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. With their diverse beat and flow, This week’s selection features artists like MaMan, Le Ru, Imad, TooDope, Victoria Kimani, roTation, Dualeh Oke, Niile, Erhan ANJ and Wauve.
Here are the 10 latest songs you should listen to in no particular order.
1. TooDope x roTation – Ejaza”
Ejaza is the 1st track of the joint EP by TooDope and roTation, TNT: iNjaz which means “Achievement” in Arabic but also “to acquire something” in Sudanese street slang in reference to street deals. The afro-fusion/hip-hop EP consists of 4 songs and the lyrics are a fusion of English and Sudanese slang. The EP was written last year, during the tragic events taking place in Sudan, (which explains the inspiration behind the songs) therefore they actually finished writing it in November 2019 after everything went back to normal.
“Ejaza” can be translated by “vacation” and the song talks about the day to day struggles in the life of an average Sudanese citizen. TooDope, himself made a reference to the African giant’s “Dangote” in terms of the backstory of the song… And it is very accurate! “Ejaza” has a special place in roTation’s heart as he first freestyled the hook, back then, to his best friend Mattar who loved it and was convinced it would be a hit, unfortunately Mattar passed away during the Khartoum Massacre… May his soul rest in peace.
The visuals were made by Marwan Elhussein aka Marwan on the moon, an amazing graphic designer that we’ve already mentioned in our previous article featuring Gaidaa’s “Falling Higher” music video.
2. Erhan ANJ featuring Ro x – “Malabey”
Ro x is one of the leaders of the new school when it comes to the somali-diaspora rap scene, he is one of the few to rap in somali and addresses different topics, he has already been featured in the 1st edition of “Sounds From The East” with his popular song “Harimaade”. Erhan ANJ is an upcoming somali rapper based in Minnesota and is definitely going to breakthrough soon thanks to his dope rhymes and his atypic vocals
“Malabey” is a beautiful song in which both of the artists pour their heart out. Erhan’s rich and colourful vocals accompanied by Ro’s dope rhymes in Somali is a perfect combo. The story of the song is basically Erhan looking back on a past relationship, the numerous memories that were shared and he also makes it clear that no matter what happens she is still his girl and he’ll always be there for her… (how cute?) The 2nd verse is in somali and here the perspective is a little bit different because Ro x is looking back on the relationship as well, the memories, how things ended and how much he misses her… But he is slowly letting her go and is trying to get rid of the memories in order to heal. This is one of the best Somali collabs of this year and I promise you will like this moving song!
3. Le Ru – “Sick Ah”
If you have never heard of Le Ru before, aka “The sweet & Spicy Hummingbird” well she is one of the gems of the Kenyan scene. We featured her in “Alté Sounds From The East“. She expresses herself through the sounds that she describes as jazz, R&B with an African feel as well as her rhymes. “Sick Ah“ is definitely an example of how she uses her rhymes to express her freedom, in this song she addresses toxic masculinity, the entitled and possessive tendencies of men and how sick and tired she is of it. The 808s of the production brings out an ego hype vibe that women can jam and vibe to, it is a good reminder for women to feel empowered. Women or Men everyone should check it out, it is a dope track and it is on all major streaming platforms! The music video matches the vibe perfectly.
4. Imad – “Ttt”
“Ttt”is the last song of the French-based Djiboutian rapper’s debut EP titled “Off”. If you do not really listen to french rap you should definitely check this 6-songs EP (available on every streaming platform), Imad addresses topics such as love and situationships through different aspects of trap music. In “Ttt” his strong vocals and sharp rhymes complement the vibrant 808s used in this chill trap instrumental. If you are not familiar with french well this song is like a “Fuck Love” anthem. Imad repeats several times “C’est faux, dis pas que tu m’aimes, c’est faux dis pas qu’on s’aime, c’est faux tout ça tu sais…” meaning “It’s not true, don’t tell me you love me, it’s all fake you know it” he also says “Fuck love” numerous times at the beginning of the 2nd verse and proceeds to explain there is no space in his heart anymore… To all the heartbroken boys in these hard times here is a track for you.
5. MaMan – “UntitledHak”
You should be familiar with MaMan by now, he has been featured in all the previous editions of “Sounds From The East“. Representing Young JustUs records, home to most of the rising talents of Sudan, MaMan is back with another song, exploring his versatility through these mellow rhymes on an old school hip-hop type of instrumental made by AK (on the beat). The artwork of the single was made by Zeena Mirghani and it pictures MaMan wearing a white T-shirt with a mini Sudan’s flag. He is also in front of what seems to be the map/shape of Sudan as MaMan never fails to represent the 249 proudly it is available everywhere you should listen to it.
6. roTation – “Trees”
“Trees” is a deep song that was written back in December 2016 and deals with 2 important aspects of roTation’s life back then. Through those lively rhymes and this soulful instrumental by AMJD, roTation is not only exploring his versatility but he is addressing his mental health, his past relationships and how do trees (weed) help him to calm down and give him the deceleration he needs to step back and self-reflect, no matter how taboo it is in Sudan, that is how he finds his peace of mind (“When these streets go wild, I set these trees on fire, girl I need you”).
The blazing vocals of roTation alongside the soothing bassline makes the lyrics of the song seem like a stream of consciousness. We strongly encourage you to listen to it, you won’t stay indifferent!
7. Niile featuring TooDope – KALAM
Sudan’s very own Niile and TooDope teamed up to give us an energetic trap song titled “KALAM” produced by Niile himself. For those who do not understand Arabic, this song is, in a way diss song where they address the act of talking for no reason, which can explain the song’s title. For those who do not listen to Sudani rap, you might feel a bit lost, but it is definitely worth checking out and TooDope usually mixes English and Arabic in his verses so the linguistic mix brings something fresh to the song. Make sure to check the video out!
8. Dualeh Oke – Level Up
The East London based- Somali MC, Dualeh Oke presents his first single of the year “Level Up” the lead single to his next EP “Breath It’s Oke”. In this song Dualeh describes his experiences and how they have helped him become the person he is today, he speaks from a place of optimism and his rhymes define his energy. He then effortlessly returns to a catchy chorus, befitting of a track that actively inspires his listeners to take pride in their own journeys.
You should totally check this song out and keep an eye on this London’s figure of the emerging underground scene!
9. Wauve – Fee Fi Fo
Robeal Yohannes aka Wauve, the London based Eritrean artist is back with a dope song, sampling one of the biggest R&B song of the decade: So Sick by Ne-yo. Wauve is an amazing producer that mixes R&B and Afrobeats in such a smooth way that you’ll be obsessed with his sounds! We featured him in the 1st edition of “Sounds From the East” with his hit “Sweet Time”.
He is back and better and not here to play, we should be expecting a short EP later this year according to him. Awaiting this special release, enjoy this nice track!
10. FKi 1st featuring Victoria Kimani – Anywhere
Kenya’s finest, Victoria Kimani is back with a new album alongside FKi 1st “Afreaka”. “Anywhere” is the 2nd single of the album, it is an amazing fusion of trap sounds and an old African classic used as a sample throughout the song. You should check these splendid melodies out, as well as the album, Vibes guaranteed!