MUSIC (Kenya): Stella Mwangi's Awesome Rap, "Shut It Down"

Stella Mwangi's Shut It Down is an awesome piece of music video. It is arguably one of her best songs ever, if not one of Africa's best even now in early 2018. And yet, despite its artistic merits (which border on the truly iconic), its place in the evolution of African pop music in this decade, remains largely obscure. This is despite the fact that #TheYamboSelection ranked it fourth among Africa's Top 25 Pop Songs of 2012, and second among East Africa's Top 10 Happiest Songs in 2012.

A number of factors explain the song's stellar quality, overall:

1. Top notch video directing and production.

2.  Stella's star-quality as rapper and dancer in her own song.

3. The song's beat, and all that surround energy.

4. The optical and artistic aspects of the 'set', and location.


Click to watch the video

Top 25 Pop Songs of 2016 By, or Featuring, East African Divas ~ #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

The procedure for generating the Top 25 list of Pop Songs by (or featuring) East African Divas derives from the one used for All-Africa Top 40 Pop Songs. Click here for all the essential details.

Here below is the said Top 25 list of 2016:

[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
25. Angejua by Dayna Nyange (2016):

24. Kupe by Amos n Josh ft Ben Pol x Apio x Mohamed Omukyala (2016):

23. Tempo Remix by Dufla Diligon ft Cindy Sanyu (2016):

22. Kufunikwa by Sosuum (2016):

21. Walete  by Feza (2016):

20. Adabu by Dela ft. H_Art The Band (2016):

19. Jah by Femi One (2016):

18. Sijutii Remix by Wakazi ft. Ruby (2016):

17. Body by Rabadaba ft. Jody (2016):

16. Sifa by Qs International Music Band (2016):

15. Milele by Lulu Diva ft. Barnaba (2016):

14. One Time by Rosa Ree (2016):
WATCH: Interview with Rosa Ree (in Swahili)

13. Go Down by Ang3lina ft. Stino (2016):

12. Give it To Me by Akothee ft. Mr. Flavour (2016):

11. Giving You by Victoria Kimani ft. Sarkodie (2016):

10. Juu by Vanessa Mdee ft. Jux (2016):

9. Love You by Elani (2016):

8. Naomba Uniroge by Vanessa Mdee (2016):

Click here for a review of the song

7. Benefactor by Akothee (2016):
READ: Related commentary 1
READ: Related commentary 2

6. Farmer Remix by Ykee Benda ft. Sheebah (2016):

5. Micasa Sucasa by Kaligraph Jones ft. Cashy (2016):
Click here to read a review

4. Cash Madame by Vanessa Mdee (2016):
Click here to read a review

3. Say My Name by Shilole ft. Barnaba (2016):
Click here to read a review

2. Nkwatako by Shebbah Karungi (2016):
Click here to read a review

1. All the Way by Victoria Kimani and Khuli Channa (2016):
Click here to read a review

Top 40 Pop Songs of 2017 By/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 40 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.


40. Oh Na Na by Ang3lina (2017):

Ang3elina is obviously happy here singing her love song, Oh Na Na (as in Go Down). All the dancing we see reflects happy moods too. Love-induced happiness is imprinted in the lyrics.


39. Zahabu by Charly na Nina (2017): 

Zahabu (= Gold), a dance-song in three languages, is a happy song -- though less so than Mfata. Dancing bodies are variously happy bodies. Physically sick bodies don't routinely dance.


38. Kigori by Shilole (2017):

In Kigori, Shilole returns to allusions that flavored some of her past songs. Still, it emits happy vibes, after a fashion. You see that in the upbeat tune, and the body texts. All's ample here.


37. Unanimaliza by Ray C (2017):

Ray C's earlier works are well-remembered by those who heard them. In tone and mien, Unanimaliza (= you finish me), is back-to-the-future of sorts.The tune's good. Her eyes still finish folks.


36. Shuga by Mimi Mars (2017):

Shuga is a high-spirited love song, packed with tender feelings. Mimi Mars, the songstress, plays here the role of  a love-bird getting set to welcome her man (her Shuga) READ MORE 

35. Forever by Eazzy ft. Mr. Eazy (2017):

Forever is an altogether sunny duet, with relationship-enhancing lyrics. Ms. Eazzy puts all her heart into this thing, with easy moves and cat-like shout-outs. Mr. Eazi is solid rock.


34. Right Here by Juliana Kanyomozi (2017):

The theme in Juliana Kanyomozi's ballad, Right Here, is love. The song is an expression of constant love, wherever her man go. The music captures the free-flowing mood in the lyrics. 

33. Down by Quick Rocca ft. Mimi Mars (2017):

With Down, sung in both Swahili and English, Quick Rocka and Mimi Mars (both Tanzanian) deliver an engaging dance-floor hit. The tunes are superbly primed, with READ MORE



32. iNDE by HEAVY-K ft Bucie x Nokwazi (2017):

iNDE is a journey of the mind, a long Love Journey, across expansive landscapes and all those years gone. It's about defiance built on relived betrayals. Yet Love needs Love still. 


31. Up in the Air by Rosa Ree (2017):

The tunes and the beat that go with Rosa Ree's defiant and self-loving rap, Up in the Air, will draw warm attention from 'most everyone. This gives her the platform to take on READ MORE


30. Ezizweni by Mobi Dixon ft. Berita (2017):

Mobi Dickson is all cheer in Ezizweni. And so are we. It's in her beaming visage. In her period-piece vocals. And in her O so charming moves. She got rhythm, too. Barita must be that guy!


29. Suited by Shekhinah (2017):

Suited is a song of deepest commitment, earnestly sung by this iconic but still mysterious South African singer, Shekhinah. "Suited for each other", she declares to her lover, though she fears they may be just a little too young still READ MORE


28. Air by Di'Ja (2017):

Whistling Di'Ja is the reason for this journey, on which we find her. With a coterie of friends, she's soon singing about her onliest Air. Can't breathe without him. The tune's pretty good.


27. Hata Sielewi by MwanaFA ft. Maua Sama (2017):

Hata Sielewi ( = I don't really understand what you're saying) portrays the difficulties experienced when attempting to express love sentiments across language barriers READ MORE


26. Bebe by Nana Fofie (2017):

Bebe has an alluring beat, which brands the whole song. It grabs you (the whole of you) right away, with its moderate pace. It doesn't let go. We have high-definition READ MORE


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 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. 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: 
1. Top 40 Pop Songs of 2016 By/Feat African Divas



East Africa: 
1. Top 40 Pop Songs of 2016 By/Feat East African Divas




NOTE: Irene Ntale's Stamina Daddy was belatedly deleted from this list after YouTube removed the video from public viewing.

Top 20 Happiest Songs By/Featuring East African Divas in 2014 ~ #TheYamboSelection

 INTRODUCTION

Happiness is a state of mind, a feeling - with feelers to the 'outside'. Outside becomes what things we allow it to become, and what things we have no control over and so impose themselves.

Happiness and Love? They are twins. Twins, who-which, sometimes, alas, we find in mortal combat.

Good music!

In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Duke Orsino utters these immortal words:  "If music be the food of life, play on; / Give me excess of it ..." I just want to endorse that here. If good music be, let it be. Give me more, is all!

Good music is at once a convergence of happiness - happy feelings - and its source. Happy songs make people happy, happy people arguably happier, and less sad sad people - and even, perhaps, happy; if they're not too deep into their own sadness. They breed happiness through the joyfulness of the words in the song and the soulfulness of the song in the words, the melody in the tunes, the liveliness of the body-language and suppleness of the assembled 'bodies', the harmony of the charged instruments, the pulsating visuals of the video, and the warmth of the stage upon which everything, and everything else, is set.

There is magic in the happy song, then. The song that makes people happy has magical power over 'em. So, oh my goodness, does the song that makes people truly sad.

There are times, if I may digress, that I have thought (sensed would be too strong a word) that truly throbbing drumbeat among the prayerful carries within it the voice of God in its surreal, surround beat, as it's heard among the gathered, and as it cascades across the land - and even among the landless and the faithless.

So good music, howsoever it is delivered, has the powers -- howsoever we c these powers. But, I ask:
Why is it that music videos that elicit the most happiness seem generally to have a street motif?

MEASURING HAPPINESS

Can happiness be measured? That's a question for another day.

BUT READ THIS IN THE MEANTIME: World Happiness Report 2015

DO ALSO READ: "The Happiness Contagion" that I posted on December 9, 2008

HERE, THEN, ARE THE TOP 20 HAPPIEST SONGS BY/FEAT EAST AFRICAN DIVAS IN 2014

[For the selection and ranking criteria used in creating this list, go to the bottom of this post]

20. Jordan by Sheebah (2014):

19. Tam Tam Remix by Willy Paul ft. Size 8 (2014):

18. Dumbala Reloaded By Jay A ft. Sage x Madtraxx x Ken Razy x DNA x Visita (2014):

17. Woman in Love by Vivian (2014):

16. Nikimuona by Avril (2014):

15. Only You by Nene ft. Jay A (2014):

14. Baramushaka by Knowless (2014):

13. Barua ya Dunia by Elani (2014):

12. Sugua Gaga by Shaa (2014):

11. Chuna Buzi by Shilole (2014):

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

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

8. Show by Victoria Kimani (2014):

7. Koolio by Stella Mwangi (2014):

6. Nimempata by Pam Daffa ft. Mesen Selecta (2014/6):
[The Official YouTube video of 2014 is no longer available. We're sharing here the link to a 2016 version of what's touted as the song's "Official Lyrics" video]

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

4. Njoo by Shaa ft. Redsan (2014):

3. KooKoo by Elani (2014):

Happy to have Elani's wonderful voice featured here, singing KooKoo for all to hear. Much Love in the Iborian air. 

2. Prokoto by Victoria Kimani ft. Ommy Dimploz and Diamons Platnumz. (2014):
Victoria Kimani is a Kenyan songstress who's already going places, as you can see from her two friends here, OD and DP.

1. 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 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 this Yambo Selection 2014. She brings along with her everyone, everyone bar none, in the video.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++

SELECTION/INCLUSION CRITERIA

To Qualify for inclusion in this list, a song Was required to meet The Following criteria:
1. Released as music video in 2014. Broadly in any of these genres: Pop, RnB, Hip-Hop, Reggae
2 Available via YouTube or Otherwise available online
3. Predominantly sung by an artiste or artistes from Africa, PARTICULARLY Sub-Saharan Africa
4. Regularly played on one or more of Africa's leading music channels: Afro Pop and HipTV Music, in particular (they pay sustained attention to their African audience); Sound City, MTV Base and Trace Urban (all three of whose fare is significantly more diffuse).
5. Have a discernible "happiness" (or sunny) content/slant in terms of the following mix of considerations: beat, language (verbal or body), lyrics, melody, visuals (dance routines, 'stage sets' and video quality), voice (and audio quality) and use of vocal and technical instruments
6. Broad sensitivity to sub-regional tastes and artists' bases of operation (East, West, Central or Southern)
7. Gender: Minimum of 1/3 Rule, if short-listed songs make this possible.


RANKING CRITERION FOR INDIVIDUAL SELECTIONS

1. How does Yambo rate a particular song relative to the others on the list?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A call for comments: Your comments on individual selections and ranking criterion will be highly appreciated.

Note: I can imagine a future in which all I have tried to do here is open to public participation.

Top 10 Happiest Songs By/Featuring East African Divas in 2014 ~ #TheYamboSelection

 INTRODUCTION

Happiness is a state of mind, a feeling - with feelers to the 'outside'. Outside becomes what things we allow it to become, and what things we have no control over and so impose themselves.

Happiness and Love? They are twins. Twins, who-which, sometimes, alas, we find in mortal combat.

Good music!

In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Duke Orsino utters these immortal words:  "If music be the food of life, play on; / Give me excess of it ..." I just want to endorse that here. If good music be, let it be. Give me more, is all!

Good music is at once a convergence of happiness - happy feelings - and its source. Happy songs make people happy, happy people arguably happier, and less sad sad people - and even, perhaps, happy; if they're not too deep into their own sadness. They breed happiness through the joyfulness of the words in the song and the soulfulness of the song in the words, the melody in the tunes, the liveliness of the body-language and suppleness of the assembled 'bodies', the harmony of the charged instruments, the pulsating visuals of the video, and the warmth of the stage upon which everything, and everything else, is set.

There is magic in the happy song, then. The song that makes people happy has magical power over 'em. So, oh my goodness, does the song that makes people truly sad.

There are times, if I may digress, that I have thought (sensed would be too strong a word) that truly throbbing drumbeat among the prayerful carries within it the voice of God in its surreal, surround beat, as it's heard among the gathered, and as it cascades across the land - and even among the landless and the faithless.

So good music, howsoever it is delivered, has the powers -- howsoever we c these powers. But, I ask:
Why is it that music videos that elicit the most happiness seem generally to have a street motif?

MEASURING HAPPINESS

Can happiness be measured? That's a question for another day.

BUT READ THIS IN THE MEANTIME: World Happiness Report 2015

DO ALSO READ: "The Happiness Contagion" that I posted on December 9, 2008

HERE, THEN, ARE THE TOP 10 HAPPIEST SONGS BY/FEAT EAST AFRICAN DIVAS IN 2014

[For the selection and ranking criteria used in creating this list, go to the bottom of this post]


Click on any song's title given below to watch the video:

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

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

8. Show by Victoria Kimani (2014):

7. Koolio by Stella Mwangi (2014):

6. Nimempata by Pam Daffa ft. Mesen Selecta (2014/6):
[The Official YouTube video of 2014 is no longer available. We're sharing here the link to a 2016 version of what's touted as the song's "Official Lyrics" video]

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

4. Njoo by Shaa ft. Redsan (2014):

3. KooKoo by Elani (2014):

Happy to have Elani's wonderful voice featured here, singing KooKoo for all to hear. Much Love in the Iborian air. 

2. Prokoto by Victoria Kimani ft. Ommy Dimploz and Diamons Platnumz. (2014):
Victoria Kimani is a Kenyan songstress who's already going places, as you can see from her two friends here, OD and DP.

1. 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 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 this Yambo Selection 2014. She brings along with her everyone, everyone bar none, in the video.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++

SELECTION/INCLUSION CRITERIA

To Qualify for inclusion in this list, a song Was required to meet The Following criteria:
1. Released as music video in 2014. Broadly in any of these genres: Pop, RnB, Hip-Hop, Reggae
2 Available via YouTube or Otherwise available online
3. Predominantly sung by an artiste or artistes from Africa, PARTICULARLY Sub-Saharan Africa
4. Regularly played on one or more of Africa's leading music channels: Afro Pop and HipTV Music, in particular (they pay sustained attention to their African audience); Sound City, MTV Base and Trace Urban (all three of whose fare is significantly more diffuse).
5. Have a discernible "happiness" (or sunny) content/slant in terms of the following mix of considerations: beat, language (verbal or body), lyrics, melody, visuals (dance routines, 'stage sets' and video quality), voice (and audio quality) and use of vocal and technical instruments
6. Broad sensitivity to sub-regional tastes and artists' bases of operation (East, West, Central or Southern)
7. Gender: Minimum of 1/3 Rule, if short-listed songs make this possible.


RANKING CRITERION FOR INDIVIDUAL SELECTIONS

1. How does Yambo rate a particular song relative to the others on the list?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A call for comments: Your comments on individual selections and ranking criterion will be highly appreciated.

Note: I can imagine a future in which all I have tried to do here is open to public participation.

Top 5 Happiest Songs By/Featuring East African Divas in 2014 ~ #TheYamboSelection

 INTRODUCTION

Happiness is a state of mind, a feeling - with feelers to the 'outside'. Outside becomes what things we allow it to become, and what things we have no control over and so impose themselves.

Happiness and Love? They are twins. Twins, which, sometimes, alas, we find in mortal combat.

Good music!

In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Duke Orsino utters these immortal words:  "If music be the food of life, play on; / Give me excess of it ..." I just want to endorse that here. If good music be, let it be. Give me more, is all!

Good music is at once a convergence of happiness - happy feelings - and its source. Happy songs make people happy, happy people arguably happier, and less sad sad people - and even, perhaps, happy; if they're not too deep into their own sadness. They breed happiness through the joyfulness of the words in the song and the soulfulness of the song in the words, the melody in the tunes, the liveliness of the body-language and suppleness of the assembled 'bodies', the harmony of the charged instruments, the pulsating visuals of the video, and the warmth of the stage upon which everything, and everything else, is set.

There is magic in the happy song, then. The song that makes people happy has magical power over 'em. So, oh my goodness, does the song that makes people truly sad.

There are times, if I may digress, that I have thought (sensed would be too strong a word) that truly throbbing drumbeat among the prayerful carries within it the voice of God in its surreal, surround beat, as it's heard among the gathered, and as it cascades across the land - and even among the landless and the faithless.

So good music, howsoever it is delivered, has the powers -- howsoever we c these powers. But, I ask:
Why is it that music videos that elicit the most happiness seem generally to have a street motif?

MEASURING HAPPINESS

Can happiness be measured? That's a question for another day.

BUT READ THIS IN THE MEANTIME: World Happiness Report 2015

DO ALSO READ: "The Happiness Contagion" that I posted on December 9, 2008

HERE, THEN, ARE THE TOP 5 HAPPIEST SONGS BY/FEAT EAST AFRICAN DIVAS IN 2014

[For the selection and ranking criteria used in creating this list, go to the bottom of this post]

Click on the title of any song listed below to watch the video

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

4. Njoo by Shaa ft. Redsan (2014):

3. KooKoo by Elani (2014):

Happy to have Elani's wonderful voice featured here, singing KooKoo for all to hear. Much Love in the Iborian air. 

2. Prokoto by Victoria Kimani ft. Ommy Dimploz and Diamons Platnumz. (2014):
Victoria Kimani is a Kenyan songstress who's already going places, as you can see from her two friends here, OD and DP.

1. 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 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 this Yambo Selection 2014. She brings along with her everyone, everyone bar none, in the video.

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SELECTION/INCLUSION CRITERIA

To Qualify for inclusion in this list, a song Was required to meet The Following criteria:
1. Released as music video in 2014. Broadly in any of these genres: Pop, RnB, Hip-Hop, Reggae
2 Available via YouTube or Otherwise available online
3. Predominantly sung by an artiste or artistes from Africa, PARTICULARLY Sub-Saharan Africa
4. Regularly played on one or more of Africa's leading music channels: Afro Pop and HipTV Music, in particular (they pay sustained attention to their African audience); Sound City, MTV Base and Trace Urban (all three of whose fare is significantly more diffuse).
5. Have a discernible "happiness" (or sunny) content/slant in terms of the following mix of considerations: beat, language (verbal or body), lyrics, melody, visuals (dance routines, 'stage sets' and video quality), voice (and audio quality) and use of vocal and technical instruments
6. Broad sensitivity to sub-regional tastes and artists' bases of operation (East, West, Central or Southern)
7. Gender: Minimum of 1/3 Rule, if short-listed songs make this possible.

Top 15 Happiest Songs By/Featuring East African Divas in 2013 ~ #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTION

The first list of Africa's Top Pop Songs in #TheYamboSelection series covered 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. This interest has now resulted in the list given below of top 15 happiest Songs by or featuring East African divas, 2013. 

The procedure for identifying the top 15 songs derives from the broader one used for the period 2014-2016. Click here for all the essential details. 

LIST OF TOP 15 HAPPIEST SONGS BY/FEATURING EAST AFRICAN DIVAS, 2013 ~ #TYS
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]

15. Jana Usiku by Elani (2013):

14. Love Letter by Be Be Cool ft. Irene Ntale (2013):

13. One and Only by Cindy Sanyu (2013):

12. Stay With Me by Irene Ntale (2013):

11. Ice Cream by Shebbah (2013):

10. Nakomaa Na Jiji by Shilole (2013):

9. oH mA gAd by Camp Mulla ft. WondaBoy:

8. Nkwetaga by Sheebah ft. Weasel (2013):

7. Mtoto by Victoria Kimani (2013):

6. Cheza Kizembe by Navy Kenzo (2013):

5. So Alive by Sage ft. Octopizzo (2013):

4. Usinibwage by Aika ft. Nahreel (2013):

3. Zamu Yangu by Shaa (2013):

2. My Dream by Vivian ft. Jaguar (2013):

1. Lava Lava by Shaa (2013):

Top 10 Happiest Songs By/Featuring East African Divas in 2013 ~ #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTION

The first list of Africa's Top Pop Songs in #TheYamboSelection series covered 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. This interest has now resulted in the list given below of top 10 happiest songs by or featuring East African Divas in the year 2013. 

The procedure for identifying the top 10 songs derives from the broader one used for the period 2014-2016. Click here for all the essential details. 

LIST OF TOP 10 HAPPIEST SONGS BY/FEATURING EAST AFRICAN DIVAS, 2013 ~ #TYS

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

10. Nakomaa Na Jiji by Shilole (2013):

9. oH mA gAd by Camp Mulla ft. WondaBoy:

8. Nkwetaga by Sheebah ft. Weasel (2013):

7. Mtoto by Victoria Kimani (2013):

6. Cheza Kizembe by Navy Kenzo (2013):

5. So Alive by Sage ft. Octopizzo (2013):

4. Usinibwage by Aika ft. Nahreel (2013):

3. Zamu Yangu by Shaa (2013):

2. My Dream by Vivian ft. Jaguar (2013):


1. Lava Lava by Shaa (2013):

Top 5 Happiest Songs By/Featuring East African Divas in 2013 ~ #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTION

The first list of Africa's Top Pop Songs in #TheYamboSelection series covered 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. This interest has now resulted in the list given below of top 5 happiest Songs by or featuring East African divas, 2013. 

The procedure for identifying the top 5 songs derives from the broader one used for the period 2014-2016. Click here for all the essential details. 

LIST OF TOP 5 HAPPIEST SONGS BY/FEATURING EAST AFRICAN DIVAS, 2013 ~ #TYS

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


5. So Alive by Sage ft. Octopizzo (2013):

4. Usinibwage by Aika ft. Nahreel (2013):

3. Zamu Yangu by Shaa (2013):

2. My Dream by Vivian ft. Jaguar (2013):


1. Lava Lava by Shaa (2013):

Top 40 Pop Songs By, or Featuring, East African Divas in 2016 ~ #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTION

The procedure for generating the Top 40 list of Pop Songs by (or featuring) East African Divas derives from the one used for All-Africa Top 40 Pop Songs. Click here for all the essential details.

Here below is the said Top 40 list of 2016:

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

40. 9 to 5 by Cece Sagini (2016):

39. Charm by Vivian ft. Jose Chameleone (2016):

38. Hadi Lini by Creme de la Creme ft. Wahu x Sudi Boy (2016):

37. Rarua by Malaika (2016):

36. Yule Dame by Avril (2016):

35. Taboo [Taabu] by Phy (2016):

34. Teren Teren by Vivian (2016):

33. So Fresh by Ziza Bafana ft. Karo Sovie (2016):

32. He Go Down by Irene Ntale (2016):

31. Yeye by Wahu ft. Cindy (2016):

30. Sembera by Irene Ntale (2016):

29. Byakola by Ziza Bafana ft. Joy Good (2016):

28. Gwensonga by Spice Diana (2016):

27. Sanuka by Feza ft. Chege (2016):

26. Akkuse by Sheebah (2016):

25. Angejua by Dayna Nyange (2016):

24. Kupe by Amos n Josh ft Ben Pol x Apio x Mohamed Omukyala (2016):

23. Tempo Remix by Dufla Diligon ft Cindy Sanyu (2016):

22. Kufunikwa by Sosuum (2016):

21. Walete  by Feza (2016):

20. Adabu by Dela ft. H_Art The Band (2016):

19. Jah by Femi One (2016):

18. Sijutii Remix by Wakazi ft. Ruby (2016):

17. Body by Rabadaba ft. Jody (2016):

16. Sifa by Qs International Music Band (2016):

15. Milele by Lulu Diva ft. Barnaba (2016):

14. One Time by Rosa Ree (2016):
WATCH: Interview with Rosa Ree (in Swahili)

13. Go Down by Ang3lina ft. Stino (2016):

12. Give it To Me by Akothee ft. Mr. Flavour (2016):

11. Giving You by Victoria Kimani ft. Sarkodie (2016):

10. Juu by Vanessa Mdee ft. Jux (2016):

9. Love You by Elani (2016):

8. Naomba Uniroge by Vanessa Mdee (2016):

Click here for a review of the song

7. Benefactor by Akothee (2016):
READ: Related commentary 1
READ: Related commentary 2

6. Farmer Remix by Ykee Benda ft. Sheebah (2016):

5. Micasa Sucasa by Kaligraph Jones ft. Cashy (2016):
Click here to read a review

4. Cash Madame by Vanessa Mdee (2016):
Click here to read a review

3. Say My Name by Shilole ft. Barnaba (2016):
Click here to read a review

2. Nkwatako by Shebbah Karungi (2016):
Click here to read a review

1. All the Way by Victoria Kimani and Khuli Channa (2016):
Click here to read a review

Top 20 Pop Songs By, or Featuring, East African Divas in 2016 -- #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTION

The procedure for generating the Top 20 list of songs by East African Divas derives from the one used for All-Africa Top 40 Pop Songs. Click here for all the essential details. 

Here below is the said 2016 Top 20 list:

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

20. Adabu by Dela ft. H_Art The Band (2016):

19. Jah by Femi One (2016):

18. Sijutii Remix by Wakazi ft. Ruby (2016):

17. Body by Rabadaba ft. Jody (2016):

16. Sifa by Qs International Music Band (2016):

15. Milele by Lulu Diva ft. Barnaba (2016):

14. One Time by Rosa Ree (2016):
WATCH: Interview with Rosa Ree (in Swahili)

13. Go Down by Ang3lina ft. Stino (2016):

12. Give it To Me by Akothee ft. Mr. Flavour (2016):

11. Giving You by Victoria Kimani ft. Sarkodie (2016):

10. Juu by Vanessa Mdee ft. Jux (2016):

9. Love You by Elani (2016):

8. Naomba Uniroge by Vanessa Mdee (2016):
Click here for a review of the song

7. Benefactor by Akothee (2016):
READ: Related commentary 1
READ: Related commentary 2

6. Farmer Remix by Ykee Benda ft. Sheebah (2016):

5. Micasa Sucasa by Kaligraph Jones ft. Cashy (2016):
Click here to read a review

4. Cash Madame by Vanessa Mdee (2016):
Click here to read a review

3. Say My Name by Shilole ft. Barnaba (2016):
Click here to read a review

2. Nkwatako by Shebbah Karungi (2016):
Click here to read a review

1. All the Way by Victoria Kimani and Khuli Channa (2016):
Click here to read a review

Top 10 Pop Songs By, or Featuring, East African Divas in 2016 -- #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

The procedure for generating the Top 10 list of Pop Songs by East African Divas derives from the one used for All-Africa Top 40 Pop Songs. Click here for all the essential details.

Here below is the said 2016 Top 10 list:

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


10. Juu by Vanessa Mdee ft. Jux (2016):

9. Love You by Elani (2016):

8. Naomba Uniroge by Vanessa Mdee (2016):
Click here for a review of the song

7. Benefactor by Akothee (2016):
READ: Related commentary 1
READ: Related commentary 2

6. Farmer Remix by Ykee Benda ft. Sheebah (2016):

5. Micasa Sucasa by Kaligraph Jones ft. Cashy (2016):
Click here to read a review

4. Cash Madame by Vanessa Mdee (2016):
Click here to read a review

3. Say My Name by Shilole ft. Barnaba (2016):
Click here to read a review

2. Nkwatako by Shebbah Karungi (2016):
Click here to read a review

1. All the Way by Victoria Kimani and Khuli Channa (2016):
Click here to read a review

Top 5 Pop Songs By, or Featuring, East African Divas in 2016 -- #TheYamboSelection

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS:

The procedure for generating the Top 5 list of Pop Songs by East African Divas derives from the one used for All-Africa Top 40 Pop Songs. Click here for all the essential details.

Here below is the said 2016 Top 5 list:

[Click on the Song's title to view the video]

5. Micasa Sucasa by Kaligraph Jones ft. Cashy (2016):
Click here to read a review

4. Cash Madame by Vanessa Mdee (2016):
Click here to read a review

3. Say My Name by Shilole ft. Barnaba (2016):
Click here to read a review

2. Nkwatako by Shebbah Karungi (2016):
Click here to read a review

1. All the Way by Victoria Kimani and Khuli Channa (2016):
Click here to read a review