Showing posts with label East Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label East Africa. Show all posts
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):
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):
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
East Africa's Top 25 Happiest Songs of 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 ..." 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 EAST AFRICA'S TOP 25 HAPPIEST SONGS OF 2014
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
[For the selection criteria used in creating this list, go to the bottom of this post]
25. Baramushaka by Knowless (2014)
24. Barua Ya Dunia by Elani (2014):
23. Sugua Gaga by Shaa (2014):
22. Chuna Buzi by Shilole (2014):
21. Mfalme wa Mapenzi by Sanaipei [Sana] (2014):
20. Go Down Low by Palasso ft. Sheebah (2014):
19. Kanyaboya by Messen Selecta (2014):
18. Butterfly by Nameless (2014):
17. Bum Bum by Diamond Platnumz ft. Iyanya (2014):
16. Show by Victoria Kimani (2014):
15. Coco Baby by Waje ft. Diamond Platnumz (2014):
14. Koolio by Stella Mwangi (2014):
13. Nimempata by Pam Daffa ft. Mesen Selecta (2014):
[Video now unavailable]
12. Chapa Nyingine by Chege ft. Gift (2014):
11. Njoo by Shaa ft. Redsan (2014):
10. Mdogo Mdogo by Diamond Platnumz (2014):
9. Mfalme by MwanaFA ft. G. Nako Warawa (2014):
Epic ~ MY
8. Nikikutazama by H_ART THE BAND (2014):
7. Dabby Gololi by Emma Jalamo (2014):
The 2016 edition is much longer and more detailed
6. Wale Wale by Jose Chameleone (2014):
5. KooKoo by Elani (2014):
4. Prokoto by Victoria Kimani ft. Ommy Dimploz x Diamond Platnumz (2014):
3. Sura Yako by Sauti Sol (2014):
2. Be Happy By Eddy Kenzo (2014):
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.
East Africa's Top 15 Happiest Songs of 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 ..." 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 EAST AFRICA'S TOP 15 HAPPIEST SONGS OF 2014
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
[For the selection criteria used in creating this list, go to the bottom of this post]
15. Coco Baby by Waje ft. Diamond Platnumz (2014):
14. Koolio by Stella Mwangi (2014):
13. Nimempata by Pam Daffa ft. Mesen Selecta (2014):
[Video now unavailable]
12. Chapa Nyingine by Chege ft. Gift (2014):
11. Njoo by Shaa ft. Redsan (2014):
10. Mdogo Mdogo by Diamond Platnumz (2014):
9. Mfalme by MwanaFA ft. G. Nako Warawa (2014):
Epic ~ MY
8. Nikikutazama by H_ART THE BAND (2014):
7. Dabby Gololi by Emma Jalamo (2014):
The 2016 edition is much longer and more detailed
6. Wale Wale by Jose Chameleone (2014):
5. KooKoo by Elani (2014):
4. Prokoto by Victoria Kimani ft. Ommy Dimploz x Diamond Platnumz (2014):
3. Sura Yako by Sauti Sol (2014):
2. Be Happy By Eddy Kenzo (2014):
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++
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.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
East Africa's Top 15 Pop Songs of 2012 ~ #TheYamboSelection
INTRODUCTION
You will recall that 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 this 2012 list of East Africa's Top 15 Pop Songs.
The procedure for generating the Top 15 Pop Songs of 2012 derives from the one used for the period 2014-2016. The same criteria have been used this year (January to December 2012) as were used in the very first sets of lists published in 2014 (25 titles), 2015 (40 titles) and 2016 (40 titles).
Finally, as we start browsing and clicking, let's remember that Top 15 is hallowed space. Only the best songs should populate it, in proper order, regardless of country or sex or language or ethnic identity or religion, or race; and here they do. In 'best songs' we include only those songs in which the singers have made patently creative use of those elements that characterize all music (of which pop is an integral part) in order to give them (the songs) superior appeal to the average or accomplished ear. These elements are: Tone, melody, harmony, beat, rhythm, pitch, audibility, tempo, and the visual impact. You may also distill these elements into VSO -- that is Voice, (instrumental) Sound and Optics -- or, more traditionally and broadly, audio-visual.
Pop music is 'popular' in the sense that it resonates with large publics, in their present (or day-to-day, or contemporary) circumstances. If it is not pop, it is traditional in orientation, and thus locked in, and into, the past. Over time, it is important to realize, day-to-day begins inexorably to provide a break with what we may call the past. This is distinctly the case in multicultural environments, or the 'melting pots' of deep-urban localities.
As already pointed out, #TheYamboSelection rates only music videos. The point here is that an artist who does not release the video version of a song is simply not ready for big time with that song. Fans nowadays want to see what's going on with the artiste and his or her 'band' while the song is sung. Today's pop scene, it seems obvious, is inescapably audio-visual. Sound quality matters, exceedingly; and so does the quality of the visual dimension. And let's not forget that the production of a video is a cooperative venture between the artiste(s) and the video director/producer. The latter do deserve credit too when things go really right.
Success demands that the audio-visual challenge be simultaneously attacked from two perspectives: (a) From the performance perspective, the artiste's obligation is to produce the vocals, the lyrics and the dance or 'stage' routines (the 'body text') that together signify, accentuate or enhance his or her persona in the eyes and ears of the fans; and, (b) From the recording perspective, both the sounds (in all their permutations and combinations) and the visuals are technically the responsibility of the cinematographer and/or the video director/producer.
The artiste must therefore choose very carefully, and it costs a tidy sum to commit the people who can produce a video of high technical and artistic quality. Indeed, as directors such as Clarence Peters, Justin Campos, MattMax, C.A.R.D.O.S.O and Moe Musa know -- and as those who know their work do too -- the task of directing/producing a winning music video is not merely a technical challenge but a demanding creative-artistic one as well. This does of course rope in the actors and the artistes, as everything visual converges on the set. Certainly, the dancing and other forms of acting must be well choreographed for the camera and synchronized with the song, even if the sound of a particular single or track comes to the set pre-recorded.
The naming of more than one hit inevitably prompts the question as to which hit comes first, and which next or last. Sometimes, all too often perhaps, there are ties which must be broken and songs which must thus, regrettably, be excluded. The more valued the list, the greater the regret all around.
In selecting and ranking Africa's Top songs -- limited to Sub-Sahara as already indicated -- the following six criteria (each on a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest score) have served as a guide (and thus an otherwise altogether qualitative proposition is tempered with a known procedure):
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 or choreographic quality of the audio-visual product, in terms of: harmony, tone, melody, rhythm, beat and color (dis)play.
6. Based on the foregoing, how the entire single/track, 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 between songs.
In addition to the six criteria, the maximum number of listed titles under which an artist may be indicated as the lead singer in a given year is firmly restricted to three; but there is no limit to the number of times an artist may feature or make cameo appearances in listed songs or videos.
ALSO READ: Trace TV Video Selection Criteria
LIST OF EAST AFRICA'S TOP 15 POP SONGS OF 2012 ~ #TYS
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
9. Can't Let You Go by Radio and Weasel (2012):
8. Viuno Tucheze by Shilole ft. Kitokololo x Rich Mavoko (2012):
7. Feel No Pain by Camp Mulla (2012):
6. Nishike by Sauti Sol (2012):
5. Siri Ya Penzi by Shaa (2012):
4. I Wanna Get Paid by Pah One ft. Shrekeezy (2012):
3. Mpita Njia by Alicios ft. Juliana (2012):
2. Shut It Down by Stella Mwangi (2012):
1. Fantastic by Radio ft. Weasel (2012):
You will recall that 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 this 2012 list of East Africa's Top 15 Pop Songs.
The procedure for generating the Top 15 Pop Songs of 2012 derives from the one used for the period 2014-2016. The same criteria have been used this year (January to December 2012) as were used in the very first sets of lists published in 2014 (25 titles), 2015 (40 titles) and 2016 (40 titles).
There is just so much really good lay music out of Africa these days that you sense you are not doing anyone justice by listing less rather than more; but there is a limit to any leeway. The listing task requires more and more meticulous attention because of growing complexity arising from a discernible and laudable burst of creativity up and down sub-Sahara, and with easier and faster online access to artists' creations, and 'the market'. Every region seems to be catching up with the 'pioneers' and demanding attention by sheer activity and flashes of brilliance. No one can sit on their laurels.
The focus of this list is the song, not the singer, with the added requirement that only songs in video form qualify. In addition, the song must broadly fit the standard definition of popular (or pop) music; that is, music in any of these distinct genres, or any combination of them: Benga, Blues, Bongo Flava, Genge, Hip Hop, Kwaito, RnB, Rap, Reggae, Rock, Soukous or Soul. We are not dealing here with gospel, classical or traditional music as usually understood; although borderline cases or creative partial 'fusions' with them will always be considered.
Given that final decisions concerning a year's complete set of lists of songs and their relative rankings are made very late in December, commentary on any specific titles included on a list will ordinarily appear after their release, which must occur very early in the new year. Where possible, you will find selected links to additional comments or information about individual songs. And where it so happens that certain titles appearing on a list had already been reviewed on this blog in the course of tracking the goings-on in the AfroPop world, links to those reviews will of course be provided under the respective titles.
The focus of this list is the song, not the singer, with the added requirement that only songs in video form qualify. In addition, the song must broadly fit the standard definition of popular (or pop) music; that is, music in any of these distinct genres, or any combination of them: Benga, Blues, Bongo Flava, Genge, Hip Hop, Kwaito, RnB, Rap, Reggae, Rock, Soukous or Soul. We are not dealing here with gospel, classical or traditional music as usually understood; although borderline cases or creative partial 'fusions' with them will always be considered.
Given that final decisions concerning a year's complete set of lists of songs and their relative rankings are made very late in December, commentary on any specific titles included on a list will ordinarily appear after their release, which must occur very early in the new year. Where possible, you will find selected links to additional comments or information about individual songs. And where it so happens that certain titles appearing on a list had already been reviewed on this blog in the course of tracking the goings-on in the AfroPop world, links to those reviews will of course be provided under the respective titles.
Finally, as we start browsing and clicking, let's remember that Top 15 is hallowed space. Only the best songs should populate it, in proper order, regardless of country or sex or language or ethnic identity or religion, or race; and here they do. In 'best songs' we include only those songs in which the singers have made patently creative use of those elements that characterize all music (of which pop is an integral part) in order to give them (the songs) superior appeal to the average or accomplished ear. These elements are: Tone, melody, harmony, beat, rhythm, pitch, audibility, tempo, and the visual impact. You may also distill these elements into VSO -- that is Voice, (instrumental) Sound and Optics -- or, more traditionally and broadly, audio-visual.
Pop music is 'popular' in the sense that it resonates with large publics, in their present (or day-to-day, or contemporary) circumstances. If it is not pop, it is traditional in orientation, and thus locked in, and into, the past. Over time, it is important to realize, day-to-day begins inexorably to provide a break with what we may call the past. This is distinctly the case in multicultural environments, or the 'melting pots' of deep-urban localities.
As already pointed out, #TheYamboSelection rates only music videos. The point here is that an artist who does not release the video version of a song is simply not ready for big time with that song. Fans nowadays want to see what's going on with the artiste and his or her 'band' while the song is sung. Today's pop scene, it seems obvious, is inescapably audio-visual. Sound quality matters, exceedingly; and so does the quality of the visual dimension. And let's not forget that the production of a video is a cooperative venture between the artiste(s) and the video director/producer. The latter do deserve credit too when things go really right.
Success demands that the audio-visual challenge be simultaneously attacked from two perspectives: (a) From the performance perspective, the artiste's obligation is to produce the vocals, the lyrics and the dance or 'stage' routines (the 'body text') that together signify, accentuate or enhance his or her persona in the eyes and ears of the fans; and, (b) From the recording perspective, both the sounds (in all their permutations and combinations) and the visuals are technically the responsibility of the cinematographer and/or the video director/producer.
The artiste must therefore choose very carefully, and it costs a tidy sum to commit the people who can produce a video of high technical and artistic quality. Indeed, as directors such as Clarence Peters, Justin Campos, MattMax, C.A.R.D.O.S.O and Moe Musa know -- and as those who know their work do too -- the task of directing/producing a winning music video is not merely a technical challenge but a demanding creative-artistic one as well. This does of course rope in the actors and the artistes, as everything visual converges on the set. Certainly, the dancing and other forms of acting must be well choreographed for the camera and synchronized with the song, even if the sound of a particular single or track comes to the set pre-recorded.
The naming of more than one hit inevitably prompts the question as to which hit comes first, and which next or last. Sometimes, all too often perhaps, there are ties which must be broken and songs which must thus, regrettably, be excluded. The more valued the list, the greater the regret all around.
In selecting and ranking Africa's Top songs -- limited to Sub-Sahara as already indicated -- the following six criteria (each on a scale of 1 - 5, with 5 being the highest score) have served as a guide (and thus an otherwise altogether qualitative proposition is tempered with a known procedure):
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 or choreographic quality of the audio-visual product, in terms of: harmony, tone, melody, rhythm, beat and color (dis)play.
6. Based on the foregoing, how the entire single/track, 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 between songs.
In addition to the six criteria, the maximum number of listed titles under which an artist may be indicated as the lead singer in a given year is firmly restricted to three; but there is no limit to the number of times an artist may feature or make cameo appearances in listed songs or videos.
ALSO READ: Trace TV Video Selection Criteria
LIST OF EAST AFRICA'S TOP 15 POP SONGS OF 2012 ~ #TYS
13. Kesho by Diamond Platnumz (2012):
9. Can't Let You Go by Radio and Weasel (2012):
8. Viuno Tucheze by Shilole ft. Kitokololo x Rich Mavoko (2012):
7. Feel No Pain by Camp Mulla (2012):
6. Nishike by Sauti Sol (2012):
5. Siri Ya Penzi by Shaa (2012):
4. I Wanna Get Paid by Pah One ft. Shrekeezy (2012):
3. Mpita Njia by Alicios ft. Juliana (2012):
2. Shut It Down by Stella Mwangi (2012):
1. Fantastic by Radio ft. Weasel (2012):
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
East Africa's Top 25 Pop Songs of 2015 ~ #TheYamboSelection
I. INTRODUCTION
This is the second annual edition of #TheYamboSelection, presenting several segments of East Africa's Top 40 Pop Songs of 2015. This particular segment lists the Top 25. The same criteria were used for 2015 as for 2014 to select and rank the best songs out of those released or published during the year, and which were accessible in video form for this purpose. However, the final list has grown from 25 in 2014 to 40 in 2015.
There is just so much really good lay music out of Africa these days that you sense you are not doing anyone justice by listing less rather than more; but there is a limit to any leeway. The listing task requires more and more meticulous attention because of growing complexity arising from a discernible and laudable burst of creativity up and down sub-Sahara, and with easier and faster online access to artists' creations, and 'the market'. Every region seems to be catching up with the 'pioneers' and demanding attention by sheer activity and flashes of brilliance. No one can sit on their laurels.
The focus of the lists released under #TheYamboSelection is the song, not the singer. There is an added requirement: that only songs in video form qualify. In addition, any song under consideration must broadly fit the standard definition of popular (or pop) music.
The main sources of the songs considered for listing are the music channels hosted by DSTV: Trace Urban (now split into Trace Mziki and Trace Naija), MTV Base, AfroPop, HipTV and Sound City. Certainly, YouTube is very important in this exercise. It is actively searched to expand the pool of qualifying clips, and relied upon for online links to the songs specifically listed below. YouTube is indeed a vital, but far from 'straightforward', resource in regard to the curating of clips not necessarily or frequently featured on the specified TV channels.
READ: The Full Introduction and Selection Criteria
READ: Africa's Top 25 Songs of 2014
II. THE LIST OF E. AFRICA'S TOP 25 POP SONGS OF 2015
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
25. Malele by Shilole (2015):
24. Nudahinduka by Aime Bluestone (2015):
23. Two of Dem by Victoria Kimani (2015):
22. Hotter by Wyre ft. Khaligraph Jones (2015):
21. Sibyo by Kitoko + Meddy (2015):
20. BougerLe by Akothee (2016):
19. Haina Budi by Eko Dydda (2015):
18. Aya Yaa by Abdu Kiba ft. Ruby (2015):
17. Ooh Lala Oui Oui by Yvonne D'arq ft. Victoria Kimani (2015):
16. Nerea by Sauti Sol ft. Amos x Josh (2015):
15. Nobody But Me by Vanessa Mdee ft. K.O (2015):
14. Kidawa by Izzo Bizness ft. Shaa (2015):
13. Toba by Shaa (2015):
12. Baby Don't Go by Muthoni The Drummer Queen and Khuli Chana (2015):
11. Love Phobic by H_ART THE BAND (2015):
Click here to read comment
10. Shake Yo Bam Bam by Sauti Sol (2015):
Click here to read comment
9. Game by Navy Kenzo ft. Vanessa Mdee (2015):
8. Ihale by Susumila (2015):
Click here to read comment
7. Sijazoea by AT (2015):
Click here to read comment
6. Take it Slow by Zikki ft. Jaguar (2015):
Click here to read comment
5. So Good by Eddy Kenzo (2015):
4. Kaunyaka by Chege + Mh Temba ft. Dj Maphorisa (2015):
3. Chekecha Cheketua by Alikiba (2015):
2. Never Ever by Vanessa Mdee (2015):
This is the second annual edition of #TheYamboSelection, presenting several segments of East Africa's Top 40 Pop Songs of 2015. This particular segment lists the Top 25. The same criteria were used for 2015 as for 2014 to select and rank the best songs out of those released or published during the year, and which were accessible in video form for this purpose. However, the final list has grown from 25 in 2014 to 40 in 2015.
There is just so much really good lay music out of Africa these days that you sense you are not doing anyone justice by listing less rather than more; but there is a limit to any leeway. The listing task requires more and more meticulous attention because of growing complexity arising from a discernible and laudable burst of creativity up and down sub-Sahara, and with easier and faster online access to artists' creations, and 'the market'. Every region seems to be catching up with the 'pioneers' and demanding attention by sheer activity and flashes of brilliance. No one can sit on their laurels.
The focus of the lists released under #TheYamboSelection is the song, not the singer. There is an added requirement: that only songs in video form qualify. In addition, any song under consideration must broadly fit the standard definition of popular (or pop) music.
The main sources of the songs considered for listing are the music channels hosted by DSTV: Trace Urban (now split into Trace Mziki and Trace Naija), MTV Base, AfroPop, HipTV and Sound City. Certainly, YouTube is very important in this exercise. It is actively searched to expand the pool of qualifying clips, and relied upon for online links to the songs specifically listed below. YouTube is indeed a vital, but far from 'straightforward', resource in regard to the curating of clips not necessarily or frequently featured on the specified TV channels.
READ: The Full Introduction and Selection Criteria
READ: Africa's Top 25 Songs of 2014
II. THE LIST OF E. AFRICA'S TOP 25 POP SONGS OF 2015
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
25. Malele by Shilole (2015):
24. Nudahinduka by Aime Bluestone (2015):
23. Two of Dem by Victoria Kimani (2015):
22. Hotter by Wyre ft. Khaligraph Jones (2015):
21. Sibyo by Kitoko + Meddy (2015):
20. BougerLe by Akothee (2016):
19. Haina Budi by Eko Dydda (2015):
18. Aya Yaa by Abdu Kiba ft. Ruby (2015):
17. Ooh Lala Oui Oui by Yvonne D'arq ft. Victoria Kimani (2015):
16. Nerea by Sauti Sol ft. Amos x Josh (2015):
15. Nobody But Me by Vanessa Mdee ft. K.O (2015):
14. Kidawa by Izzo Bizness ft. Shaa (2015):
13. Toba by Shaa (2015):
12. Baby Don't Go by Muthoni The Drummer Queen and Khuli Chana (2015):
11. Love Phobic by H_ART THE BAND (2015):
Click here to read comment
10. Shake Yo Bam Bam by Sauti Sol (2015):
Click here to read comment
9. Game by Navy Kenzo ft. Vanessa Mdee (2015):
8. Ihale by Susumila (2015):
Click here to read comment
7. Sijazoea by AT (2015):
Click here to read comment
6. Take it Slow by Zikki ft. Jaguar (2015):
Click here to read comment
5. So Good by Eddy Kenzo (2015):
4. Kaunyaka by Chege + Mh Temba ft. Dj Maphorisa (2015):
3. Chekecha Cheketua by Alikiba (2015):
2. Never Ever by Vanessa Mdee (2015):
Sunday, March 18, 2018
East Africa's Top 25 Happiest Songs of 2016 ~ #TheYamboSelection
INTRODUCTION
This list of East Africa's Top 25 Happiest Songs of 2016 is part of a larger production -- the third annual edition of #TheYamboSelection (#TYS). As a component of this year's #TYS, the list given below is more specifically a sub-set of a larger list titled Africa's Top 40 Happiest Songs of 2016. The same criteria are used this year (January to December 2016) as were used last year to select and rank, out of the songs released or published during the year, those that project and/or elicit the highest quotient of happiness -- otherwise understood as a "feel good" frame of mind -- in the listener(s) or audience (s).
With all the talent that keeps popping up all across Africa, it has been no less daunting a task this year to put together this list. Having more to pick from does not necessarily mean a greater leeway in doing so, one finds, as there's even more, regrettably, to let go that should be in. But all lists of quality do have a 'genetic' limit of sorts, one hazards to add, in the sense of how long, how elongated, they can possibly be -- and still remain optimal and (common)sensible. So, as we look ahead, one senses that this list is fast approaching a certain limit one cannot breach.
As before, the focus in this series of lists is the song, not the singer, with the added requirement that only songs in video form qualify. In addition, the "happy" song must broadly fit the standard definition of popular (or pop) music; that is, music in any of these distinct genres, or any combination of them: Hip Hop, RnB, rap, reggae or rock. We are not dealing here with gospel, classical or traditional music; although borderline cases or creative partial 'fusions' with them will always be considered.
CLICK HERE to read the whole Introduction to the criteria used to make the lists in the #TYS series, including the one below.
HERE, THEN, THE LIST AND RANKING OF EAST AFRICA's TOP 25 HAPPIEST SONGS OF 2016:
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
25. Juu by Vanessa Mdee ft. Jux (2016):
5. HiiNiYa by Nonini ft. Jegede (2016):
4. Feel Good by Navy Kenzo (2016):
3. Movie Star by Mi Casa ft. Eddy Kenzo (2016):
Click here to read a review of the song
Click here to read a review of the song
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
READ: Africa's 40 Happiest Songs of The Year, 2015
READ: Africa's 25 Happiest Songs of The Year, 2014
READ: World Happiness Report 2015
ALSO READ: "The Happiness Contagion"
Saturday, March 17, 2018
MUSIC (Kenya): So Alive by Sage feat. Octopizzo
On page 8 of Friday's (March 16, 2018) issue of "bdlife", which is an insert of the Weekend Edition of Kenya's Business Daily, Bill Odidi has a richly detailed piece titled "Gospel Music Mixes with Afropop at Koroga". He writes about a "Queens Rock" Koroga Festival scheduled for this weekend, at the Carnivore Grounds in Nairobi.
Among the Queens to rock at (to rock) the event are Nigeria's (nay, Africa's) irrepressible Queen, Yemi Alade; Kenya's renowned Gospel Singer, Mercy Masika; and Sage, whose other name, as I learnt only in the last 18 hours or so, is Chemutai. Despite her talent, Sage remains largely invisible on the "fast-moving" pop scene.
We are treated to fine, fine melody; and warm lyrical lines as well. The beat is memorable, too. But I think that it's Sage's voice that's the dominant sound here. It is what you remember after the song is long over. It sets the tone for everything. And it's the reason you savor, amidst all the confounding schedules -- and all the juggling that one has to master these days -- any opportunity to play it, and other favorites for sure, once more. And then again.
Octopizzo makes his 'entry' into the song, and the video, after some two minutes. He infuses the do with his wry and super self-confident rapping style that's packed with a familiar montage of urban and peri-urban memes. But he clearly takes the back-seat here. All-in-all, however, his artistic stature certainly keeps on rising with performances like this. When you track his record, away from the headlines, he's in fact quite a star. But he could obviously do with (just) a little less of the self-adulation that seems to creep into 'most every song of his.
Among the Queens to rock at (to rock) the event are Nigeria's (nay, Africa's) irrepressible Queen, Yemi Alade; Kenya's renowned Gospel Singer, Mercy Masika; and Sage, whose other name, as I learnt only in the last 18 hours or so, is Chemutai. Despite her talent, Sage remains largely invisible on the "fast-moving" pop scene.
Here are three pieces that I recently wrote about Yemi Alade's art:
2. Ofana Nawe
3. Go Down.
I haven't written a piece on Mercy Masika, though I have listened to a few her songs and watched a video or two. I believe that I soon will. I haven't written about Sage either -- until now, in this unfolding piece. However, she did feature with Octopizzo at number 10 on #TheYamboSelection list of "East Africa's Top 25 Pop Songs of 2013" -- and, of course, on East Africa's Top 10 Pop Songs list of that year. The particular song for which the two were honoured is in fact the one mentioned in Bill Odidi's article -- that is, So Alive. It is the one about which I wish to say what follows.
Click to watch the video
In So Alive, sophisticated Sage -- whom one knew nothing about till this moment -- gives one (gives us), despite all the 'after party' clutter (plus more) and the affected 'drowsiness' that we see in the opening images, a superbly crafted song (plus the video it's couched in). She (and her singing) is paced for a handful of delightful seconds by an inspired piano play(er). It's truly So Alive in every musical sort of way. And it's defiant, too; and even celebratory -- in the wake of all the odds that the singer has been through. You see this clearly in the lyrics (see the link given below).
Click to watch the video
In So Alive, sophisticated Sage -- whom one knew nothing about till this moment -- gives one (gives us), despite all the 'after party' clutter (plus more) and the affected 'drowsiness' that we see in the opening images, a superbly crafted song (plus the video it's couched in). She (and her singing) is paced for a handful of delightful seconds by an inspired piano play(er). It's truly So Alive in every musical sort of way. And it's defiant, too; and even celebratory -- in the wake of all the odds that the singer has been through. You see this clearly in the lyrics (see the link given below).
We are treated to fine, fine melody; and warm lyrical lines as well. The beat is memorable, too. But I think that it's Sage's voice that's the dominant sound here. It is what you remember after the song is long over. It sets the tone for everything. And it's the reason you savor, amidst all the confounding schedules -- and all the juggling that one has to master these days -- any opportunity to play it, and other favorites for sure, once more. And then again.
Octopizzo makes his 'entry' into the song, and the video, after some two minutes. He infuses the do with his wry and super self-confident rapping style that's packed with a familiar montage of urban and peri-urban memes. But he clearly takes the back-seat here. All-in-all, however, his artistic stature certainly keeps on rising with performances like this. When you track his record, away from the headlines, he's in fact quite a star. But he could obviously do with (just) a little less of the self-adulation that seems to creep into 'most every song of his.
The optics of So Alive are so effortlessly artistic. Much credit to J. Blessing, for sure, who's the "Flicks" Director. The whole set reminds one of those large-canvas (and larger-than-life) paintings by the Masters which are nowadays being set in gingerly motion and shown on Twitter and other social media. To splendid effect.
Click here to read the fine lyrics for So Alive
READ: Octopizzo's TBT
NOTE: So Alive currently has 289,114 YouTube Views
Click here to read the fine lyrics for So Alive
READ: Octopizzo's TBT
NOTE: So Alive currently has 289,114 YouTube Views
Friday, March 16, 2018
East Africa's Top 25 Pop Songs of 2016 ~ #TheYamboSelection
INTRODUCTION
Click here for the procedure used to rank African hits. The same procedure is used to rank East African songs. Do note, then, that any song which qualifies for Africa-wide ranking also qualifies for ranking in East(ern) Africa, with the obvious proviso that at least one of the singers involved must belong in the region -- as "belonging" is, without fussing, commonly understood. So Victoria Kimani, for example, belongs in East Africa (and more specifically in Kenya); just as Fuse ODG belongs in West Africa (and in Ghana more particularly).
East Africa typically refers to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Nowadays, though, it is very often stretched to encompass Rwanda and Burundi, and more recently South Sudan. It should ordinarily include Ethiopia and Somalia. That leaves DRC, representing the historical roots and 'hotbed' of much that is musical and sapeurial in East(ern) Africa, standing rather alone. We'll have to worry about how to deal with that, conceptually and in practical affairs, in the days ahead.
LIST OF EAST AFRICA'S TOP 25 POP SONGS OF 2016 ~ #TYS
24. Niroge by Vanessa Mdee (2016):
23. Gudi Gudi by Everlast ft. Naiboi x Kristoff (2016):
21. Give it To Me by Akothee ft. Mr. Flavour (2016):
20. Rudi by Nedy Music ft. Christian Bella (2016):
Click to read a review of the song
Click here to read a review of the song
Click here to read comment
16. Plenty Plenty by Radio and Weasel (2016):
READ: Related commentary on Akothee's art 1
READ: Related commentary on Akothee's art 2
13. Muziki by Darassa ft. Ben Pol (2016):
10. Micasa Sucasa by Khaligraph Jones ft. Cashy (2016):
Click here to read a review of the song
Click here to read a review of the song
Click here to read a review of the song
Click here to read a review of the song
Click here to read a review of the song
5. Inde by Dully Sykes ft. Harmonize (2016):
4. Movie Star by Mi Casa ft. Eddy Kenzo (2016):
Click here to read a review of this song
Click here to read a review of this song
Click here to read a review of this song
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
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.
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
Click to watch the video
Monday, February 12, 2018
East Africa's Top 40 Happiest Songs of The Year, 2017 ~ #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 (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
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 (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
This is the fourth annual edition of #TheYamboSelection, presenting the full list of Africa's Top 40 Happiest Songs of 2017. The same criteria are used this year (January to December 2017) as were used last year to select and rank, out of the songs released or published during the year, those that project and/or elicit the highest quotient of happiness in the listener/audience.
With all the talent that keeps popping up all across Africa, it has been no less daunting a task this year to put together this list. Having more to pick from does not necessarily mean a greater leeway in doing so, one finds, as there's even more, regrettably, to let go that should be in. But all lists of quality do have a 'genetic' limit of sorts, one hazards to add, in the sense of how long, how elongated, they can possibly be -- and still remain optimal and (common)sensible. So, as we look ahead, one senses that this list is fast approaching a certain limit one cannot breach.
As before, the focus in this series of lists is the song, not the singer, with the added requirement that only songs in video form qualify. In addition, the song must broadly fit the standard definition of popular (or pop) music; that is, music in any of these distinct genres, or any combination of them: Hip Hop, RnB, rap, reggae or rock. We are not dealing here with gospel, classical or traditional music; although borderline cases or creative partial 'fusions' with them will always be considered.
With all the talent that keeps popping up all across Africa, it has been no less daunting a task this year to put together this list. Having more to pick from does not necessarily mean a greater leeway in doing so, one finds, as there's even more, regrettably, to let go that should be in. But all lists of quality do have a 'genetic' limit of sorts, one hazards to add, in the sense of how long, how elongated, they can possibly be -- and still remain optimal and (common)sensible. So, as we look ahead, one senses that this list is fast approaching a certain limit one cannot breach.
As before, the focus in this series of lists is the song, not the singer, with the added requirement that only songs in video form qualify. In addition, the song must broadly fit the standard definition of popular (or pop) music; that is, music in any of these distinct genres, or any combination of them: Hip Hop, RnB, rap, reggae or rock. We are not dealing here with gospel, classical or traditional music; although borderline cases or creative partial 'fusions' with them will always be considered.
HERE, THEN, THE LISTING AND RANKING OF EAST AFRICA's TOP 40 HAPPIEST SONGS OF 2017 ~ #YaSE
Winning Team is a cheerful song for all victorious teams, in all fields of human endeavor, All true victories are, in all climes, joyful occasions. They can soar to rarefied READ MORE
39. Run Ting by King Kaka ft. Fena Gitu (2017):Run Tin has a superb opening tune, for some 30 seconds or so. This yields to King Kaka's distinctive rap 'affair', and fine reggae vibes from Fena Gitu. But poor lighting mars the video.
38. Kidege by Bandanah ft. Spizzo x Naiboi (2017):
Kidege (= Little Bird) starts with some 20 seconds lost to an unnecessary radio-call. Bandanah, "cool as a cucumber", rescues it all with his uniquely modulated voice. READ MORE
37. Lover by Victoria Kimani ft. Phyno (2017):
Victoria Kimani's Lover is a (day)dream of love rendered in fine singing and dancing and all sorts of dress 'rehearsal', all in a set that glitters and shimmers end-to-end. READ MORE
36. 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 READ MORE
35. Face to Face by Charly na Nina (2017):
A rousing tune invites all to this jam session filled with pleasant sounds and "brave" visuals. Amber Lulu is fully engaged in this beat filled act. It ends too soon, alas, at 2:44 minutes.
33. Ya Nini by Alicios and Khaligaph Jones (2017):
Ya Nini, sung in both Swahili and Lingala as well as some English, is a fusion of rap (infused with Sheng) and a rousing version of Lingala Pop. It is a sort of Eastlands READ MORE
32. Dede by Mimi Mars (2017):
A relaxed and confident Mimi sings an adorable song here, about all those hard-to-express love feelings that felt Love easily engenders. It has a lovely tone, too, which READ MORE
31. Unanimaliza by Ray C (2017):
Ray C's early 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 men.
30. John Rambo by Sheebah (2017):
John Rambo is Sheebah's latest personification of her love-idea. He's a good excuse for fine and suggestive moves and postures, as well as lovey lyrics. And she's of course READ MORE
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 READ MORE
27. 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
26. Everything by Uncle Austin ft. Meddy (2017):
Everything about Everything is upbeat and very engaging. Just the kind of tune-filled stuff the seasoned hopper looks out for. All that fine dancing spreads profuse cheer. Blast of a thing!
25. Weekend by Sheebah ft. Runtown (2017):
Weekend -- Wikendi, if you like -- as sung by Sheebah and Runtown, is a superb collaboration between two musical pillars in Uganda and Nigeria. The video invokes READ MORE
Hata Sielewi ( = I don't really understand what you're saying) portrays the difficulties experienced when attempting to express love sentiments across language bar READ MORE
23.
Yegwe Munange (= It's you, Babe) is more than the usual music video offering. It has a distinctive visual-arts orientation, as if the product of a self-respecting School of READ MORE
22. Attention by Vivian ft. Redsan (2017):
Attention is a cheerful song by two Kenyan artistes. It fuses two genres -- Genge (Vivian) and Reggae (Redsan). It is energetic and fun -- with cheerful voices and engaging dance-hall tunes.
21. Give it to Me by Lulu Diva (2017):
Lulu Diva's puff-puffing, equatorial train-ride is as a fine an excuse as you can get for another kind of journey she's prepared just for you (guys): a seductive and READ MORE
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 READ MORE
19. Kirisense by Khaligraph Jones ft. Bruce Melodie (2017):
Kenya's Khaligraph Jones and Rwanda's Bruce Melodie are 'caged dudes' in a fraternal and boisterous duel READ MORE
18. Tukiggale by Eddy Yawe ft. Carol Nantongo (2017):
Tukiggale (= "Let's [get] close") is a song full of cheer, and such an enjoyable 'moment'. Every second of it is a thrill, and every thrill cascades. It shares out ample servings of READ MORE
17. Umeniwahi by Kristoff (Mluhya wa Busia) (2017):
Umeniwahi (= you got me), is a tuneful song depicting a youthful pair in a great holiday mood. The sands we see are surely not in Kisumu or Busia 'city', but no matter. Kristoff is a "trupillar" of Kenya's pop scene. Expect more from him.
16. Down by Quick Rocka 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 a READ MORE
15. Mfata by Charly na Nina (2017):
In Mfata, the Charly na (= and) Nina duo from Rwanda sings a very cheerful and quick-paced song in perfect harmony of voice, and dances in wonderful synchronicity 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 READ MORE
13. Throne by Navio ft. King Kaka (2017):
Shot mostly before a live audience, Throne is all energy and gusto. An awesome tune streams all through the song. And a superb beat knocks out everyone. The stage is READ MORE
12. No Spine by Gabu (2017):
No Spine is a fine piece of music by rappin' Gabu and co (all Kenyans). He delivers his lines with the cerebral poise of a seasoned poet, or troubadour. He strings his READ MORE
11. Love Again by C4Pedro ft. Sauti Sol (2017):
Love Again is a collaborative effort by two of Africa's top pop talents today: Angola's C4Pedro (remember him in spectacular Spetxa One? and Kenya's Sauti Sol READ MORE
10. Wembe by Otile Brown ft. Timmy Tdat (2017):
Wembe (= razor), the video, is a montage of playfulness and suggestive images that belie an accomplished 'stage' performance by Kenyan artistes only recently READ MORE
9. Fresh (Remix) by Fid Q ft. Diamond Platnumz x Rayvanny (2017):
A strummed guitar sets off this creatively imagined video. It keeps everyone hooked throughout this jamming affair by three of Tanzania's leading Bongo-Musikers. They'd READ MORE
8. Babiee by Avril ft. A Pass
Babiee showcases the fine talents of two classy artistes from East Africa -- she from Kenya and he from Uganda. They deliver the lyrics... and the totality of this READ MORE
7. Kababaye by Chin Bees (2017):
Chin Bees are an upstart group with all the self-assurance needed to get their voice heard on this increasingly star-studded continent of ours. Kababaye demonstrates that READ MORE
6. Pepeta by Chin Bees (2017):
Released in March 2017, and directed by Rahul Kumar Singh, Pepeta launches with what a dramatic beat! Chin Bees sustain it to the end, in this 3:00-minute spectacle. These READ MORE
5. Tonight The Band Beca x 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 READ MORE
4. 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 READ MORE
3. 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 READ MORE
2. 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 READ MORE
1. 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 READ MORE
[Note: Lists for earlier years appear at the bottom of this page]
Click on a Song's title to watch the video:
Click on a Song's title to watch the video:
Winning Team is a cheerful song for all victorious teams, in all fields of human endeavor, All true victories are, in all climes, joyful occasions. They can soar to rarefied READ MORE
39. Run Ting by King Kaka ft. Fena Gitu (2017):Run Tin has a superb opening tune, for some 30 seconds or so. This yields to King Kaka's distinctive rap 'affair', and fine reggae vibes from Fena Gitu. But poor lighting mars the video.
38. Kidege by Bandanah ft. Spizzo x Naiboi (2017):
Kidege (= Little Bird) starts with some 20 seconds lost to an unnecessary radio-call. Bandanah, "cool as a cucumber", rescues it all with his uniquely modulated voice. READ MORE
37. Lover by Victoria Kimani ft. Phyno (2017):
Victoria Kimani's Lover is a (day)dream of love rendered in fine singing and dancing and all sorts of dress 'rehearsal', all in a set that glitters and shimmers end-to-end. READ MORE
36. 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 READ MORE
35. Face to Face by Charly na Nina (2017):
Fine tunes accompany this Charly na Nina song. A cheerful beat and the call to hot-blooded guys, "Be my guy", will be too inviting for certain types already enticed with subtle melody.
34. Only You by Amber Lulu (2018):
34. Only You by Amber Lulu (2018):
A rousing tune invites all to this jam session filled with pleasant sounds and "brave" visuals. Amber Lulu is fully engaged in this beat filled act. It ends too soon, alas, at 2:44 minutes.
33. Ya Nini by Alicios and Khaligaph Jones (2017):
Ya Nini, sung in both Swahili and Lingala as well as some English, is a fusion of rap (infused with Sheng) and a rousing version of Lingala Pop. It is a sort of Eastlands READ MORE
32. Dede by Mimi Mars (2017):
A relaxed and confident Mimi sings an adorable song here, about all those hard-to-express love feelings that felt Love easily engenders. It has a lovely tone, too, which READ MORE
31. Unanimaliza by Ray C (2017):
Ray C's early 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 men.
30. John Rambo by Sheebah (2017):
John Rambo is Sheebah's latest personification of her love-idea. He's a good excuse for fine and suggestive moves and postures, as well as lovey lyrics. And she's of course READ MORE
28. 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 READ MORE
27. 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
26. Everything by Uncle Austin ft. Meddy (2017):
Everything about Everything is upbeat and very engaging. Just the kind of tune-filled stuff the seasoned hopper looks out for. All that fine dancing spreads profuse cheer. Blast of a thing!
25. Weekend by Sheebah ft. Runtown (2017):
Weekend -- Wikendi, if you like -- as sung by Sheebah and Runtown, is a superb collaboration between two musical pillars in Uganda and Nigeria. The video invokes READ MORE
24. 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 bar READ MORE
Yegwe Munange by Serena Bata (2017):
Yegwe Munange (= It's you, Babe) is more than the usual music video offering. It has a distinctive visual-arts orientation, as if the product of a self-respecting School of READ MORE
22. Attention by Vivian ft. Redsan (2017):
Attention is a cheerful song by two Kenyan artistes. It fuses two genres -- Genge (Vivian) and Reggae (Redsan). It is energetic and fun -- with cheerful voices and engaging dance-hall tunes.
21. Give it to Me by Lulu Diva (2017):
Lulu Diva's puff-puffing, equatorial train-ride is as a fine an excuse as you can get for another kind of journey she's prepared just for you (guys): a seductive and READ MORE
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 READ MORE
19. Kirisense by Khaligraph Jones ft. Bruce Melodie (2017):
18. Tukiggale by Eddy Yawe ft. Carol Nantongo (2017):
Tukiggale (= "Let's [get] close") is a song full of cheer, and such an enjoyable 'moment'. Every second of it is a thrill, and every thrill cascades. It shares out ample servings of READ MORE
17. Umeniwahi by Kristoff (Mluhya wa Busia) (2017):
Umeniwahi (= you got me), is a tuneful song depicting a youthful pair in a great holiday mood. The sands we see are surely not in Kisumu or Busia 'city', but no matter. Kristoff is a "trupillar" of Kenya's pop scene. Expect more from him.
16. Down by Quick Rocka 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 a READ MORE
15. Mfata by Charly na Nina (2017):
In Mfata, the Charly na (= and) Nina duo from Rwanda sings a very cheerful and quick-paced song in perfect harmony of voice, and dances in wonderful synchronicity 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 READ MORE
13. Throne by Navio ft. King Kaka (2017):
Shot mostly before a live audience, Throne is all energy and gusto. An awesome tune streams all through the song. And a superb beat knocks out everyone. The stage is READ MORE
12. No Spine by Gabu (2017):
No Spine is a fine piece of music by rappin' Gabu and co (all Kenyans). He delivers his lines with the cerebral poise of a seasoned poet, or troubadour. He strings his READ MORE
11. Love Again by C4Pedro ft. Sauti Sol (2017):
Love Again is a collaborative effort by two of Africa's top pop talents today: Angola's C4Pedro (remember him in spectacular Spetxa One? and Kenya's Sauti Sol READ MORE
10. Wembe by Otile Brown ft. Timmy Tdat (2017):
Wembe (= razor), the video, is a montage of playfulness and suggestive images that belie an accomplished 'stage' performance by Kenyan artistes only recently READ MORE
9. Fresh (Remix) by Fid Q ft. Diamond Platnumz x Rayvanny (2017):
A strummed guitar sets off this creatively imagined video. It keeps everyone hooked throughout this jamming affair by three of Tanzania's leading Bongo-Musikers. They'd READ MORE
8. Babiee by Avril ft. A Pass
Babiee showcases the fine talents of two classy artistes from East Africa -- she from Kenya and he from Uganda. They deliver the lyrics... and the totality of this READ MORE
7. Kababaye by Chin Bees (2017):
Chin Bees are an upstart group with all the self-assurance needed to get their voice heard on this increasingly star-studded continent of ours. Kababaye demonstrates that READ MORE
6. Pepeta by Chin Bees (2017):
Released in March 2017, and directed by Rahul Kumar Singh, Pepeta launches with what a dramatic beat! Chin Bees sustain it to the end, in this 3:00-minute spectacle. These READ MORE
5. Tonight The Band Beca x 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 READ MORE
4. 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 READ MORE
3. 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 READ MORE
2. 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 READ MORE
1. 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 READ MORE
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Links To Relevant Lists From Previous Years:
1. Africa's 40 Happiest Songs of The Year, 2016
Links To Relevant Lists From Previous Years:
1. Africa's 40 Happiest Songs of The Year, 2016
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