Mauri Yambo: 15/04/2018

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Michael Cohen: Donald Trump's Lawyer

Images of Trump's lawyer, Michael Cohen, on the street make New York life so, so not charming no more. He walks down the street like he's given up on the job market, and doesn't care about the traffic code.

He walks back into the high-rise with an 'unkempt' umbrella in the middle of the day, sort of, like he's giving up on life, already.

He's downcast and not truly forward leaning and carries a plastic bag. Hey, we don't do that in Nairobi now. The Kanjoo (or NEMA) will catch you and teach you a thing. Worse, the bag is only a third full and wouldn't feed a hungry and lonesome and not-yet-bald eaglet up the (ill) wind-swept and ransacked loft.

Partial Exhibit (MSNBC's Set 1): Video 1
Partial Exhibit (Broad Spectrum): Video 2
Partial Exhibit (MSNBC's Set 2): Video 3

CONCEPT: Early Warning

Early Warning: All early warning actions or instances involve, in the first place, the identification by certified or acknowledged experts (or expert systems) -- or organizations -- of a likely or impending emergency or disaster event. Such identification increasingly involves a considerable amount of predictive analytics, though some warnings must be given on very short notice -- of a few days and sometimes even hours.

Identification is of necessity followed by a notification, the "sounding" of an 'alarm', or setting off of a dedicated and familiar alarm system, primarily targeting the groups or populations whose lives and/or livelihoods are likely to be significantly affected by the event -- or, simply, those most at risk. An early warning is not early enough, or good enough, if it arrives at the same time as the misfortune which befalls the victims it was supposed to alert and give time to get to safety, or simply out of danger.

Early warnings trigger 'responses' across a variety of 'actors', each guided by specific contingency plans and preparedness measures. Their respective competencies and formal/informal responsibilities will more often than not require smart coordination with others for optimal effect.

In relation to a refugee emergency, UNHCR (2000: 36) defines early warning, rather unsatisfactorily, as "the collection, analysis and use of information in order to better understand the current situation as well as likely future events." In principle, moreover, contingency planning should not be triggered by a specific early warning, contrary to what UNHCR (2000: 36) suggests. It should instead be one of the latter's anchors -- and validating factors.

Still, all this depends, of course, on the amount of time that 'responders' have to work with between the 'moment' that a coming danger is first confirmed and the 'moment' it is expected to arrive. The longer the 'lead time', the more worthy of emergency managers' time and sense of purpose will contingency planning appear to be. The shorter and shorter it is, the less and less consequential, and doable, will such planning prove to be.

Thursday, April 19, 2018

LingalaPop, Volume 4

This is Volume 4 of this blog's series of #LingalaPop music. The point has been made in Volumes 1 and 2 that certain Congolese music productions have all the features -- and effects on audience (or fan) sensibilities -- which are typically associated with or seen in pop music, as broadly understood. I have even grouped what I consider to be stand-out examples of that kind of Congolese music under the hashtag given above.

As previously pointed out, I have included Lingala in that hashtag in order to give due respect to that expansive lingua franca of the Greater Congo, which serves (in word and/or tone) as the base for the songs referenced here. Most of the songs are sung by Congolese nationals at home or in the diaspora -- but, interestingly, not all. In Volume 3, for example, two Kenyan Queens (Victoria Kimani and Akothee) featured in a full-throttle sort of way.

Nor is Lingala the language that Congolese artistes, or those that they sing with, invariably use in the included songs. In Tucheze, Ferre Gola sang a considerable chunk of the lyrics in 'heavy-accent' but recognizable Swahili, while VK sang her part almost entirely in English. Nigerian artiste J. Martins appears with Ferre Gola in Ekelebe, in Volume 4, with enough gravitational force to influence FG's celestial orbit. The same FG who sings, shall I say, not in lyrical Lingala but bemusing English. Still, Lingala's tonal influence on both proceedings is not escaped, in whatever charming mix we may come upon the ingredients.

Volume 4, like the previous three, showcases 10 video (or audio) clips which on good grounds qualify to be labelled, and which therefore exemplify, #LingalaPop. Indeed, I think that the songs are the leading ones in that genre. Perhaps I should say: among the leading ones.

My selection of #LingalaPop titles so far published has also been been mostly restricted to those about which I have made 'substantive' comments already (or have ranked in #TheYamboSelection series) -- over the stretch of a few years. And I have restricted my commentary essentially to songs that have "reached my ears" in one way or another.

But the urge to share exemplary or exciting 'finds' on a particular list (scheduled or not) may prompt -- indeed already has (in #TheYamboSelection series), and in some instances perhaps should -- the publication of the list before the narratives related to particular titles are ready for release, or even 'fully' drafted. The fact is that there's just so much music being produced these days -- and increasingly "all over".

It would unduly lengthen the intervals between particular volumes in the series and, what's more, overwhelm any one commentator to endeavour to say something meaningful about each "drop", so to speak -- or even about "many enough" -- in any kind of timely fashion. That is, despite the fact that one's timing on one's blog is 'entirely' one's own. The lister's work is never done, experience teaches! Such comments as I have already made are available on this blog, and I give below the link associated with each listed song. Those that are not yet made will, hopefully in the main, follow.

The songs listed below are not arranged in any particular order of rank. I really love all of them, and think you will do so too. Let me also add that the 'burst' of incoming evidence that I have encountered as I have continued with my (re)search on songs that deserve inclusion means, alas/happily, that even Volume 4 will not be the last. There's going to be a Volume 5 -- and perhaps a 6.

About the video/audio clips included in Volume 3:
You may have to Right Click the song of your choice on the list below, and then choose the "Open link in a new tab" option in order to watch or listen to the clip.

1. Billi by Kanda Bongo Man (2014)
2. Ekelebe by J. Martins ft. Ferre Gola (2016)
3. Napesi by Makoma (1999, 2012)
4. Porte Monnaie by Ferre Gola ft. Gout (2011)
5. La Beaute d'un Femme by Mbilia Bel (2017)
6. Robot by Koffi Olomide (2010, 2017)
7. Etoula by Diblo Dibala ft. Loketo (2017)
8. Perdue de Vue - Espelisa by Yondo Sister (2013, 2017)
9. Magastar by Heritier Watanabe (2018)
10. La Femme et L'argent by Diblo Dibala (2016)

Find below links to previous Volumes ~ 1, 2 and 3:
1. LingalaPop, Volume 1
2. LingalaPop, Volume 2
3. LingalaPop, Volume 3

Mbilia Bel's La Beauté D'une Femme

Mbilia Bel's own musical rendition of the universal theme of La Beauté D'une Femme -- The Beauty of a Woman -- is a truly lovely thing to witness with the attentive ear, and eye; a wonderful thing to experience. For 11:31 minutes we're engrossed in her exposition of this never-ending 'matter'. We dare not blink, though it happens despite our ardent effort.

La Beauté is a pearl of a song. It's an extended feast of soulful, mellow rhumba hosted by the acclaimed Cleopatre of our time. We of the Great Lakes and Rivers and snow caps, and an unconquerable and incomparable forest cover. What a melodious treat! What a harmony of sight and sound, of passion and color, of voice and beat -- of a calmness and collectedness and persistence of spirit!

Without intending it, I think, Mbilia traces her own life's journey of disappointment and angst and triumph. We know a bit of that story, but only a bit. The song's tone, of voice and instrument, is both nostalgic -- very nostalgic -- and forward leaning. Undeterred by the past. She and her mates allow themselves here, despite and because of everything they've seen in many journeys, a moment of feline strut and restrained cheer and all the associated body texts. They, survivors and veterans of a perennial and so often unspoken 'war', have earned all of it.

Click here to watch the video

NOTE: This song had 120,424 views on YouTube at the time this post was published.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

MUSIC (Kenya): Nairobi by Mayonde feat Stonee Jiwe

Sunny Nairobi City has a worthy, and just as sunny, champion in Mayonde and her co-singer, Stonee Jiwe -- who is obviously at peace rapping and lingering in the video clip's less-lit places. Their 2017 song of Nairobi was a risky conception, but the duo has swept all that aside -- with great cheer(fulness) and unabashed love for their city. The team, of two, certainly doesn't pander to any powers that be -- unlike Mbilia Bel, whose Nakei Nairobi blatantly and sadly did.

The video clip doesn't quite have the tell-tale grandeur of Olamide's own Lagos. And one gets the sense that Mayonde and Stonee unwittingly undersell Nairobi here, even as Mayonde's smiles and upbeat 'manner' hug everyone in, and out of, sight with unrestrained enthusiasm.

Still, Mayonde looks good and has the presence of a worthy ambassador. She's going to be an influencer, for sure. So much potential. She mentions in the song many of the place-names that dot and map out the city -- more than well enough for those who are already its living markers in those very same locales that she mentions (and more): South C, South B, 111, Westie, Kangemi, Dondii (!), Bama, Buru Buru, Mathare, Kawangware. You see in that list the places that the spirit is comfy with. And so be it.

Images of downtown Nairobi are sort of flipped through, though, and rushed in the clip. Many are seen in the dimming light of a rapidly retreating evening. What the Director had in mind only the Director knows. But one thing is in no doubt at all in all of this: Mayonde does love her city. She clearly prefers the peri(er) sides; but that's OK, too. Comparisons between her Nairobi (see the video at the link given below) and Jua Cali's Karibu Nairobi are bound to be made.

"I love my city
O yes I do,
Na na na Nairobi" ~ Mayonde declares

Click to watch her do Nairobi thing

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Mauri Yambo's Blog Milestones as of April 17, 2018

The last time a set of this Blog's milestones was published was at the end of February 2017. A lot has happened since, and I am pleased to present below a selection of the latest milestones, as recorded at the end of April 16, 2018 and at midday on April 17, 2018. Comparable data for the end of February 2017, January 2017 and December 2016 are shown in brackets below:

1. Published posts (all-time) as of midday, April 17, 2018 = 1,203. [Comparable figures at end-of-Feb '17 = 908; end-of-Jan '17 = 802; end-of-Dec '16 = 741]

2. Drafts + posts back in draft form as of midday, April 17, 2018 = 85. [Comparable figures at end-of-Feb '17 = 50; end-of-Jan '17 = 57; end-of-Dec '16 = 46]. These drafts serve as Post-Nurseries. Neither their number nor their pageview stats are included in the data reported here under items 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

3. Pageviews at end-of-day, April 16, 2018 = 1,653. [Comparable figures at end-of-Feb '17 = 2,112; end-of-Jan '17 = 665; end-of-Dec '16 = 417]

4. Pageviews for "the last month" (or last 29 days) as captured at midday, April 17, 2018 = 46,694. [Comparable figures at end-of-Feb '17: 30,913; end-of-Jan '17 = 25,379 corrected; end-of-Dec '16 = 14,944]

5. All-time pageviews as of midday, April 17, 2018 = 700,000. [Comparable figures for end-of-Feb '17 = 436,623; end-of-Jan '17 = 405,710; end-of-Dec '16 = 380,331].

6. The number of all-time pageviews (700,000) and published posts (1,203), shown at item 5 and 1 above, give us a rounded average of 582 all-time pageviews per post to-date.

READ: Blog Milestones at End of June 2016
READ: BLOG POSTS: More Milestones Recorded in October 2015

NOTE: It is not the intention to publish Milestones regularly on a monthly basis, but there will be more releases in the future.

Ferre Gola's Porte Monnaie, feat Gout ~ #LingalaPop

In Porte Monnaie, Ferre Golla (feat Gout) gives us a fine and truly refined gift of a song. It's polished visually -- very polished -- and even more aurally. The whole clip is, indeed, varnished by its very own soulful soundness, if one may say so.

A bit of rap is in the background, and hard to miss. It garnishes the whole affair -- in which we are, all, awed spectators. The lyrics have a poetic charm, even when the tempo alters -- indeed, at their command. The band, as almost always invisible, lets its presence known -- all the way and wonderfully so. Everything seems effortlessly in place -- a smoothly shape-shifting place. It's all well blended in.

The song's gross length -- 8:55 minutes of our progressively value-added time -- allows for savory vibes to surround and sink in and really have their intended and well-calculated and/or serendipitous effects on our sensibilities. Without uttering a word, the video clip's leading girl communicates with the entranced audience with (shall I say it?) her subtle body texts and subtexts -- fronted by her siren's eyes.

The beat and the rhythm in Porte Monnaie will, I suspect, prompt a spontaneous swaying and swinging among the willing. This is pure #LingalaPop. It's an inexhaustible feast, from an artiste who is yet to be given his due attention by a continent-wide fan-base that's, really, still gelling. To say that, however, is not to lose sight of the fact that the song already has, to-date, more than 3.2 million YouTube views.

Click here to view the song's video

An amazing play of the guitar -- cheerful and optimistic -- dominates the last two minutes of this inspired song, from 6:55 to practically the very last second. It's all by design, and a delight that lingers.

Africa's Top 15 Pop Songs of 2011 ~ #TheYamboSelection

You will recall that the first list of Africa's Top Pop Songs in #TheYamboSelection series covered only calendar year 2014. The second list covered 2015. However, while working on the various 2016 lists, interest in covering a few earlier years continued to grow. That interest has now resulted in the 2011 list of Africa's Top 15 Pop Songs, which appears below.

The procedure for generating the 2011 list derives from the same one used for the period 2014-2016. Click here for all the essential details.

LIST OF AFRICA'S TOP 15 POP SONGS OF 2011 ~ #TYS

[To view a video clip, you may have to Right Click a Song's title below and then choose the "Open tab in new window" option]

15. Ara (Wonders) by Brymo (2011):

14. Jankoliko by Chidinma (2011):

13. Coupe Bibamba by Awilo Longomba (2011):

12. Cache Cache by Awilo Longomba ft. Unnamed Female Vocalists (2011):
Click here to read a review of the song

11. Porte Monnaie by Ferre Gola ft. Gout (2011):

10. Faux Dossier by Awilo Longomba (2011?):
[The 2011 edition of the YouTube video is no longer available]

9. Oleku by Ice Prince ft. Bymo (2011):

8. Washington by Koffi Olomide (2011):

7. What You Like by Longombas (2011):

6. Mukulu by Skales (2011):

5. Pollination by Radio and Weasel ft. Obsessions (2011):

4. Love Me 3x by Tiwa Savage (2011):

3. Medecin de Nuit by Koffi Olomide (2011):

2. Party Don't Stop by Camp Mulla ft. Collo (2011):

1. Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) by Flavour (2011):

Africa's Top 20 Pop Songs of 2011 ~ #TheYamboSelection

[To view a video clip, you may have to Right Click a Song's title below and then choose the "Open tab in new window" option]

20. Addicted by Camp Mulla (2011):

19. Molowo Noni by Samklef ft. Wizkid x D'Prince x Ice Prince (2011):

18. Superstar by Ice Prince (2011):

17. Hula Hoop by Stella Mwangi ft. Mohombi (2011):

16. Crazy by Shaa (2011):

15. Ara (Wonders) by Brymo (2011):

14. Jankoliko by Chidinma (2011):

13. Coupe Bibamba by Awilo Longomba (2011):

12. Cache Cache by Awilo Longomba ft. Unnamed Female Vocalists (2011):
Click here to read a review of the song

11. Porte Monnaie by Ferre Gola ft. Gout (2011):

10. Faux Dossier by Awilo Longomba
[The 2011 version of the Youtube video is now unavailable]

9. Oleku by Ice Prince ft. Bymo (2011):

8. Washington by Koffi Olomide (2011):

7. What You Like by Longombas (2011):

6. Mukulu by Skales (2011):

5. Pollination by Radio and Weasel ft. Obsessions (2011):

4. Love Me 3x by Tiwa Savage (2011):

3. Medecin de Nuit by Koffi Olomide (2011):

2. Party Don't Stop by Camp Mulla ft. Collo (2011):

1. Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) by Flavour (2011):

Monday, April 16, 2018

LingalaPop, Volume 3

This is Volume 3 of this blog's series of #LingalaPop music. The point has been made in Volumes 1 and 2 that certain Congolese music productions have all the features -- and effects on audience (or fan) sensibilities -- which are typically associated with or seen in pop music, as broadly understood. I have even grouped what I consider to be stand-out examples of that kind of Congolese music under the hashtag given above.

I have included Lingala in that hashtag in order to give due respect to that expansive lingua franca of the Greater Congo, which serves (in word and/or tone) as the base for the songs referenced here. Most of the songs are sung by Congolese nationals at home or in the diaspora -- but, interestingly, not all. Nor is Lingala the language that they, or those that they sing with, invariably use in the included songs. But its influence is not escaped in whatever charming mix we may come upon.

Volume 3, like the previous two, showcases 10 video (or audio) clips which on good grounds qualify to be labelled, and which therefore exemplify, #LingalaPop. Indeed, I think that the songs are the leading ones in that genre. Perhaps I should say: among the leading ones.

I confess that my selection of #LingalaPop titles so far published has also been restricted to those about which I have made 'substantive' comments already (or have ranked in #TheYamboSelection) -- over the stretch of a few years. And I have restricted my commentary essentially to songs that have "reached my ears" in one way or another.

But the urge to share exemplary or exciting 'finds' on a particular list (scheduled or not) may prompt -- indeed already has (in #TheYamboSelection series), and in some instances perhaps should -- the publication of the list before the narratives related to particular titles are ready for release. The fact is that there's just so much music being produced these days -- and increasingly "all over". It would overwhelm any one commentator to say something meaningful about each "drop", so to speak -- or even about "many enough" in any kind of timely fashion. Luckily, my timing on this blog is my own.

Such comments as I have already made are available on this blog, and I give below the link associated with each listed song. Those that are not yet made will follow. The songs are not arranged in any particular order of rank. I really love all of them, and think you will do so too. Let me also add that the 'burst' of incoming evidence that I have encountered as I have continued with my (re)search on songs that deserve inclusion means, alas/happily, that Volume 3 will not be the last. There's going to be a Volume 4 -- and perhaps a 5.

About the video/audio clips included in Volume 3:
You may have to Right Click the song of your choice on the list below, and then choose the "Open link in a new tab" option in order to watch or listen to the clip

1. Mongali by Tabu Ley ft. Afrisa International (c. 1969?)
2. Bad Boy by Fally Ipupa x Aya Nakamura (2017)
3. Djarabi by Barbara Kanam (2010)
4. Mobimba by P Unit ft. Alicios (2013)
5. Bougerle by Akothee ft. Sarkozy (2015)
6. Tucheze by Victoria Kimani ft. Ferre Gola (2016)
7. Les Z'on dit by Mbilia Bell (2017)
8. Congo by Koffi Olomide ft. Cindy le Coeur (2010)
9. Lisanga ya Bambanda by Mbilia Bell (2017)
10. Coupe Bibamba by Awilo Longomba [Here's a Live Show version at an event in 1998]

Africa's Top 15 Pop Songs of 2010 ~ #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTION

You will recall that the first list of Africa's Top Pop Songs in #TheYamboSelection series covered only calendar year 2014. The second list covered 2015. However, while working on the various 2016 lists, interest in covering a few earlier years continued to grow. That interest has now resulted in this 2010 list of Africa's Top 15 Pop Songs, which appears below. This is it. There will not be a 2009 list, tempting as that year is.

The procedure for generating the 2010 list derives from the same one used for the period 2014-2016. Click here for all the essential details.

LIST OF AFRICA'S TOP 15 POP SONGS OF 2010 ~ #TYS
[To watch the video clip of a Song, you may have to Right Click the Song's Song's title and then choose the "Open link in new window" option]

15. Kamasutra by Ferre Gola (2010):

14. Holla at Your Boy by Wizkid (2010):

13. Djarabi by Barbara Kanam (2010):

12. Say Ho by Yola Semedo (2010):

11. Give It to Me by D'Prince ft. D'Banj (2010):

10. Logique by Koffi Olomide (2010):

9. Queen by Longombas (2010):

8. Fall In Love by D'Banj (ft. Genevieve) (2010):

7. Ko Ma Roll by Mo' Cheddah (2010):

6. Robot by Koffi Olomide (2010):

5. Moto Moto by French Boy ft. Ray C (2010):

4. Mr. Endowment by D'Banj (2010):

3. Chokoza by Marya ft. Avril (2010):

2. Congo by Koffi Olomide ft. Cindy Le Coeur (2010):

1. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira ft. Unnamed Female Vocalist (2010):

Click here to read a review of this iconic Waka Waka song
Click here for BB Dj's rendition of Waka Waka (2009)

Africa's Top 20 Pop Songs of 2010 ~ #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTION

You will recall that the first list of Africa's Top Pop Songs in #TheYamboSelection series covered only calendar year 2014. The second list covered 2015. However, while working on the various 2016 lists, interest in covering a few earlier years continued to grow. That interest has now resulted in this 2010 list of Africa's Top 20 Pop Songs, which appears below. This is it. There will not be a 2009 list, tempting as that year is.

The procedure for generating the 2010 list derives from the same one used for the period 2014-2016. Click here for all the essential details.

LIST OF AFRICA'S TOP 20 POP SONGS OF 2010 ~ #TYS
[To watch the video clip of a Song, you may have to Right Click the Song's Song's title and then choose the "Open link in new window" option]

20. Mkono Mmoja by Temba + Chegge ft. Wahu (2010):

19. Moza Girl by Dama do Bling (2010):

18. Lagos Party by Banky W (2010):

17. Champion Remix by General Pype ft Dagrin x Vector x Naeto C x Sasha x GT (2010):

16. Genge Love by Nonini ft. Lady Bee (2010):

15. Kamasutra by Ferre Gola (2010):

14. Holla at Your Boy by Wizkid (2010):

13. Djarabi by Barbara Kanam (2010):

12. Say Ho by Yola Semedo (2010):

11. Give It to Me by D'Prince ft. D'Banj (2010):

10. Logique by Koffi Olomide (2010):

9. Queen by Longombas (2010):

8. Fall In Love by D'Banj (ft. Genevieve) (2010):

7. Ko Ma Roll by Mo' Cheddah (2010):

6. Robot by Koffi Olomide (2010):

5. Moto Moto by French Boy ft. Ray C (2010):

4. Mr. Endowment by D'Banj (2010):

3. Chokoza by Marya ft. Avril (2010):

2. Congo by Koffi Olomide ft. Cindy Le Coeur (2010):

1. Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira ft. Unnamed Female Vocalist (2010):

Click here to read a review of this iconic Waka Waka song
Click here for BB Dj's rendition of Waka Waka (2009)

Sunday, April 15, 2018

East Africa's Top 15 Pop Songs of 2014 ~ #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTION

If one were to ask me, as I have already asked myself, to name East Africa's best/top 25 (or 10 or 5) pop songs released or published in 2014, here below would be, and is, my Top 15 selection. All 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 or East 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 TOP 15 SELECTION:
[To watch the video, you may have to Right Click a Song's title and choose the "Open link in a new window" option]

15. Kanyaboya by Messen Selecta (2014):

14. Butterfly by Nameless (2014):

13. Bum Bum by Diamond Platnumz ft. Iyanya (2014):

12. Show by Victoria Kimani (2014):

11. Coco Baby by Waje ft. Diamond Platnumz (2014):

10. Koolio by Stella Mwangi (2014):

9. Nimempata by Pam Daffa ft. Mesen Selecta (2014):
[The YouTube account of the 2014 version of the song was closed]

8. Chapa Nyingine by Chege ft. Gift (2014):

7. Kookoo by Elani (2014):

6. Njoo by Shaa ft. Redsan (2014):

5. Mdogo Mdogo by Diamond Platnumz (2014):

4. Mfalme by MwanaFA ft. G. Nako Warawa (2014):
Epic ~ MY

3. Prokoto by Victoria Kimani ft. Ommy Dimploz x Diamond Platnumz (2014):

2. Sura Yako by Sauti Sol (2014):

1. Ole Themba by Linah (2014):

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

INTRODUCTION

If one were to ask me, as I have already asked myself, to name East Africa's best/top 25 (or 10 or 5) pop songs released or published in 2014, here below would be, and is, my Top 20 selection. All 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 or East 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 TOP 20 SELECTION:
[To watch the video, you may have to Right Click a Song's title and choose the "Open link in a new window" option]

20. Barua ya Dunia by Elani (2014):

19. Sugua Gaga by Shaa (2014):

18. Chuna Buzi by Shilole (2014):

17. Mfalme wa Mapenzi by Sanaipei [Sana] (2014):

16. Go Down Low by Palasso ft. Sheebah (2014):

15. Kanyaboya by Messen Selecta (2014):

14. Butterfly by Nameless (2014):

13. Bum Bum by Diamond Platnumz ft. Iyanya (2014):

12. Show by Victoria Kimani (2014):

11. Coco Baby by Waje ft. Diamond Platnumz (2014):

10. Koolio by Stella Mwangi (2014):

9. Nimempata by Pam Daffa ft. Mesen Selecta (2014):
[The YouTube account of the 2014 version of the song was closed]

8. Chapa Nyingine by Chege ft. Gift (2014):

7. Kookoo by Elani (2014):

6. Njoo by Shaa ft. Redsan (2014):

5. Mdogo Mdogo by Diamond Platnumz (2014):

4. Mfalme by MwanaFA ft. G. Nako Warawa (2014):
Epic ~ MY

3. Prokoto by Victoria Kimani ft. Ommy Dimploz x Diamond Platnumz (2014):

2. Sura Yako by Sauti Sol (2014):

1. Ole Themba by Linah (2014):