Here are 10 east african songs you need in your life right now
1. Bensoul featuring Sauti Sol & Nvirii The Storyteller, Mejja – “Nairobi”
Sauti Sol’s very own, Bensoul, one of the top live acts from Kenya alongside the Afro-pop pioneers teamed up with vocalists Nivirii and Mejja to give us a soulful track filled with Nairobi vibes. We missed Bensoul and his eclectic sounds so this song is the one you need right now. The sultry harmonies, moody guitar as well as the rich percussions makes a relaxing fusion that is close to perfection. Listen here and enjoy!
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2. Selektaa – “Zero Gravity”
The Djiboutian-French creative is back and better. She just released the first single of her upcoming debut EP. Selektaa joined forces with Lille-based producer Fair’son. “Zero Gravity” fuses energetic rhythms stemming from Japaneseis funk and house music; it is a psychedelic ode to letting go and embracing the duality within. Make sure to check Selektaa out and keep an eye on her.
Listen here
3. Karun – “Catch A Vibe”
Karun just gave us a feel-good anthem and we love it! “Catch A Vibe” is a song that will encourage you to ride the wave of good vibrations, wherever you are on your journey. The tone of the song is light-hearted and shows Karun’s versatility mixing alternative R&B infusing Afro-pop elements into it. Check it out!
Listen here
4. MaMan featuring RoTation -”Faham”
Our favorite acts from Sudan are back at it and it is safe to say they came back with a banger. “Faham” is a perfect representation of MaMan’s sounds as well as RoTation’s universe. The moody vocals, the afro-fusion type of beat, as well as the smooth linguistic mixture of Sudanese arabic and English is their own formula for a hit. We strongly encourage you to listen to it!
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5. Cali Zaki – “Xidhiidhkeena”
“Xidhiidhkeena” or “our relationship” in somali is Cali Zaki’s new song and that is the current Somali-pop hit right now. The Somali pop star mixed the traditional pattern of the typical somali love songs with a contemporary story and we like the concept! Give it a listen and check him out.
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6. Kahu$h – “ When I Rap”
One of Kenya’s finest MCs dropped an amazing project last month titled “Wanted in Nairobi”. “When I Rap” is the 8th track of this amazing body of work and you need to hear it. Kahu$h never fails to showcase his versatility and this song is a good example; the slow paced track allows you in his conscience and at some extent it feels like you’re listening to a stream of consciousness provided by the artist on a minimalistic instrumental with a very soothing melody. If you are familiar with producer 9th wonder, this song will definitely remind you of him. Catch some vibes and listen to it.
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7. Ruby Afrika featuring Darassa – “Na Enjoy”
Ruby Afrika teamed up with Drassa to deliver a sweet Swahili Jam. The melodious guitar will for sure get you addicted to the song; the way Ruby’s wonderful vocals are complemented by Darassa’s rhymes amkes the whole creation very smooth. Make sure to listen!
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8. Lhiroyd – “ Bombe”
Our Burundian Afro-pop sensation blessed us with a colorful song and his energetic vibes per usual! This song reflects on his life, his country as well as his personal growth. Make sure to listen to it you won’t be regret it.
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9. Zuchu – “ Sukari”
WCB’s finest starts the year with a sweet song titled “Sukari” or “Sugar”.
Her suave vocals flow naturally on the up-tempo instrumental and it is safe to say her sounds have been missed. Zuchu keeps on securing her place at the top of Bongo Flava scene. Make sure to listen!
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10. Alikiba – “ Infidèle”
Alikiba from Tanzania released a Swahili-love song dubbed “Infidele” which means “Unfaithful” in french. The track is full of life with colorful melodies and smooth harmonies in the instruments. If you are not familiar with Alikiba, he is one of the top acts from East Africa and his sounds are beautiful! Check him out.
Listen here
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