Ihale is even more musical (with a more adventurous use of voice) than Obe Baba, which I said some nice things about just a day or so ago. The visuals are just as good, and in parts, I think, better. There's more energy here. More creative, and more 'competitive', body language. A touch of Naija mannerism, in fact.
I like the self-confident use of Kiswahili in Ihale. Susumila does not hesitate to flaunt his poetic licence in his use of language. Credit to his Director and Producer too. Give me a song I like, on my own terms, and I'll play and write about it -- regardless of which part of Africa it's from. Simple as that.
Of course I like Sauti Sol's Sura Yako and Nerea. Still, Sauti Sol, as a band, needs to be more fecund than it's been -- and not by doing a sort of Nishike and/or Nerea Remix. Sura Yako ft. Iyanya is already remixed, with mixed results. One or two songs a year will not take you far, in a field "overpopulated" by very hard-working and enterprising Nigerian artistes.
Of course I like Elani's Kookoo.
Of course I like Victoria Kimani's Show.
Of course I like H_ART THE BAND's Nikikutazama.
Other Kenyan musicians whose work I have tweeted or blogged, or will tweet or blog, appreciations of can be found at my twitter (@MauriYambo) or on my blog. More is to come.
