2021 found me in Kilifi. And not because of Kilifi New Year Festival – which was postponed and later rebranded.
Still I was living my best life: attending beach parties, swimming in nature’s free swimming pool aka the creek, and eating all the viazi karai I could get my hands on.
And then shi(f)t happened.
Like Sam Smith, I know I’m not the only one. This year changed a lot in us – and about us. We made mistakes, we learnt, we grew.
Same thing happened to the Kenyan music scene.
While going through our internal shifts and struggles, Kenyan musicians put in the work! They blessed us with beautiful projects every single month. Soothing soundtracks to the different phases of our rocky lives.
And like some of us, they broke up, made magic and won recognition.
Just like in 2020, I compiled my top Kenyan music projects of the year for you. These 2021 Kenyan albums and EPs are so unique that they’re either your favourites or you’ve not heard of them – yet.
If you don’t know YABA, he’s half of the Kenyan rhumba trap duo Red Acapella later baptised Red A.k.a.fellaz – before they broke up in 2020.
His new sound and EP Rhumbacane is a sweet fusion of rhumba, trap and benga music that is both nostalgic and futuristic. My favourite track is Mashujaa which celebrates our African music legends, from the famous to the forgotten, from Tanzania’s Remmy Ongala to the King of Kenyan Twist John Nzenze.
Talk about trippy downtempo music that blends tribal and jungle sounds with futuristic electronic music.
What else would you expect from Karim Mwondi, the Kenyan DJ producer who took me on my first ever psy-trance journey? With 3 tracks only, this EP is a short and sweet trip featuring a remix of Udulele’s beloved Lamu Tamu.
Shindu Shi is the sophomore album by Omutibo Man after his groundbreaking Afrofusion album KWETU. You’ll fall in love with the soulful Amina featuring fellow mwana wa Ingo Lulu Abdalla.
And in Pombe, Fadhilee takes us round the country for a good time, even kuosha rungu in Masaku (get it?)
It’s not every year you get a full studio project from a Kenyan guitarist, let alone a female one.
Ivy with the good hair enlists vocalists Noel Nderitu and Wambura Mitaru, and producer friends EKM, Rigga and Victor Kimetto to add musical layers to her strings. From the mellow Infinite to the jazzy Kenyan National Anthem remix, this former Coke Studio girl really knows how to rock on her guitar.
After the high-octane single Rhumba and gengetone-vibed Kula Tatu, the award-winning Kenyan vocal group finally released their debut album in November. Their self-titled album is full of funky tunes, soulful anthems and crossover gospel songs.
I bought this 2021 Kenyan album after Sigu’s Showcase Wednesday performance at Alliance Francaise (which was also the album release date) and what a treat!
The 11-track album sounds like a proper live show with classic benga guitars, on-beat drumming, and wild sounds by the deep baritoned Dholuo storyteller who is not afraid to use his strongest instrument. Even though I could barely understand what he was saying, except osiepna, you feelhis soulful Afrofusion music – a testament music is a universal language.
Now, who would have expected a full album from the famous Sauti Sol guitarist who never sings – unlike Kenchez of H_art The Band? Father Studies is Fancy Fingers’ surprisingly sweet ode to his infant son – and Burundian wife – with the help of fellow Kenyan musicians Dela, Nyashinski and Mordecai.
Wielding his guitar on his shoulder and baby Sulwe strapped on his back, dad of the year award goes to…
As cosmic as the artist, Purge features Bakhita’s honey vocals harmonising their signature tenor with a smooth soprano. This EP is funky, jazzy, with a little bit of badass hip hop.
Longtime collaborator and music producer LEMI came through with the keys; they have great chemistry as seen from their live performance at The Terrace Kilifi.
What happens when you combine music, spoken word and storytelling? Well, you get an emotive album that speaks to your soul as young Kenyans tell their stories of hope, pain and loss in an unfair and unequal society.
Led by Dorphanage, one of the Kenya’s best spoken word artists, this moving message is worth listening and paying attention to.
Probably the most unique Kenyan album you’ll hear this year, Rebirth is simply cinematic music – from ambient piano ballads to melodic dubstep to progressive house tracks that could have been made by Skrillex.
While only Midnight Therapy has his vocals, the rest are soundtracks ready and ripe for the big screen, video games, and high budget ads. They sound like they belong in a Nest Collective film – if the Kenyan collective didn’t make their own already.
Dope Projects that Didn’t Make The List
I couldn’t end this list without sharing some special mentions recommended by fellow music junkies. Can you relate?
Kitenge EP by Nviiri the Storyteller
Catch a Vibe EP by Kenyan R&B queen Karun
Medicine EP by Bensoul the medicineman
Simple Man by our favourite band H_art the Band
A Side of Me EP by our very own Ariana Grande ~ Nikita Kering
Sherehe EP by AFRIMA Awards’ Best African Jazz Band Hornsphere
City on a Hill by crossover gospel artist Noel Nderitu
Bald Men Love Better EP by the bad and bald Bien and Aaron Rimbui
River by the genre-bending Muthoni Drummer Queen
Life Before the Apocalypse by Brother Tetu Shani
So which was your favourite 2021 Kenyan album or EP? Let me know in the comments.
As I usually say, discovery is a forever gig as a music junkie – like you or me.
Whether shi(f)t happens or not.
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