TAMASHA - ALBUM REVIEW

 

The Review

This album came out yesterday and to be honest I was a little skeptical about it because their genre of music is totally out of my comfort zone rather, what I usually listen to.  I must say that these three men are lyrical geniuses, I guess that’s why people like their songs so much and this makes their songs very catchy. Their genre actually makes me think of getting in to a matatu to go home  after a long day of running errands in town but there were these particular songs that I really liked ;

 Tamasha!

This song caught my attention because it has a different melody than what has been used in the other songs. The other reason is that they integrated kikuyu in it for instance’ tiga wana mani’ which I think really adds flavor to the song. As the title a state, this song is really suitable for parties because of its groovy melody people will be dancing to it, even if they don’t understand the lyrics.

 Confirmed...

I really liked this song because the lyrics are very relatable. If it’s confirming the fuliza, confirming if you have locked your door or being confirmed as a Christian I think one of these events one can attest that they have experienced them once in their lives.  We also see the word play used throughout the song to explain the title of the song.

 The other songs in the album include Toka Watu, which I actually thought was stealing from people but it actually stresses the need to be alone, not in the sense of loneliness but rather solitude. Expressway, which was really catchy, Bae Wako amekusave Aje, tanker and Stakabadhi.

Although the songs were fascinating ,some of the lyrics  were hard to make sense of  because they focused on the lyrical flow. However, I commend the artists for their creativity  on how their words rhyme  and blend together which makes this particular genre they’re in very unique. The Kenyan music industry needs a breath of fresh air and this is it. I for sure will add this album to my playlist and I hope you will too.

 

Reviewed By:

Grace Kigunda

 

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FOTO MOTO- BENZEMA X NOTI FLOW SONG REVIEW

Foto Moto Song Review

I must say that I have had mixed feelings about this song.  It was one of those things you hate on at first and then later find yourself grooving to it. And yes, Benzema’s Instagram posts had a lot of influence in getting to groove to it. But even so, at this very moment, I wouldn’t say it’s something to be entirely proud about. Here me out, I have my reasons.

Like every song review on this site, it is entirely based on my opinion. How I feel about the song once I’ve heard it. How I feel about the song after watching other people hear it. And how I feel a couple of weeks later hearing the same song from different sources (In this case, Alehandro’s IG).

Noti Flow…

Right now, I applaud her for the lyrical guts in this song.

At first, I was judgemental. Yes, I judged a girl I don’t really know for seeming too thirsty and looking way too horny in a creative show. I judged her for expressing herself, for going out of her way to create a creative music video and again, having thirsty lyrics. You see, most non-virgin girls do get horny. Actually, they all do. What separates this lot from the latter are those confident enough to tell a niggah that they want the D and those that feel like it is the guy’s duty to know that she wants the dangalang and offer it to her.

Nimecome bila Ngotha(panties) na nyonginyo(socks)

Being in a confident lane right now, I want to one day visit a guy (my guy) with no panties and socks.

I’m glad Noti Flow sang this song. I know now more than anything that confidence is important. Also, that caring much about what people think is toxic to yourself. I mean, look at her. She has campaigned two things to us and put herself out there to be judged, did she care? I hope not. I should say that I am no longer a hater. I am not a fan. No not yet. I am a happy cheerleader. Go Noti. Flow in your confidence.

Benzema and the Beat

Like most people who watched this song, I watched it because it was starring Benzema. I enjoy his songs. I happily dance to them, make love while they’re playing, cook in their background beats… I mean, I love his lyrics (except that line on kaa na mama yako where he says something about taking advantage of drunk girls. I didn’t like that part of the lyrics).

Nonetheless, Benzema is the fine guy with that sexy aura that most girls can’t explain. [My friends have constantly accused me of either crushing on him or having some sought of affair. (I promise that’s not the case. Also, may be a story for another day)] I have also seen guys groove to his vibe because, why not? He speaks to them, they relate and that’s what matters in music. It is safe to say that he is actually likeable.

Knowing the kinds of songs Benzema features in, like Do re mi, (Crazy beat, also, still my all-time favourite) I was certain of something from Foto Moto. A good beat. Yes, that catchy tune that makes you sing the words even when you don’t want to.

You know that tuned vibe that you can’t help but understand or relate to? This is exactly what happened to me.

And now, whether I’m planning to approach a potential lover, or simply hanging out with friends, I’m happy to say that the picture is hot. Foto Moto!

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BLUE TICKS; WHY YOU GET THE BLUE TICKS

Why the blue ticks?

I’ve always thought, if I’m going to ignore you, you might as well know that I’m ignoring you. And some may ask, what did I do to deserve your ignoring? You did nothing. I know you did nothing. And for now, I don’t want you to do anything.

… You know that feeling when you’re on both ends of the spectrum? You mind the blue-ticks, you don’t mind the blue-ticks; from other people of course, and sometimes, maybe most times; you’re the blue-ticker to some.

Yeah well, Grey ticks haven’t always been my thing. I mean, I have a couple of friends who show you the grey ticks. And when I think about why they do that, there’re just a couple of things I can say.

Most of us have them. I have them. Not one, not two, not three either so say a couple of them. To me, they don’t really know how you’ll handle it. So whether they’re ignoring you, or not, you won’t know. And when they’re talking to you, it’s because they want to.

Just like life; stories have breaks. I like to call them ‘breaks of reason’. So every time during my break of reason, I think. Mostly, it’s thinking about the action I want to take. You know, in life, we don’t have breaks for some things. For most people, it’s mouths. They love to talk, they thrive in stories, and they thrive in the human connection of stories.

I get it, you want to know why the blue ticks. I should have thought better and go straight to grey ticks. I mean, sometimes, ignorance is bliss. I could also say that I love the colour blue, and that’s why I like to see blue ticks. I know that you know, I don’t think you should know. However, I’ll do this once. It’s not ignorance. And if that’s what you think, then so be it.

It has nothing to do with me being mad or angry at you; maybe, not interested at that particular moment, phase or time. You know, Sometimes, I don’t know what I want but I sure as hell know what I don’t want. Sometimes, it could be, not wanting to leave my bed, not wanting to write, and not wanting to respond to your message in the midst of many others. I may not want to break a promise or admit that sometimes, I am afraid.

I once saw in a friend’s status, ‘life is like a maze…’ and I added, ‘… and in each phase, a passing stage’.  If you’re patient…  well and good. And if you move, I know what I’ll have to say if I ever choose to go back.

Blue ticks, more than anything, is my way of telling you, ‘not now’. I don’t mean for you to develop a grudge or something like being mad. I mean it, not now. Haha. At the end of it all, we should hope one thing. ‘That we’ll get better.’

©Emma K.

Inspo: Leave me alone by Khaligraph Jones

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NGWAI BY OCHUNGULO FAMILY SONG REVIEW - NO TWERKING

 

Wait, an Ochungulo video without twerking and half naked video vixens?

Damn! Is the song purely about sshhh... shash, wait for it... ngwai?

Haha. At this point, we hope you know what ngwai means. If not, please ask your closest ratchet or quiet friend. One of them ought to know.

Ok... Moving on to matters business.

Does the song have a catchy tune to it? Definitely yes! Whether or not you entertain the drug, I swear the beat to this song just makes you want to be 20 years old kinda young and dance your cholesterol off. In all honesty, the beat to a song is what makes it become nice, amazing or simple boring with nothing much to look to it.

Ok, back to this song.... Do I have anything bad to say? Well, Who in the world leaves saliva on a blunt being passed? (News flash; You need to be left out this kinda formation.)

Need I say Kenyans now have a song and anthem to sing once marijuana is legalized? That is if it ever comes to be legal.

The video to this song is amazingly funny and intriguing to watch. At least for the first time in ever, an Ochungulo video that does not have asses shaking all over our screens. I’m in love with the video itself and the beat.... oh my!(raises hands up)

The energy of the acts in it makes it more and more entertaining.

Ok. Let’s talk about the lyrics...

@Nellythegoon, your lyrics are ever amazing. They’re catchy and the way you accompany psyching vocal effects like ‘aaaiii’ it’s authentic and we CANNOT get enough.

@Benzema, Have you guys noticed how soft his voice is? Does he also talk like that softly? Haha. You done did well starting off this video. We’ve been waiting for this moment for a while and that starter surely did elevate the stoner mood. Craviiiiiing!!!

@Dmore.... Yoh, Nigga, (assuming I’m black, I’m allowed to call you that) With this song, your lyrics really did stand out. And the way you generally match up your lyrics with your voice gets us onto this genge tone vibe so tightly and it gets deep.

 Winding up on this, I hope you enjoyed this song as much as I did.

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VARCITY PICNIC FT BENDI HURU| EVENT REVIEW

Have you ever been somewhere and you felt like your emotions were skipping from feeling to feeling? Well, I know that this could be a weird sought of expression of feelings of some sought, (haha!) especially for you who’ve probably never experienced this. Either way, I need to say that this is exactly how the VarCity picnic featuring Bendi Huru made me feel.

Yes, my emotions were literally skipping from feeling to feeling. Let me explain…

The Arts

Waridi music touched my heart with their melodious voices singing the messages of love. It did make me call my ex trying to check up on them. Maybe I should thank God that they didn’t pick up. I mean what would I say to them? I love them? Tell them the truth? Heck no. But you see what they did to me yeah? I’m talking about Waridi. They threw me into the space of missing a relationship and get into a kissing booth and generally feel young, wild and free. Oh my…

Phyl the Kangogo brought the hype back and it was all fun. I just wanted to dance my heart and soul. I didn’t care about my bum shaking and whoever laid eyes on it Ha!

A different act on stage put me in the mood of mingling with other souls and there was more commonality in this event than I ever thought. I greeted and introduced myself to various people who turned out to be the Dj Fazar, Mr. Alela and his siblings who turned out to be writers, directors and various artists. Some young souls were there for the music and were honestly happy to have me, a stranger talk to them.

After all these impromptu greetings and acknowledgements between strangers, I was ready for the days show stoppers. I mean the reason why I was at this event in the first place.

Bendi Huru

First of all, I noticed something about this band. Are you ready?

Every time Bendi Huru is on stage, they always make sure that they have the attention of the audience. They don’t just start singing Hehe! No. They always have this session of mic checks and instrument testing before slowly carrying you on their backs and putting you into a position where you were aware that they… were actually carrying you. I hope you understand the metaphorical language.

Bendi Huru is a liberating band. Their music speaks to me and I love how they fuse the instruments, the vocals and the spoken poetry into wholesome songs. And if you haven’t, kindly listen to their songs including Black without Apology, Mr. Politician and Afrodizia.

My best Act for this event would be Sy Matias. Why? I like the way he moves and dances, his voice aside.

When I had first arrived at the event, I felt lonely and as though I should know more people than I already knew. However, the company of Sonia; who challenged me to a game of fuse ball eased me into the picnic that had youths dancing and seating in groups and I slowly began to feel a part of something.

I must say. I’m happy that I attended this event. Mayuu (Mwafrika Huru), kindly make sure that I get to attend more and more of such events. ;-)

#VarCity #Picnic #Artists #BendiHuru #Blackwithoutapology

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WILLY PAUL- LAMBA NYONYO SONG REVIEW

First of all… What the heck???

Willy, Willy, Willy…

From heavenly gospel days to ok wedding songs and now… whar a these? Seriously?

It’s clear that Willy Paul missed the buzz on his name and what a way to bring back the buzz? Ha!

Low-key I feel sorry for our millennial because its sex left, right and center and our retired gospel artists are now telling us exactly how to suck them titties? Wow, just wow.

Well, if we break it down, we think the song just sounds displaced because the artist is clearly displaced. Willy, why oh why?

We must also add that the song is not bad if you don’t know Willy Paul but if you actually know him, we are sure that you carry the same confusion as we do.

However, we must say that the beat to this song is… quite the banger. Hello Teddy B, you are awesome. We do love it.

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OCHUNGULO FAMILY - KAA NA MAMA YAKO SONG REVIEW

Ochungulo Family have said that there’s no point of wasting time and they are straight to the point… ‘Kama hakuna, kaa na mama yako, usikuje hapa’

Let me translate. Haha! Can I? Ok, ok…

I don’t know why it sounds so much better in Swahili but if you’re not giving it, stay with your mum because this isn’t the place for you.

The vixens in this music video are so blessed with dancing skills. Cardi B and Nicki should stream over and check out their real competition.

My favourite side line in this song is, ‘mwanamke asipotoka kwa nyumba ataolewa na jirani’ Haha, hello neighbour; we could wed but unfortunately I’m ever on the go.

Moving on…

Honestly though, it feels good to have an Ochungulo family video on Youtube it was so quiet in there.

Kenyan genge-tone is back and Alejandro has the ladies melting in all the right ways. Nellythegoon has got them hooked in the best position and Dmore… well, Dmore has them satisfied. I need to add that I am not responsible for what you think or understand from the above statement. I said what needed to be said because damn, I’m feeling their vibe.

Now you know not to beat around the bush. Because who wants their time wasted? Are we on the same page? Yes, No? If you don’t understand please just stay with your mum. Us guys we understand Haha! Where are the emojis please?

On a much serious note,

I love the easy flow of the beat and the lyrics. They ain’t rushing it, neither are they slow. They’re simply on the perfect pace. So, if you’re planning a polite turn-up this weekend, make sure you play this jam to get the vibe straight to the point.

                                                -Adios-

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DALA DALA- OTILE BROWN FT ETHIC SONG REVIEW

But why isn’t Reckless’ voice in this song Dala Dala?

I had so much anticipation when I clicked on this song to watch it on Youtube. However, I had a major disappointment; Reckless didn’t bring his chorus game in this song. Where was he?

Don’t get me wrong, I do like Otile Brown and yes he’s got an awesome voice. Can we also agree that Reckless makes the chorus’ worth jamming to?

Anyway, that aside, Ethic is honestly polishing up and they do look good in the music video. We will have to thank the amazing support of Kamene and now Otile for helping our young Reggea tone artists make it in this industry.

Can I mention that this jam accumulated 39 thousand views in just 2 hours? Well, the fans are in this supporting game massively. So, Dala Dala is a Swahili slang to mean minibuses. I guess it makes sense when Otile sings, Mapenzi  ni safari and at the back we have the Dala dala word tuned in with the music.

Now listen to the song and enjoy as we wait for the weekend. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the Dala Dala lyrics right here.

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VERA SIDIKA- MIMI SONG REVIEW

Wow, just wow.

Kuishi kwingi, kuona mengi. For those who don’t understand, this is a Swahili saying to mean the longer you live, the more you see.

Vera, Vera, Vera. I’m sure most of us didn’t think that we would see you in black again. Just a quick question, did Bendi Huru inspire you with their song, Black Without Apology?

It’s interesting how this voluptuous woman, lady makes us buzz about her and what’s more interesting is the confidence she has in passing a message through songs. Let’s call it, a new found hobby maybe.

Can she sing?

Definitely not like Rihanna or Beyoncé but an improvement from her first song Nalia which received a huge viewership at the time.

Mimi, as Vera Sidika puts it, is a message to people telling them that it doesn’t matter whether she is black or white. What matters is that she is the same person inwardly. Hmm…

Well, Vera, we’d really like to know the reason for your transformation. However, we do hope that you enjoy what you do. Be yourself and we will respect you for that

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BENDI HURU SONG REVIEW 'BLACK WITHOUT APOLOGY'

This is not your everyday kinda band. I must say they found a way to be authentic with the music they produce from Afrodizia to Mr. Politician and now Black Without Apology. Are you getting their vibe? Liberation, freedom, for Africa by Africans…

Should I stop? Do you get it?

So, Black without apology.

This song begins with a powerful spoken poetry that goes deep. I mean, maybe this is the song that made Vera Sidika tune back to black. Haha!!

When I first listened to this song, I was in love with the style, the editing and the instruments. I felt the entire song start with a punch which was unique and I wanted to hear and see the song to the end.

Like I said in the HeadWraped album Launch review, Bendi Huru are not just musicians, they are artists and they can perform.

Please Bendi Huru have an event soon and make sure to invite The Song Magazine because, we are a in love with your music and crazy about your performances.

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#HEADWRAPED ALBUM LAUNCH - THE EVENT REVIEW

#HEADWRAPED

We all met at the Michael Joseph Centre not knowing exactly what to expect; however, within us, was an audience ready to be entertained and explode in all the right ways.

What did we know?

Phyl The Kangogo was going to Launch his Album Headwraped. I must say that the journey to this wonderful reveal (launch) was one that lifted our minds, and then our hearts... until eventually, our souls were ready to intertwine. Every single one of us had been there for a particular reason but it didn’t matter. We were in the same room and it meant we were one.

So how was the journey to the final reveal?

Nabalayo

Oh glorious queen. How could she have such a majestic voice yet so smooth and sweet? I had never seen such a curtain raiser.
The minute she opened her vocal codes, the room was as silent as a cemetery only there was everything good about it. I mean, she started the show on a high note. (Seriously she did. And it was sooo calming) considering, I had just come from the food vendor.

Her sense of art is quite unique (her choice of dressing?) Simply simple in a way that we understood the vibe she was giving us was that of ‘An African Queen’. 
In addition to this, she had a dedication up her sleeves for all the Brayos and Kevos. I felt, she did well.

Nabalayo's performance led me to concentrate on the hosts of the night Tracy Beey and Mc Amoke praying for yet another liquidating performance.. The Djs; Deewiz and Fazzo, wow, these guys mixed the best versions of the songs trending. They knew just the spot and this was amazing. Yaani, Audience ilikuwa imechangamka.

Njo

Well, at first I had trouble pronouncing his name but I do like the fact that he enjoyed himself on the stage.

Teller 254

Haha! Teller had the type of energy that wanted to raise people off their seats. Personally, I loved how a little scream from the crowd fueled his energy more and more.
Make sure you listen to his song 'Moto'. Basing my judgement  from the way he performed the song, Moto sounded like one of those hits you play at a polite turn up before going to the club. 
Teller's performance played a huge role in the journey to the album launch.

Madudu

He was introduced as the Hiphop artist from Coast and he was popping in his Yellow jacket. 

Halisi The Band

Oh my, but where do some men get voices za kutoa nyoka pangoni? I had chills all over my body with their vocals, their instrumentalists, oh wow. They performed a cover of ‘Bindu Bichenjanga’ sang by the vernacular artist Amos Barasa.

I was so excited they got to perform a second song; ‘Niko Mawe’ it went like, (I’m intoxicated by you… I’m stoned… Niko mawe…)

I’m really looking forward to their next event which will be on the 27^th of this month July 2019 watch out for the venue.

Waridi Muzik

The beautiful ladies brought the music to us with an acoustic version of Leta Wimbo. Their voices literally melted into my ears like some sweet caramel. And they had moving energy. 

They also performed a song on composition ‘You Know’ let me just say, I feel like they moved our souls.

Bendi Huru

Can I say that Bendi Huru is more than the 3-man image of Mayuu, Tito and Leeroy? Their drummer and guitarists hugely bring their music to the light. And when I break it down, the roles each of them bring to the band is well synchronized you honestly can’t tell them apart.

Bendi Huru carried our hearts, released our minds from all the stress we came with and made sure that we dance our souls to freedom. I felt liberated with their first performance ‘Mr Politician’ and by the time they were done with their performances, I was ‘Black Without Apology’. I was happy of where I was without knowing where exactly I was going. 
From that moment, I was a new person who had developed a beautiful mind-set of the world.

Bendi Huru made us ready for the album and we could tell that Phyl was happy of the energy he found in the audience.

Phyl The Kangogo

Launching his album on his Birthday was a huge move. I was only able to stay for three of his performances and he nailed each of them. The audience was crazy in love and abundant of energy, there was no coming down from this.

I carried home a copy of his album and the songs in here are so smooth. 
They flow with an African vibe. My best one is ‘Mama’ (I cannot stress how much I love it)

Marco Bello did well in organizing this event. For me, it was my best one yet and now, I am ready to attend more and more of such events.

Winding up

At some moment I asked myself, does confidence come with the talent to perform? How was every artist able to stand in-front of the audience and move it in the best way they could?

Anyway, it was all worth it. And yes, there was food. Haha!  

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(FIGURE) FIGA BY ETHIC SONG REVIEW

FIGA!! FIGA!!

Listening to this song while writing the review just makes me stop this typing and dance my body, heart and soul away. Kwanza the chorus *sigh* Oh Reckless, Why you got to be this talented to make the ladies have chills all over yaani, napenda.

Kamene Goro’s presence is so yum. This is what we need manze, Kenyans supporting Kenyans the best way they can.

Enyewe Epic Ethic has polished up. Keep going up guys. (Soon we’ll understand every word of your lyrics). The beat is killing it, yaani the fusion of those instruments in the background… Pia mimi nimependa.

I can’t write more because how do you explain a banger other than enjoying it? This is the song to get your groove on. Please get up and dance.

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KHALIGRAPH JONES SONG REVIEW (LEAVE ME ALONE)

LEAVE ME ALONE

Yaani, the way Kaligraph writes and raps his lyrics is so amazing I honestly lack the words to describe it but I have to say…

First and continuously, the way he spreads the Kenyan vibe probably without even mentioning it through the flag costumes and also by mentioning it. I mean, Natalie Tewa, one of the interesting You-tubers literally took the scenes with her relationship paraphernalia.

Anyway, we are talking about Kaligraph and this buzzing song. It’s incredible, it’s relatable and it’s as authentic as Jones skin colour. (hehe) I mean, this nigga can rap and he keeps proving why we should play more and more Kenyan songs with his music on the top of the list.

The simplicity of the song in a beautiful edit drives the point home. Let’s Kipchoge our internet search to this jam now if not sooner and enjoy gracing your ears.

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YOU'RE AFRAID. AREN'T YOU?

Nimewaka!

Hey, there’s absolutely nothing I can’t do. Like, I can’t stress how much I like this song (Na Iwake) . And just like the things I can, this jam makes me want to create my bucket list. I am seriously lighting up in every way I know how. 

I’m dancing, I can’t stop singing along. I’m enjoying the video… can definitely steal a move or two for the club. And the beat… Oh my… somebody get me something cold, I’m moto '-d' up with excitement.

Honestly, these young talents are killing it. The video… Freaking awesome, the lyrics… so inviting. The storyline… let me not say this but how else can you understand and relate with what happens in the field?

This is a time when you realize; you can't be afraid. You can't be afraid of the things you know you can do. Deep down, when you look into yourself, there's something that needs to be done. I mean, you know you can do it. why not show that you can. And that you love it. And for all we should know, is that it is you. It is what you do.

Is this what the youth is about?

Umm… Well, what I really know is, the youth are about getting it done. I kinda feel like that’s our motto. We get to do things that we want for ourselves. And this song Na Iwake; not only communicates what happens on the ground, but also represents motivators.

Just like every youth that’s following their dream? So are these artists. And that, that is sexy.

©Emma K.

Comment your thoughts and let’s keep the conversation going.

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