MUSIC (Naija): China, According to Naeto C and Phyno

China has its own beat-denominated currency. The song is beat-dominated, that is. And the beat is on f-i-r-e! It needs no crypto, though some lines in the lyrics are quite cryptic, and even unsettling. The hook, "any way is a way" -- any Belt and Road, too, perhaps -- accentuates the rap, in which the whole throbbing show is wrapped. The rhythm that goes with the rap is rousing, and goes on and on to the end.  

Click here to watch the China video

Phyno is the more sinister one here -- the "Mind Bender" who urges all them gals (and their sisters, too) to "come and follow me", "Abum your teacher". He, inside the 'character' he plays, seems to have his way, what with his wily tonality.

Visually, China is super funk. This visual impact is aided by the accompanying sounds, which (in turn) electrify the dancing bodies. But the fans have tended to underrate China. There are various explanations for underrating, but we will not delve into them right now. 

Click to read the China Lyrics

Viviane Ndour Chidid's Retaan

Retaan is weaved into one piece of delightful music with a finely-crafted melody and a "supporting cast" of well-blended sounds. Isn't that the Kora one hears, for example? This is Senegal, stopped only by the Atlantic from being farther west for those of us who live in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa. Those of us, that is, who find here an even more westward taste of African sounds than we are already used to. Not that this is the first time, if you remember greats such as Youssou Ndour (ah, yes).

Click here to watch the video 

In Viviane's dancing 'shoes' one detects influences from farther North of the continent, as well. And some Middle Eastern elements. And just faint traces of Arabian Nights. But she's a rebel of sorts, dressed, as we see in parts of the performance, in fading blue jeans (with 'modernist' slits above the knees), which curve with her very own curves and which are, shall we say, app....appealing -- even to many folks who wouldn't admit it.

Retaan is a delightful song, which gets (you) warmer and warmer as you go along. Listen keenly enough, too, and you'll detect traces of sounds that we in Central and Eastern Africa will attribute to art-spaces routinely associated with, yes, Central and Eastern. But Viviane's cadence certainly has cultural roots deeper to the North, and all the way to the Middle East even. She, both passionate and modest, blends all of this fabulously and lovingly. What a bright and charming 'day'! 
Click here for Viviane Chidid's Retaan Lyrics

MUSIC: Nonchalant Solidstar and Timaya Sing "My Body"

My Body overwhelms the eye, weary/wary eye, with all the fine forms that it is made to, um, regard, unblinking -- in arte's supple and blinding 'light'. In, hazard the thought, the presence of in-laws and other squeamish folks. And the ear with that infinity of a melody it is surrounded by, and for which it has no dancing shoes -- nor no dancing partner. 

Click to watch the video

Not to speak of the crescendo of a hook that so absorbs that one knows not any more when a semblance of reality, with all its ruggedness and scarcity of timbre, may resume. And this ocular-aural bewitching, this state of capture, be gone!

Di'Ja's Awww

In "Decoding Dorobucci", this is all I said about Di'Ja's memorable role in that iconic song:  "Flirtatious n shy playfulness be the code here, too". Awww, recorded in the same year as Dorobucci, remains her own signature song -- like first real (first true) love. Life's subsequent ad(misad)ventures struggle hard to dislodge such love off its own pedestal.

In Awww, we find what must be the/a virgin's expression of first Love, first pure Love. It's intense and full of dreams. And innocence. It's not to be distracted. It's everything. It's what she needs, deep in her soul, now and forever. 

Click to watch Di'Ja's Awww video

She, the character Di'ja mimics here, isn't flirting. She loves. Perhaps partly loving Love. But flirting would be an outrage. She has doubts. But she loves: in the day, and in the night. Her own imprimatur, her own passionate and self-administered mark of approval, seals it all. In a time of intense dreams. A time, free of care, surrounded and "fenced off" with such fine melody and palpable grace as we come upon in the video.   

Read more about Di'Ja the artiste here

MUSIC (South Africa): Koze Kuse by DJ Merlon ft. Mondli Ngcobo

In Koze Kuse, DJ Merlon and Mondli Ngcobo offer us a song with a powerful and assertive street-beat. Even the timed pauses, as you wait for them to exhale (so you can, too), project macho power and unfettered determination. One senses that apartheid is, somehow, the unstated target here -- albeit a progressively receding, and hazier and hazier, one.

The expression of tender love, thrown in there for good measure, is itself soldierly -- freedom-fighter(ly), sort of. All of this, one imagines, reflects DJ Merlon's own vision of "Who we are". 

Click to watch the Koze Kuse video

Still, you can't escape the gentle beat which goes along with the happenings which populate the song's (and the singer's) path.

READ: "Koze Kuse becomes an accidental star" 

[So, at the time the song came out, were DJ Merlon and Mondli Ngcobo musical "Upstarts", or their deal a "Startup" of sorts?]

"Ungowami" by Uhuru feat. Wizkid x Donald x Speedy

Ungowami is a lovely song sung passionately by four of Africa's stand-out artistes. And even though two, Uhuru and Wizkid (icons both), are given pride of place in the credits, the other two are comfortably in the mix of things. 

Click to watch the video

Right from the get-go, in fact, it's super-confident Donald who takes the definitive lead in voice and posture -- and 'most' of the imaginary sweet-talking. He's the 'foot-soldier' who becomes the default star. 

Ungowami, abbreviated in the song for the Zulu phrase "Wena ungowami", means "Baby, you're mine". Gotta have 'silent' Baby in there! In the song, then, we're all aptly 'enmeshed' in the superb surround of a soul-stirring beat, and funky (declarative/wooing) melody. Great love lyrics, too. What sights!

CSO 405 ~ Sociology of Work and Industry, Final Examination Papers for the Period from September 24, 1985 to December 1, 2017

I am making available here, in two sets, only those past papers that I've had access to because I examined or co-examined them. In principle, there should be a complete depository of all Final Examination papers in the UoN Library, and, in the spirit of the times, preferably online. I doubt that is the case. Hence this alternative, or panya, route to the same thing.

Click here for the second set of Final Examination Papers for the period of October 17, 2015 to December 1, 2017


Click here for the first set of Past Papers, for the much longer period of September 24, 1985 to December 11, 2014.

Reading past papers is an old scholastic tradition; and a misreading of them an ever-present pitfall. The practice is valuable if the reading is guided by proper method and insight, a disaster or certainly lost opportunity if not. I remember this habit from my high school days, in the last millennium. We did not invent the tradition, for sure.  And we had no clue what content analysis was back then, let alone systematic review, or, more broadly, qualitative analysis. But we were always consciously on a pattern-recognition mode of sorts -- our holy grail.


Read here what I have previously said about "Past Papers"

Magasco's Zamba, feat Greg Belobo

For an explanation for this powerful and captivating song -- a lyrical narrative with an obvious religious slant -- one need not go further than Magasco's very own.

Watch the video

As to whether it qualifies as a variant of pop, there's no simple answer. Certainly, the song Zamba (that is, God) is not pure Gospel.

However, not being conversant with the surface and deeper import of many of the African phrases and lines sung in Zamba complicates matters. For me.

But here's what Magasco himself says. I classify the song as pop here. And the video accompaniment as fine theatre.

Zamba is, so to speak, a presence.

READ: The Zamba lyrics.

Africa's Top 20 Pop Songs of 2014 ~ #TheYamboSelection Reissued

INTRODUCTION:

If one were to ask me, as I have already asked myself, to name Africa's best/top 20 popular singles released or published in 2014, here below would be, and is, my selection. My selections have a decidedly audio-visual focus, and so only rate music videos.

Of course, the naming of more than one 'like' inevitably prompts the question as to which 'like' comes first, and which next or last. In selecting and ranking my top African 'likes' -- I limit myself to Sub-Saharan Africa -- I have been broadly guided by the following six criteria (each on a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest score):
1. The creative appeal and musicality of the voice asset.
2. The choice and mastery of the musical instruments in play.
3. The poetic form and content of the lyrics.
4. The artistic and aesthetic depth of the video component.
5. The synchronic quality of the audio-visual product, in terms of: harmony, tone, melody, rhythm, beat and color display.
6. Based on the foregoing, how the entire single, from beginning to end, impresses me -- or makes me feel about my encounter with it. This criterion also serves as a qualitative tie-breaker; that is, a virtual 'casting vote' whenever any other criteria yield a quantitative tie.

RANKING THE SELECTION:

[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]

20. Koze Kuse by DJ Merlon ft. Mondli Ngcobo (2014):

In Koze Kuse, DJ Merlon and Mondli Ngcobo offer us a song with a powerful and assertive street-beat. Even the timed pauses, as you wait for them to exhale (so you can, too), project macho power and unfettered determination. One senses that apartheid READ MORE 

19. Awww by D'ija (2014):

In "Decoding Dorobucci", this is all I said about Di'Ja's memorable role in that iconic song:  "Flirtatious n shy playfulness be the code here, too". Awww, recorded in the same year as Dorobucci, remains her signature song -- like first real (first true) love. READ MORE 

18. Blessings by Stormrex (2014):

Blessing, by Nigeria's Stormrex, is a marvellously crafted and artistically balanced music video, creatively produced by youthful Clarence Peters. It is a cleverly addictive song. You can READ MORE

17. Ungowami by Uhuru ft. Wizkid x Donald x Speedy (2014):

Ungowami is a lovely song sung passionately by four of Africa's stand-out artistes. And even though two, Uhuru and Wizkid, are given pride of place in the credits, the other two are comfortably in the mix of things. Right from the get-go, in fact, its super-confident Donald who takes the definitive lead in voice and posture. In Ungowami, we're all 'enmeshed' in the superb surround of a stirring beat, and funky melody. Great love lyrics, too. What sights!

16. Prokoto by Victoria Kimani ft. Ommy Dimploz and Diamond Platnumz (2014):

Prokoto is, from the look of it, all about fun-time somewhere on East Africa's expansive -- and sunny, and sandy -- "Indian Ocean" coastline. Revelers be hanging loose in elegant attire and fine singing -- and dancing, too. And VK is the heart of it all. So the locals join in! OK, domestic tourism, folks.

15. Sura Yako by Sauti Sol (2014):

Sura Yako remains the emblematic song by Sauti Sol, Kenya's best known AfroPop group today. It is also the 'anthem' at many Kenyan weddings, certainly in Nairobi. Not surprisingly, 'betrothal' is its motif -- its reason for 'engaging' the audience READ MORE

14. All Eyes on Me by AKA ft. Burna Boy x Da L.E.S x JR (2014):

Burna Boy's distinctive voice and his signature montage of jazzy-reggae sounds and circumstances dominate in All Eyes on Me -- from the very beginning. It's a pretty good song, too, with several angles of goodness from which to look at all the goings-on. Everyone is really gung-ho there. It's an unmissable party they're all having. 

13. Gallardo by Runtown ft. Davido (2014):


In Gallardo, Runtown and Davido overrun the town with absorbing Thum and Miel [= Music and Dance]. The ear and the eye finely catered for. Immersed in all that pampering, the spirit levitates and soars. Gimme mo!

12. Oshe by Praiz ft. Awilo Longomba (2014):


With Awilo in town, you do expect a musical feast of some kind. In Oshe, Praiz and his valued guest do give us a music and dance treat. It's a fine party. And it's in a back-to-the future mode. Something intriguingly, pleasantly, familiar here.

11. Chop Am by Reekado Banks (2014):

Chop Am delivers quality and refinement here, in both the singing and the dancing. Reekado Banks performs his role delightfully. It's a thing to watch -- the whole thing. It'll remain an iconic representation of the spirit and styles of the time.

10. Fiko Fiko Fion by Claudia Bakisa ft. Koffi Olomide (2014):

All laid back, two great sophisticates join to drop a lovely track: Fiko Fiko Fion. Koffi Olomide reigns still, an unobtrusive monarch. Claudia Bakisa patiently waits, with pent-up energy, for Africa's playing field to level.


9. Wanted by Tiwa Savage (2014):

Isn't Tiwa, in Wanted, in deliberately fake semi-rudeness (yes, nudity!) to score a point? It's all very suggestive; a bold expose of her inner what? Self-confidence/doubt? Conflicts? She's here daring to dare all settled rules of proper public "appearance". Thus: "By the way, nothing you can do", "I'm better than you", "That's why I'm wanted". Ah, yes, about the music: It's enchanting, too. Same mold as Beyonce. Creatively, tastefully delivered. 

8. Double Wahalla Part 2 by Oritse Femi and D'Banj (2014):

In the honored tradition of the troubadour, Oritse Femi teams up with D'banj to offer us a delightful Double Wahala Part 2... They ask for silence, but there's no silence here. Non READ MORE 


7. Shekini by P-Square (2014):

Shekini is all about shakin' it -- the awesome, super-charged way. The song has a great, rousing beat. Fine dance moves, there. Superb choreography and sequencing. An enduring dance-hall banger. Quality video delivery, too. A visual feast. 

6. Ole Themba by Linah (2014):

Linah delivers a wonderfully, delightfully charming bouquet of colors and sound. And beauty. And verve. The dancing girls are a feast for the eye. The lyrics, in Kiswahili, are READ MORE

5. Johnny by Yemi Alade (2014):

You saw at the MTVMAMA2015 how Johnny gets to you at a public gathering. Does so too on radio, where I first heard it, with that distinctive (shall I say sexy?) Yemi Alade voice. A girl determined to get her Johnny (to behave) always wins hearts -- many, many more than she may lose.

4. Tchelete (Goodlife) by Davido ft. Mafikizolo (2014):

Lukadem go! Such spirited immersion in the song. Davido and Mafikizolo draw us all into this veritable trance -- this vortex of sound and sight.

3. Skelemba by Olamide ft. Don Jazzy (2015):

This Skelemba do, which sets off with rousing tonality, is heavenly canvas, upon which to paint, with superstar Olamide and Maestro Don Jazzy, exquisite ocular-aural dreams. Read more

2. Peteru by Skuki ft. Olamide (2014):

Peteru is a wonderfully crafted music video, with a high level of artistry, Captivating, top-level dance routines by beautiful and super-confident girls. Yet it continues to be underrated by the fandom, but no matter.

1. Dorobucci by Mavins (2014):

Dorobucci has always scored big in my book, since I first heard it early this year. This, for example, is what I tweeted about Dorobucci on July 19, 2015:  ‏@MauriYambo Jul 19: #MTVMAMA2015 Best Song of the Year is my favorite song of 2014, the one and only #Dorobucci, spearheaded by maestro #DonJazzy

Note: The above list was rearranged today (Feb 7, 2017) to start from 25th to 1st, and not from 1st to 25th. The post's heading was also changed somewhat, though the core message remains the same. This is a re-posting, since the original one (posted prior to February 7, 2017) became inaccessible. 

"Ole Themba": Linah's Unforgettable Journey

Linah delivers a wonderfully, delightfully charming bouquet of colors and sound. And beauty. And verve. 

Watch her 2014 video here

The dancing girls are a feast for the eye. The lyrics, in Kiswahili, are superbly, artfully, put together. The melody -- the whole ambience -- transports us, all of us, to a place no one wants to come back from in a hurry.

Linah is a pleasantly surprising 'discovery', and a full member of the superstar group that populates #TheYamboSelection of 2014. She brings along with her everyone, everyone bar none, in the video.








NOTE: This write-up was originally posted on February 25, 2017 in "Top 25 Happiest Songs By/Featuring African Divas in 2014", as an edition of #TheYamboSelection

Top 25 Pop Songs of 2017 By or Featuring African Queens ~ #TheYamboSelection

Introduction and Selection Criteria for Africa's Top Songs of 2017

After the belated publication of Africa's Top Songs for each of the years running from 2010 to 2013, the 2017 list now represents the eighth annual ranking in #TheYamboSelection series. The same criteria have been used this year (January to December 2017) as were used last year to select and rank the best pop songs out of those released or published during the year. The longest list of top songs had 25 titles in 2014, but this number has been set at 40 since 2015. 

Before the entire Top 40 list is released, smaller "vertical" segments are released as follows: Top 5, Top 10, Top 20 and Top 25 (particularly where we can't go from 20 straight to 40, for one reason or another). This is intended to facilitate subsequent online search by individuals who may be interested only in specific segments...READ MORE 

List of Top 25 Pop Songs of 2017 By/Featuring African Queens

[Note: Lists for earlier years appear at the bottom of this page]

Click on any listed song's title to watch the video.

25. Binkolera by Sheebah ft. The Ben (2017):

A rousing start to the singing, and the video, places Binkolera
heads-and-shoulders above many of its 'peers'. And we find Sheebah doing her usual naughty and devil-may-care stuff, seemingly without effort. Her majesty's voice, READ MORE


24. Fire by Diamond Platnumz ft. Tiwa savage (2017):


Diamond Platnumz and Tiwa Savage light a Fire that grabs our attention with its catchy tunes and upbeat delivery, and will not let go. All of that is raised notches higher by the other, the unmistakable, 'fire' which the coming together READ MORE


23. Bajaj by Navy Kenzo ft. Patoranking (2017):

As we hear in the song's refrain, the essential message which singers Navy Kenzo (the Tanzanian duo) and Patoranking (the Nigerian) push in Bajaj is: Never treat a woman like a bajaj. Make her feel special. Provide her with comfort. READ MORE


22. Usimwache by Lulu Diva (2017):

Usimwache ("Don't you leave him") is a friendly, feel-good song of advice. It sugarcoats improbable counsel to a friend contemplating parting ways with her beau. He, you didn't guess it, is the ex- of the one brokering the peace. Her point is: she regrets her own 'dumping' of this good man. Her friend shouldn't make the same (regrettable) mistake. Hey, she's the one saying it! Her earnest dream is to see their relationship blossom into deep and deeper affection -- and on to a wedding, even! She can't wait.


21. All Over by Tiwa Savage (2017):

All Over is anthem for a tropical/summertime interlude between summer this and summer next. Away from, well, everything. Tiwa and all dem gals be havin' a carefree fun fair in dreamland of their own. Men be pure abstraction, right now. Alright, all gift-wrapped in tender, ringing, goose-bumping tunefulness. Under blue-sky. Is all.


20. Do Me Good by ExQ ft. Lulu Diva (2017):


Do Me Good is a boisterous coming together of yin and yang. It's an imaginary, rough-edged expression of sub-Saharan attraction. The two singers, from Zimbabwe and Tanzania, give it their all. The optics are crisp, with just about one frill. And we have a great tune, in which to wrap up the whole do.


19. Green Light by Cuppy x Tekno (2017):

Cuppy and Tekno! They give us the Green Light to (Pom! Pom!) have a gooood and unforgettable time here. The beat goes! In goes on and on, nonstop, from the start to the fini. "Hold! Tease! Please!" It's all swaying and synchronous. All great phun. Pom! Pom!

18. Say What you Want by Siza ft. Eugy (2017):

While Eugy stays happily in the background, Siza, with her regal mien and enchanting eyes, stands out in Say What You Want. She has a rich array of sovereign vocal assets, which she deploys with not a jot of earthly ruffle. Among her 2017 royal peers, they're especially special. READ MORE 


17. Tonight by Band Beca ft. Petra (2017):

In Tonight, which gives us nearly 5 minutes of silky funk, the youthful and self-assured Kenyans, Band Beca, sing like seasoned artistes, with seductive pauses and poses. It's hypnotizing, non-stop verve. They rap, too. It's exquisite rap, Joe! Deep-breath rapping. You want to READ MORE  

16. Calée by Daphne (2017):

Multi-lingual Daphne, from Cameroon, sings Calée in a happy and obviously optimistic and romantic tone. The band delivers carefully composed sounds which go right along with the song's tone. It's all about 'puppy love' -- which the secondary school character READ MORE


15. To Dondwa by F'Victeam (2017):

Fally Ipupa is at it again with his friends in this 'journey' To Dondwa. Each has a turn in this up-beat song, rendered suavely in a sort of Lingala Pop. The dancing is noticeably rhythmic, with every dancing body swaying as one to fine music. This is not as easy to READ MORE 


14. Enjala by Sheebah ft. Cathy Patra x Rozmerie Atim x Vee Vicey (2017):

Enjala, one understands, means hunger; and it may mean nails or talons. As a song, Enjala will mean whatever suits Sheebah's fancy. How it's sung and accompanied and danced is a fine example of the pure naughtiness and dare-devilry which set (Queen) Sheebah READ MORE


13. China Love by Victoria Kimani ft. R. City (2017):

China Love is fine chinaware, so to speak, tastefully punctuated at eight cleverly timed points by a majestic command: GO! Still, the Great Question prompted by the song's title, before things clarify (some?), is: Is all this a "From China with Love" gig, or a READ MORE


12. Ofana Nawe by Mafikizolo ft. Yemi Alade (2017):

The song Ofana Nawe (meaning "There's no one like you") is easily misunderstood in certain circles as gospel, as we try to explain below; but it is not. Still, it might as well be, with just a slant in the lyrics. But there is no such a slant here. Here, it is a reaffirmation READ MORE


11. Ma Lo by Tiwa Savage ft. WizKid x Spellz (2017):

Ma Lo (My Love) is a definitive club banger sung by two iconic African artistes from Nigeria: Tiwa Savage, self-described as #1 "African Bad Girl", and WizKid. A mellow beat. A haute gig. Actually, TS isn't boasting, she's the baddest. Her rivals know it. WizKid? Well, he's Starboy!


10. Gone Forever by Chidinma (2017):

Somber background music sets off this mournful send-off for Mama, who is never going to come back. No one, sadly, does. Cries Chidinma: "If tears could bring you back,/I [would] cry you a river!" It is that anguished moment which no caring READ MORE


9. Kelele za Chura by Chege ft. Nandy (2017):

Tons of verve here! So much oomph! Kelele za Chura (Swahili phrase for frogs' croaking cacophony) is about the rock of love that ignores all prying eyes and treats all rumor as futile. Chege and the sultry lady, Nandy -- both Tanzanian -- give us O what a sunny t READ MORE


8. Kiba_100 by Rostam ft. Maua Sama (2017):

Gifted with such a precious voice as she has, Maua Sama (Summer Flower, if you want) is at the top of her game in this finely weaved song -- a song with what a drab title! We've seen her with 'Vee Money' in that blast of a song, Bounce, and know that more good stuff is to come. In Bounce, they were 'tussling' and baring their cute nails over a guy. Here, in Kiba_100, two guys swoon over her, in a futile attempt. Listen keenly, she'll make your day. She makes days.


7. 911 by Krizbeatz ft. Yemi Alade x Harmonize (2017):

As the video shows, the whole crew caught up in this 911 situation has contributed massively to its obvious and growing success. Everybody in it goes with the tastefully choreographed flow, and understated humour. Still, special mention must go to three individuals: Krizbeatz, Harmonize and Yemi Alade. One takes it that Krizbeatz it is who made the do at all possible. Never a mean feat. And so And so he must feel fully validated by the accolades that are flowing in. Yemi Alade is the most widely known of the three, and the heart of this...READ MORE


6. Your Matter by Seyi Shay ft. Eugy x Efosa (2017):

In "The Ballad at (as) the Core...", I pointed out that the dominant genre of modern African music in 2013-14 was the ballad. That's what the evidence I had seen told me. And I listed Seyi Shay, with her Jangilova, among African pop musicians whose songs were mostly about love and loneliness (and even 'aloneness') -- and loss. READ MORE


5. Bolingo Mabe by Anita Mwarabu ft. Innoss'B (2017):

In Bolingo Mabe (Lingala phrase for false, untrue or unfaithful Love), we renew our acquaintance with super-talented but unassuming Innoss'B, who hails from the DRC -- and speaks Swahili too. We last saw (and heard) him with Koffi Olomide in that blast of a song titled Elengi. Here he sings with his compatriot, sophisticated and self-confident Anita Mwarabu, who also speaks Swahili. That's a plus, for both. She sings in To Dondwa as well, with maestro Fally Ipupa and company. The theme in Bolingo Mabe READ MORE

4. Inspire by Nameless (2017):

Inspire has a truly inspiring tone and an amazingly sunny tune. Nameless, whom we will call Adam, has gone (to the Maasai Mara) and done it, all within sight of the great and imposing Kilimanjaro. This is without question his greatest song -- ever. And it just goes to show that great and greater potential and talent may lie untapped and perhaps unsuspected even in those who have already scaled heights. Nameless has obviously worked very hard to let us have Inspire, on a platter READ MORE


3. Bounce by Vanessa Mdee ft. Maua Sama x Tommy Flavour (2017):

Bounce features two Tanzanian Divas with smooth-as-silk voices, and a style and charm to match the whole do: Vanessa Mdee and Maua Sama. It might as well be summer in this suggestive video. Wait, it's always summer in coastal TZ! The third artiste, Tommy Flavour, lives up to his surname, looks like, with these gals, in a no-holds-barred but gentle and consensual threesome. He's the 'boy-toy'. He's the ball of string the cats 'fight' over in this giddily furnished and leisurely hideout -- this burudani. READ MORE


2. Esopi Yo by Awilo Longomba ft. Tiwa Savage (2017):

As a performer, Awilo Longomba hardly ever disappoints those who have become attached to his musical persona. Not in his vocal delivery. Not in his body texts. Not in his energy output. And not in the totality of his performance. In Esopi Yo, he delivers an exquisite act on a finely crafted set. The singing is mellow, the music superbly pitched. The ambience, inside a veritable 'chateau' somewhere in McCain's Arizona, is pure sapeurisme. The ebb and flow of body texts is haute art in motion. READ MORE


1. Africa Unite by Nsoki ft. DJ Maphorisa and DJ Paulo Alves(2017):

Seven years after Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), that iconic song sung and danced by Shakira and her South African companions at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, comes a worthy successor -- Africa Unite. The new song is sung by the equally fine and animated Nsoki, from Lusophone Angola. It is danced by her superbly choreographed dance-troupe. They are all so wonderfully 'backstopped' by the ever-resourceful DJ Maphorisa, and DJ Paulo Alves. The stage is a feline high-voltage affair from beginning to end. The singing makes READ MORE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Links To Relevant Lists From Previous Years

Africa: [To be posted]
1. 

East Africa: [To be posted]
1. 

Diamond Platnumz and Tiwa Savage Light a Fire

Diamond Platnumz and Tiwa Savage light a Fire that grabs our attention with its catchy tunes and upbeat delivery, and will not let go. All of that is raised notches higher by the other, the unmistakable, 'fire' which the coming together of two of Africa's greatest musical stars inevitably starts. 

Click to watch the Fire video

The lyrics befit an uncomplicated atmosphere brightened by words-as-art and lines of light streaking in from nowhere and suddenly out of our darting view. Going right along with this multi-tasked engagement, the video images are 'player-ful' and crisp.

This is certainly a 'chilling' moment for both stars. It's a time to sing stuff off one's head en route to a kind of mysterious and desirable and yet inevitable End. That's it!

"All Over", Queen Tiwa's Tropical/Summer Interlude

All Over is anthem for a tropical/summertime interlude between summer this and summer next. Away from, well, everything. Tiwa and all dem gals be havin' a carefree fun fair in dreamland -- all of their own. 

Click to watch the video

Men be pure abstraction, right now. Alright, all gift-wrapped in tender, ringing, goose-bumping tunefulness. Under blue-sky. Is all I can say for now.

Siza's Vocal Assets Glitter in "Say What You Want"

While Eugy stays happily in the background, Siza, with her regal mien and enchanting eyes, stands out in Say What You Want. She has a rich array of sovereign vocal assets, which she deploys with not a jot of earthly ruffle. Among her 2017 royal peers, they're especially special. 

Click to watch the video

She raises not her voice, and yet inspires absolute loyalty from all that she surveys and reigns over. She is the epitome of grace and charm. She is, verily, a ladybird. Her version of reggae, her very vision, soothes and becalms. It enchants, even.

Top 20 Pop Songs of 2017 By or Featuring African Queens ~ #TheYamboSelection

Introduction and Selection Criteria for Africa's Top Songs of 2017

After the belated publication of Africa's Top Songs for each of the years running from 2010 to 2013, the 2017 list now represents the eighth annual ranking in #TheYamboSelection series. The same criteria have been used this year (January to December 2017) as were used last year to select and rank the best pop songs out of those released or published during the year. The longest list of top songs had 25 titles in 2014, but this number has been set at 40 since 2015. 

Before the entirety of the Top 40 list is released, smaller "vertical" segments are released as follows: Top 5, Top 10, Top 20 and Top 25 (particularly where we can't go from 20 straight to 40, for one reason or another). This is intended to facilitate subsequent online search by individuals who may be interested only in specific segments...READ MORE 

List of Top 20 Pop Songs of 2017 By/Featuring African Queens

[Note: Lists for earlier years appear at the bottom of this page]

Click on any listed song's title to watch the video.

20. Do Me Good by ExQ ft. Lulu Diva (2017):


Do Me Good is a boisterous coming together of yin and yang. It's an imaginary, rough-edged expression of sub-Saharan attraction. The two singers, from Zimbabwe and Tanzania, give it their all. The optics are crisp, with just about one frill. And we have a great tune, in which to wrap up this whole SADC thing.

19. Green Light by Cuppy x Tekno (2017):

Cuppy and Tekno! They give us the Green Light to (Pom! Pom!) have a gooood and unforgettable time here. The beat goes! In goes on and on, nonstop, from the start to the fini. "Hold! Tease! Please!" It's all swaying and synchronous. All great phun. Pom! Pom!

18. Say What you Want by Siza ft. Eugy (2017):

While Eugy stays happily in the background, Siza, with her regal mien and enchanting eyes, stands out in Say What You Want. She has a rich array of sovereign vocal assets, which she deploys with not a jot of earthly ruffle. Among her 2017 royal peers, they're especially special.

She raises not her voice, and yet inspires absolute loyalty from all that she surveys and reigns over. She is the epitome of grace and charm. She is, verily, a ladybird. Her version of reggae, her very vision, soothes and becalms. It enchants, even.


17. Tonight by Band Beca ft. Petra (2017):

In Tonight, which gives us nearly 5 minutes of silky funk, the youthful and self-assured Kenyans, Band Beca and Petra, sing like seasoned artistes, with seductive pauses and poses. It's hypnotizing, non-stop verve. They rap, too. READ MORE


16. Calée by Daphne (2017):

Multi-lingual Daphne, from Cameroon, sings Calée in a happy and obviously optimistic and romantic tone. The band delivers carefully composed sounds which go right along with the song's tone. It's all about 'puppy love' -- which the secondary school character READ MORE


15. To Dondwa by F'Victeam (2017):

Fally Ipupa is at it again with his friends in this 'journey' To Dondwa. Each has a turn in this up-beat song, rendered suavely in a sort of Lingala Pop. The dancing is noticeably rhythmic, with every dancing body swaying as one to fine music. This is not as easy to READ MORE 


14. Enjala by Sheebah ft. Cathy Patra x Rozmerie Atim x Vee Vicey (2017):

Enjala, one understands, means hunger; and it may mean nails or talons. As a song, Enjala will mean whatever suits Sheebah's fancy. How it's sung and accompanied and danced is a fine example of the pure naughtiness and dare-devilry which set (Queen) Sheebah READ MORE


13. China Love by Victoria Kimani ft. R. City (2017):

China Love is fine chinaware, so to speak, tastefully punctuated at eight cleverly timed points by a majestic command: GO! Still, the Great Question prompted by the song's title, before things clarify (some?), is: Is all this a "From China with Love" gig, or a READ MORE


12. Ofana Nawe by Mafikizolo ft. Yemi Alade (2017):

The song Ofana Nawe (meaning "There's no one like you") is easily misunderstood in certain circles as gospel, as we try to explain below; but it is not. Still, it might as well be, with just a slant in the lyrics. But there is no such a slant here. Here, it is a reaffirmation READ MORE


11. Ma Lo by Tiwa Savage ft. WizKid x Spellz (2017):

Ma Lo (My Love) is a definitive club banger sung by two iconic African artistes from Nigeria: Tiwa Savage, self-described as #1 "African Bad Girl", and WizKid. A mellow beat. A haute gig. Actually, TS isn't boasting, she's the baddest. Her rivals know it. WizKid? Well, he's Starboy!


10. Gone Forever by Chidinma (2017):

Somber background music sets off this mournful send-off for Mama, who is never going to come back. No one, sadly, does. Cries Chidinma: "If tears could bring you back,/I [would] cry you a river!" It is that anguished moment which no caring READ MORE


9. Kelele za Chura by Chege ft. Nandy (2017):

Tons of verve here! So much oomph! Kelele za Chura (Swahili phrase for frogs' croaking cacophony) is about the rock of love that ignores all prying eyes and treats all rumor as futile. Chege and the sultry lady, Nandy -- both Tanzanian -- give us O what a sunny t READ MORE


8. Kiba_100 by Rostam ft. Maua Sama (2017):

Gifted with such a precious voice as she has, Maua Sama (Summer Flower, if you want) is at the top of her game in this finely weaved song -- a song with what a drab title! We've seen her with 'Vee Money' in that blast of a song, Bounce, and know that more good stuff is to come. In Bounce, they were 'tussling' and baring their cute nails over a guy. Here, in Kiba_100, two guys swoon over her, in a futile attempt. Listen keenly, she'll make your day. She makes days.


7. 911 by Krizbeatz ft. Yemi Alade x Harmonize (2017):

As the video shows, the whole crew caught up in this 911 situation has contributed massively to its obvious and growing success. Everybody in it goes with the tastefully choreographed flow, and understated humour. Still, special mention must go to three individuals: Krizbeatz, Harmonize and Yemi Alade. One takes it that Krizbeatz it is who made the do at all possible. Never a mean feat. And so And so he must feel fully validated by the accolades that are flowing in. Yemi Alade is the most widely known of the three, and the heart of this...READ MORE


6. Your Matter by Seyi Shay ft. Eugy x Efosa (2017):

In "The Ballad at (as) the Core...", I pointed out that the dominant genre of modern African music in 2013-14 was the ballad. That's what the evidence I had seen told me. And I listed Seyi Shay, with her Jangilova, among African pop musicians whose songs were mostly about love and loneliness (and even 'aloneness') -- and loss. READ MORE


5. Bolingo Mabe by Anita Mwarabu ft. Innoss'B (2017):

In Bolingo Mabe (Lingala phrase for false, untrue or unfaithful Love), we renew our acquaintance with super-talented but unassuming Innoss'B, who hails from the DRC -- and speaks Swahili too. We last saw (and heard) him with Koffi Olomide in that blast of a song titled Elengi. Here he sings with his compatriot, sophisticated and self-confident Anita Mwarabu, who also speaks Swahili. That's a plus, for both. She sings in To Dondwa as well, with maestro Fally Ipupa and company. The theme in Bolingo Mabe READ MORE

4. Inspire by Nameless (2017):

Inspire has a truly inspiring tone and an amazingly sunny tune. Nameless, whom we will call Adam, has gone (to the Maasai Mara) and done it, all within sight of the great and imposing Kilimanjaro. This is without question his greatest song -- ever. And it just goes to show that great and greater potential and talent may lie untapped and perhaps unsuspected even in those who have already scaled heights. Nameless has obviously worked very hard to let us have Inspire, on a platter READ MORE


3. Bounce by Vanessa Mdee ft. Maua Sama x Tommy Flavour (2017):

Bounce features two Tanzanian Divas with smooth-as-silk voices, and a style and charm to match the whole do: Vanessa Mdee and Maua Sama. It might as well be summer in this suggestive video. Wait, it's always summer in coastal TZ! The third artiste, Tommy Flavour, lives up to his surname, looks like, with these gals, in a no-holds-barred but gentle and consensual threesome. He's the 'boy-toy'. He's the ball of string the cats 'fight' over in this giddily furnished and leisurely hideout -- this burudani. READ MORE


2. Esopi Yo by Awilo Longomba ft. Tiwa Savage (2017):

As a performer, Awilo Longomba hardly ever disappoints those who have become attached to his musical persona. Not in his vocal delivery. Not in his body texts. Not in his energy output. And not in the totality of his performance. In Esopi Yo, he delivers an exquisite act on a finely crafted set. The singing is mellow, the music superbly pitched. The ambience, inside a veritable 'chateau' somewhere in McCain's Arizona, is pure sapeurisme. The ebb and flow of body texts is haute art in motion. READ MORE


1. Africa Unite by Nsoki ft. DJ Maphorisa and DJ Paulo Alves(2017):

Seven years after Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), that iconic song sung and danced by Shakira and her South African companions at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, comes a worthy successor -- Africa Unite. The new song is sung by the equally fine and animated Nsoki, from Lusophone Angola. It is danced by her superbly choreographed dance-troupe. They are all so wonderfully 'backstopped' by the ever-resourceful DJ Maphorisa, and DJ Paulo Alves. The stage is a feline high-voltage affair from beginning to end. The singing makes READ MORE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Links To Relevant Lists From Previous Years

Africa: [To be posted]
1. 

East Africa: [To be posted]
1. 

MZIKI (Kenya): Tonight w/ Band Beca and Petra

In Tonight, which gives us nearly 5 minutes of silky funk, the youthful and self-assured Kenyans, Band Beca and Petra, sing like seasoned artistes, with seductive pauses and poses. It's hypnotizing, non-stop verve. They rap, too. It's exquisite rap, Joe! Deep-breath rapping. You want to listen and listen.

Petra, she with braided hair, truly sets the pace with her finely pitched rap and distinctive voice (which you will encounter in the near future as well, in Rider, which she sings with irrepressible Khaligraph Jones); and her sexy body texts.  


"Cheza Nami, Cheza Nami!" The sirens beckon. You wait to exhale!


You wonder, too: where did these three emerge from with such a fullness of talent -- so all of a sudden! They are a delight to watch, and to listen to. But if you don't know them already, you can't, without help, tell who's who. All those cat-eyes; all that elegance of spirit! Watch, then. Listen. 

Click to watch the video

And Here: The Lyrics.


Updated: March 4, 2018

CSO 302 (Qualitative Research Methods): CAT Questions, September (2017) - January (2018) Semester

UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK

CSO 302 CAT QUESTIONS: SEPT 2017 - JAN 2018 SEMESTER

INSTRUCTION:
Answer Any TWO Questions, One from Section 1 and one from Section 2.

SECTION 1:
1. Using your skills in qualitative analysis, including thick description, compare and contrast the main ways in which Kenyans of different walks of life and in different counties responded to the repeated Presidential election of 2017; and, as a sociologist, explain why you think they did so.

2. Citing concrete examples, critically discuss the similarities and distinguishing characteristics of a naturalistic observation and an experiment in sociological research?

SECTION 2:
3. 'There are no innocent positions in social research’. Using your own knowledge of qualitative research, defend the validity of the statement. What are the main guiding principles in the choice of qualitative research methods? Illustrate your answer with clear examples.

4. Describe any three (3) types of data collection methods in qualitative research and provide descriptive examples of instances in which each method may be used. Discuss what they offer in terms of representativeness and generalization.


DEADLINE AND EXPECTATIONS:
1. In view of the unusual circumstances of the current semester, the deadline for submitting your CAT Answers will be 5 minutes before the start of this semester's Final Examination in CSO 302 (Qualitative Research methods).

2. Submissions made after the exams will be penalized by deducting 1 mark for each day of lateness.

3. All answers must be word-processed on A4 paper, font 12 and double-spaced, and should not be less than 4 pages or more than 7 pages in length.

Top 10 Pop Songs of 2017 By or Featuring African Queens ~ #TheYamboSelection

Introduction and Selection Criteria for Africa's Top Songs of 2017

After the belated publication of Africa's Top Songs for each of the years running from 2010 to 2013, the 2017 list now represents the eighth annual ranking in #TheYamboSelection series. The same criteria have been used this year (January to December 2017) as were used last year to select and rank the best pop songs out of those released or published during the year. The longest list of top songs had 25 titles in 2014, but this number has been set at 40 since 2015. 

Before the entirety of the Top 40 list is released, smaller "vertical" segments are released as follows: Top 5, Top 10, Top 20 and Top 25 (particularly where we can't go from 20 straight to 40, for one reason or another). This is intended to facilitate subsequent online search by individuals who may be interested only in specific segments...READ MORE 

List of Top 10 Pop Songs of 2017 By/Featuring African Queens

[Note: Lists for earlier years appear at the bottom of this page]

Click on any listed song's title to watch the video.


10. Gone Forever by Chidinma (2017):

Somber background music sets off this mournful send-off for Mama, who is never going to come back. No one, sadly, does. Cries Chidinma: "If tears could bring you back,/I [would] cry you a river!" It is that anguished moment which no caring READ MORE


9. Kelele za Chura by Chege ft. Nandy (2017):

Tons of verve here! So much oomph! Kelele za Chura (Swahili phrase for frogs' croaking cacophony) is about the rock of love that ignores all prying eyes and treats all rumor as futile. Chege and the sultry lady, Nandy -- both Tanzanian -- give us O what a sunny t READ MORE


8. Kiba_100 by Rostam ft. Maua Sama (2017):

Gifted with such a precious voice as she has, Maua Sama (Summer Flower, if you want) is at the top of her game in this finely weaved song -- a song with what a drab title! We've seen her with 'Vee Money' in that blast of a song, Bounce, and know that more good stuff is to come. In Bounce, they were 'tussling' and baring their cute nails over a guy. Here, in Kiba_100, two guys swoon over her, in a futile attempt. Listen keenly, she'll make your day. She makes days.


7. 911 by Krizbeatz ft. Yemi Alade x Harmonize (2017):

As the video shows, the whole crew caught up in this 911 situation has contributed massively to its obvious and growing success. Everybody in it goes with the tastefully choreographed flow, and understated humour. Still, special mention must go to three individuals: Krizbeatz, Harmonize and Yemi Alade. One takes it that Krizbeatz it is who made the do at all possible. Never a mean feat. And so And so he must feel fully validated by the accolades that are flowing in. Yemi Alade is the most widely known of the three, and the heart of this...READ MORE


6. Your Matter by Seyi Shay ft. Eugy x Efosa (2017):

In "The Ballad at (as) the Core...", I pointed out that the dominant genre of modern African music in 2013-14 was the ballad. That's what the evidence I had seen told me. And I listed Seyi Shay, with her Jangilova, among African pop musicians whose songs were mostly about love and loneliness (and even 'aloneness') -- and loss. READ MORE


5. Bolingo Mabe by Anita Mwarabu ft. Innoss'B (2017):

In Bolingo Mabe (Lingala phrase for false, untrue or unfaithful Love), we renew our acquaintance with super-talented but unassuming Innoss'B, who hails from the DRC -- and speaks Swahili too. We last saw (and heard) him with Koffi Olomide in that blast of a song titled Elengi. Here he sings with his compatriot, sophisticated and self-confident Anita Mwarabu, who also speaks Swahili. That's a plus, for both. She sings in To Dondwa as well, with maestro Fally Ipupa and company. The theme in Bolingo Mabe READ MORE

4. Inspire by Nameless (2017):

Inspire has a truly inspiring tone and an amazingly sunny tune. Nameless, whom we will call Adam, has gone (to the Maasai Mara) and done it, all within sight of the great and imposing Kilimanjaro. This is without question his greatest song -- ever. And it just goes to show that great and greater potential and talent may lie untapped and perhaps unsuspected even in those who have already scaled heights. Nameless (and the nameless Queen/'Eve') have obviously worked very hard to let us have Inspire, on a platter READ MORE


3. Bounce by Vanessa Mdee ft. Maua Sama x Tommy Flavour (2017):

Bounce features two Tanzanian Divas with smooth-as-silk voices, and a style and charm to match the whole do: Vanessa Mdee and Maua Sama. It might as well be summer in this suggestive video. Wait, it's always summer in coastal TZ! The third artiste, Tommy Flavour, lives up to his surname, looks like, with these gals, in a no-holds-barred but gentle and consensual threesome. He's the 'boy-toy'. He's the ball of string the cats 'fight' over in this giddily furnished and leisurely hideout -- this burudani. READ MORE


2. Esopi Yo by Awilo Longomba ft. Tiwa Savage (2017):

As a performer, Awilo Longomba hardly ever disappoints those who have become attached to his musical persona. Not in his vocal delivery. Not in his body texts. Not in his energy output. And not in the totality of his performance. In Esopi Yo, he delivers an exquisite act on a finely crafted set. The singing is mellow, the music superbly pitched. The ambience, inside a veritable 'chateau' somewhere in McCain's Arizona, is pure sapeurisme. The ebb and flow of body texts is haute art in motion. READ MORE


1. Africa Unite by Nsoki ft. DJ Maphorisa and DJ Paulo Alves(2017):

Seven years after Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), that iconic song sung and danced by Shakira and her South African companions at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, comes a worthy successor -- Africa Unite. The new song is sung by the equally fine and animated Nsoki, from Lusophone Angola. It is danced by her superbly choreographed dance-troupe. They are all so wonderfully 'backstopped' by the ever-resourceful DJ Maphorisa, and DJ Paulo Alves. The stage is a feline high-voltage affair from beginning to end. The singing makes READ MORE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Links To Relevant Lists From Previous Years

Africa: [To be Posted]
1. 

East Africa: [To be posted]
1.