Sounds From The East
It is true that East African music gets little coverage but when it comes to Sounds From the East, whether if we are talking about moguls or upcoming artists, Bongo Flava to AfroFusion you know iMullar got you for the latest tracks! This week’s selection features artists like King Kaka, Mo’W Kanzie, Mbosso, Diamond Platnumz, Gulled Simba, JADI, Gaidaa, MaMan, Eaz da Bully or Bruce Melodie! Here is the 10 tracks selection to in no particular order, enjoy!
1. King Kaka – “Wajinga Nyinyi”
“Wajinga nyinyi” is the 1st song of King Kaka’s recently released mixtape: « The King & The Servant ». This amazing piece of work is made of different sounds as well as several features from Raheem DeVaughn to Kwesi Arthur or Xenia Manasseh. In this song King Kaka’s rhymes denounce social injustice in Kenya, he uses his voice to call out politicians by mentioning some of their names (bold move yeah?) and addresses issues such as corruption, taxes, unemployment and tribalism (which is a big deal in Kenya and a lot of African countries). This song will definitely be in Kenya’s music history and we advise you to check it out one time for the culture.
2. Mbosso – “Haijakaa Sawa”
You may know about Diamond Platnumz’s record label WCB Wasafi: one of the biggest record label in East Africa, home to a few bongo superstars! WCB’s very own, Mbosso is back with another song, a sweet Swahili jam where he tells the story of a man going through hard times and comforting his girl that everything will be alright and their love should last no matter what. We strongly encourage you to check it out, sweet vibes guaranteed. Wasafi!
3. Mo’W Kanzie – “Tell me”
Burundi’s finest, Mo’W Kanzie is back at it again with a new track showing us how versatile she is! “Tell me” is a catchy song perfect for late-night vibes or a kizomba party. You should definitely listen to it!
4. JADI – “Jibeba”
If you do not know about JADI, the amazing afro-fusion/Afro-R&B trio from Kenya, signed to Kaka Empire (King Kaka’s label) you should check them out and keep an eye on them, they will soon take over, trust me! “Jibeba” is a lovely afro-fusion song produced by the one and only Ethan Muziki. Enjoy!
5. MaMan featuring Eaz Da Bully – “Money”
MaMan is back with Eaz Da Bully representing the 249 (Sudan) per usual! “Money” is a very interesting mix of English and Sudanese, the message they’re trying to give is that money isn’t just cash but could be love and kindness. The chorus starts with MaMan asking.
“My money wein?” meaning “where is my money ?”, this shows how the meaning of the song is open for conversation in the sense that you can understand it literally or the metaphorical way! In Eaz Da Bully’s verse, money is addressed but in a more materialistic way which gives a certain balance between the 2 artists and their verses on this nice instrumental. Make sure you check it out!
6. Diamond Platnumz – “Jeje”
The king of bongo is back with another hit and he’s not here to play, He chose some of the best creatives in Africa for this song. The mogul joined forces with one of Nigeria’s best producers, the one and only Kel-P and Director Kenny, the best video director in Tanzania.
Platnumz in this song shows us his versatility by using an Afro-fusion instrumental and killing it as usual with his beautiful voice. Let’s hope to see more Diamond Platnumz and Kel-P collabs, because you know that when you hear “It’s Kel-P vibes”, it is going to be a madness for sure!
If you did not watch the music video, you must watch it! Director Kenny is giving us summer vibes by showcasing the beauty of Zanzibar: from the colourful settings and the splendid landscapes to the flashy outfits of the dancers and Malaika’s boisterous moves. Check it out and make sure you watch the music video as well, enjoy and replay it as much as you want!
7. King Kaka featuring Kwesi Arthur – “Say it loud”
Kenya’s very own King Kaka and the “Ground Up Chale” artist, Kwesi Arthur gave us a nice love song with a beautiful mix of Twi and Swahili, you know East and West African collabs can never go wrong. You will love it for sure!
“Say it loud” is the 20th track of “The King & The Servant” and shows the different sounds King Kaka has put together for this amazing project.
8. Gulled Simba – “Danayn”
The Somali diaspora superstar gave us another hit! This is a typical Somali love song that you’ll like for sure as well as Gulled Simba’s amazing voice. For those who do not really know about Somali music well “Danayn” is the type of track which can be played at a wedding and will make everyone dance! Enjoy.
9. Gaidaa – “Falling higher”
Gaidaa never disappoints! The Sudanese R&B/Soul singer’s latest single is an amazing piece of work. The combo of her superb vocals and the soul bass are, in a way spiritual! Listening to this song feels like an incredible experience.
This project is a complete Sudani production, Yousra Elbagir directed the music video and the visuals are by Marwa on the moon.
We strongly recommend you to listen to it and check the music video!
10. Bruce Melodie – “Henzapu”
If you’ve never heard of Bruce Melodie before, well he is one of the best vocalists in Rwanda. “Henzapu” or “Hands UP” is his recent masterpiece and you need to hear it! It is a lively song you can listen to at any time.