Showing posts with label Happiest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Happiest. Show all posts
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Africa's Top 5 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 ..." I just want to endorse that here. 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?
READ: World Happiness Report 2015
READ: "The Happiness Contagion" December 9, 2008
HERE, THEN, IS THE TOP 5 RANKING OF THE 2014 SELECTION
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
5. Double Wahala Part 2 by Oristefemi ft. D'banj (2014):
4. Skelemba by Olamide ft. Don Jazzy (2014):
3. Ole Themba by Linah (2014):
2. Tchelete by Davido ft. Mafikizolo x Uhuru x Eslido (2014):
1. Dorobucci by Mavin Don Jazzy, Reekado Banks, Dr. Sid, Korede Bello, Tiwa Savage ... (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.
Africa's Top 10 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 ..." I just want to endorse that here. 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?
READ: World Happiness Report 2015
ALSO READ: "The Happiness Contagion", December 9, 2008
HERE, THEN, IS THE TOP 10 RANKING OF THE HAPPIEST SONGS OF 2014
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video clip]
10. Oshe by Praiz and Awilo Longomba (2014):
9. Awelewa Most Beautiful by Gabriel Afolayan (2014):
8. Chop Am by Reekado Banks (2014):
7. Taste The Money by P-Square (2014):
6. Fiko Fiko Fion by Claudia Bakisa ft. Koffi Olomide (2014):
5. Double Wahala Part 2 by Oristefemi ft. D'banj (2014):
4. Skelemba by Olamide ft. Don Jazzy (2014):
3. Ole Themba by Linah (2014):
2. Tchelete by Davido ft. Mafikizolo x Uhuru x Eslido (2014):
1. Dorobucci by Mavin Don Jazzy, Reekado Banks, Dr. Sid, Korede Bello, Tiwa Savage ... (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.
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.
Tuesday, April 03, 2018
Africa's Top 20 Happiest Songs of 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 Africa's Top 20 Happiest Songs of 2013.
The procedure for identifying the Top 20 songs derives from the broader one used for the period 2014-2016. Click here for all the essential details.
LIST OF AFRICA'S TOP 20 HAPPIEST SONGS OF 2013 ~ #TYS
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
20. We do Work by Navy Kenzo ft. A Pass (2013):
19. Cheza Kizembe by Navy Kenzo (2013):
18. Take You Home by Radio and Weasel (2013):
17. Kipepeo by Jaguar (2013):
16. So Alive by Sage ft. Octopizzo (2013):
15. Usinibwage by Aika ft. Nahreel (2013):
14. Mobimba by P Unit ft Alicious (2013):
13. Zamu Yangu by Shaa (2013):
12. Watch My Ting Go by Lola Rae (2013):
11. Mtoto Mzuri by Nonini (2013):
10. My Dream by Vivian ft. Jaguar (2013):
9. Sholee by Sean Tizzle (2013):
8. Magnetic by Radio + Weasel (2013):
7. Jika by Mi Casa (2013):
6. Khona by Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru (2013):
5. Gobe by Davido (2013):
4. Lava Lava by Shaa (2013):
3. Mama Eh by Sean Tizzle (2013):
2. Touchin Body ft. J. Martins ft DJ Arafat (2013):
1. One of a Kind by Davido (2013):
Africa's Top 15 Happiest Songs of 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 this list given below of Africa's Top 15 Happiest Songs of 2013.
The procedure for identifying the Top 25 songs derives from the broader one used for the period 2014-2016. Click here for all the essential details.
LIST OF AFRICA'S TOP 15 HAPPIEST SONGS OF 2013 ~ #TYS
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
15. Usinibwage by Aika ft. Nahreel (2013):
14. Mobimba by P Unit ft Alicious (2013):
13. Zamu Yangu by Shaa (2013):
12. Watch My Ting Go by Lola Rae (2013):
11. Mtoto Mzuri by Nonini (2013):
10. My Dream by Vivian ft. Jaguar (2013):
9. Sholee by Sean Tizzle (2013):
8. Magnetic by Radio + Weasel (2013):
7. Jika by Mi Casa (2013):
6. Khona by Mafikizolo ft. Uhuru (2013):
5. Gobe by Davido (2013):
4. Lava Lava by Shaa (2013):
3. Mama Eh by Sean Tizzle (2013):
2. Touchin Body ft. J. Martins ft DJ Arafat (2013):
1. One of a Kind by Davido (2013):
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Africa's Top 15 Happiest 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 Africa's Top 15 Happiest Songs. The procedure for generating the list of Top 15 Happiest Songs for the year 2012 derives from the one used for the period 2014-2016.
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 the complete list of Top Songs and their relative rankings are made very late in December, detailed commentary on the leading titles could not be assured prior to the release of the list, which must occur very early in the new year. Any reviews that follow the publication of this Top 15 list will be published on this blog or elsewhere.
Finally, as we start browsing and clicking, let's remember that only the best songs should populate the series of lists in #TheYamboSelection, 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.
READ: Trace TV Video Selection Criteria
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
13. Money Lover by Sauti Sol (2012):
12. Kata by Navio (2012):
11. Can't Let You Go by Radio and Weasel (2012):
10. Viuno Tucheze by Shilole ft. Kitokololo x Rich Mavoko (2012):
9. Feel No Pain by Camp Mulla (2012):
5. I Wanna Get Paid by Pah One ft. Shrekeezy (2012):
4. Like to Party by Burna Boy (2012):
3. Shut It Down by Stella Mwangi (2012):
Click here t read a review of Shut it Down
Monday, March 26, 2018
Africa's Top 20 Happiest Songs of 2015 ~ #TheYamboSelection
I. INTRODUCTION
You cannot do as they do in Nana, Reggae Blues, Enemy Solo, Kaunyaka, Sukus and all the rest -- all of which have the halo and the tone and the body text of happiness -- and not be happy yourself inside, and outside; if only for a brief 3 to 4+ minutes of magic. That's all I want to say here, for now, about all the lovely offerings listed below -- and about which we can talk endlessly about.
This is the second annual edition of Africa's Top 20 Happiest Songs of The Year. It covers only songs released in 2015.
READ: Africa's 25 Happiest Songs of The Year, 2014
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, inside one body.
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). Happy songs breed happiness through the joyfulness of their words (and through their inner soulfulness which flavors the words and nurtures the very joyfulness).
Happy songs move us as well by means of the melody in the tunes, the liveliness of the body's texts and the suppleness of the assembled 'bodies'. And they win us over with the harmony of the charged instruments, the pulsating visuals of the video clip, and the warmth of the stage and the body-politic 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's song, too, you bet, in what Dawkins has called The Magic of Reality. And in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, we find, Duke Orsino utters these immortal words, which I want to endorse here:
"If music be the food of life, play on; / Give me excess of it ..."
If good music be what it is, thus, let it be. Give me more, is all I should say! There are times, if I may digress, that I have thought (sensed would be too strong a word) that a truly throbbing drumbeat among the prayerful carries within it the voice of God in its surreal, surround going, 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 (is it true) that music videos that elicit the most happiness seem generally to have a street motif; and if not, then grudgingly a theatrical setting? Is it perhaps because there are no other actionable options?
II. MEASURING HAPPINESS:
Can happiness be measured? Perhaps yes, perhaps no. Perhaps, which is what I want to go with, yes -- but not too well.
Still, we have endeavored to do so here. For the selection and ranking criteria used in creating this list, click here.
III. LIST AND RANKING OF AFRICA's TOP 20 HAPPIEST SONGS OF 2015:
[Click on a Song's title to watch the video]
20. The Banger by Runtown ft. Uhuru (2015):
19. Gaara by Brain (2015):
18. Favorite Song by Skalled (2015):
The video is no longer in circulation.
17. Aiye Mi by El Phlex ft. OritseFemi (2015):
Click here to read comment
16. JantaManta by Mavins (2015):
15. Take it Slow by Zikki ft. Jaguar (2015):
Views on record just prior to the publication of of this post: 146,973
Click here to read comment
14. Igbeyawo by OritseFemi (2015):
Views on record just prior to the publication of of this post: 213,718
Click here to read comment
13. Don't Stop by Olamide (2015):
12. Shower Me by Jumabee ft. Cynthia Morgan (2015):
Click here to read comment
11. Feel Alright by DJ Kaywise ft. Ice Prince, Mugeez, Patoranking (2015):
10. Taking Over Me by Yemi Alade ft. Phyno (2015):
9. Be With Me by Addiction (2015):
8. Ebelebe by Tee tee (2015):
Views on record just prior to the publication of of this post: 920
Click here to read comment
7. Sexy Rosey By Mr. Flavour ft. P-Square (2015):
Views on record just prior to the publication of of this post: 3,245,677
6. So Good by Eddy Kenzo (2015):
Click here to read comment on this song
5. Sukus by OritseFemi ft. Harry Song (2015):
4. Kaunyaka by Chege + Mh Temba ft. Dj Maphorisa (2015):
Click here to read comment on this song
3. Enemy Solo by Awilo Longomba ft. P-Square (2015):
YouTube views on record just prior to the publication of of this post: 2,097,063
2. Reggae Blues by Harrysong ft. Olamide + Iyanya + Kcee + Orezi 015)
Click here to read comment on this song
1. Nana by Diamond Platnumz ft. Mr. Flavour (2015):
Click here to read comment on this song
READ: Diamond Platnumz's bioinfo
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
READ: World Happiness Report 2015
ALSO READ: "The Happiness Contagion" that I posted on December 9, 2008
Friday, February 16, 2018
Top 25 Happiest Songs of 2017 By or Featuring East 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 (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.
HERE, THEN, THE LISTING AND RANKING OF TOP 25 HAPPIEST SONGS OF 2017 BY OR FEATURING EAST AFRICAN QUEENS ~ #YaSE
25. 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
24. 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.
23. 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. 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.
[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:
25. 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
24. 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.
23. 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. 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.
21. 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
20. 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
19. 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.
18. 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
17. 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
16. 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
15. 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 READ MORE
14. 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.
13. 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
12. 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
11. 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 READ MORE
10. 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, READ MORE
9. 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
8. 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
7. 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
6. 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
5. 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
4. 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
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Links To Relevant Lists From Previous Years:
1. Africa's 40 Happiest Songs of The Year, 2016
[Follow Mauri Yambo]
Top 20 Happiest Songs of 2017 By or Featuring East 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 (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.
HERE, THEN, THE LISTING AND RANKING OF TOP 20 HAPPIEST SONGS OF 2017 BY OR FEATURING EAST AFRICAN QUEENS ~ #YaSE
[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:
20. 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
19. 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.
18. 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
17. 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
16. 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
15. 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 READ MORE
14. 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.
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
19. 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.
18. 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
17. 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
16. 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
15. 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 READ MORE
14. 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.
13. 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
12. 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
11. 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 READ MORE
10. 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, READ MORE
9. 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
8. 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
7. 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
6. 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
5. 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
4. 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
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Links To Relevant Lists From Previous Years:
1. Africa's 40 Happiest Songs of The Year, 2016
[Follow Mauri Yambo]
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