I have been an ardent fan of Sauti Sol since the begin of their journey in music and I must say that I have loved how their music has evolved to become more mature and attract a more global audience. The journey from the launch of Mwanzo at the National Museum (after which we were arrested while walking to town and started singing Blue Uniform in the Mariamu) to having an online release powered by the biggest telco in the country has been one paved with fantastic music and memorable shows all over.
Now, I’ve had quite a few listens to this album and here are my two cents on it.
1. Sura Yako
We all know this one. It’s the jam that made POTUS stand up and shake a leg on his recent visit to the beautiful republic of Kenya. Everyone has their own opinion on this.
2. Live And Die in Afrika
The title track, this jam features sounds from all over Africa mashed up into an ode to this amazing continent. There is heavy central and Southern African influence. It honestly took a few listens to understand their direction and in the first few instances, it felt a bit too busy. I have a feel it’ll be a hit or miss with most people.
3. Say Yeah
It’s back to basics with this one, the ballads that we have all come to know Sauti Sol for. It feels like a sequel to Lazizi. I love the guitar on it and the RKay-esque bounce on this. Easy to love. Relatable lyrics.
4. Isabella
A big contender for song of the album for me. This is one of those songs that make you hit the replay button over and over. A sincere appeal to the girl of your dreams to give you a chance. Feels like cupid had struck the lyricist real good before this was jotted down. I’m sure it will feature in quite a number of Kenyan weddings. Bien’s verse, stellar.
5. It’s Okay
I’ve always been a big fan of how Sauti Sol is able to fuse so many sounds while retaining their identity and giving every song the “Sauti Sol experience”. The south American influence on this is quite noticeable. Makes you want to dance the salsa. IRN, why would a dance and food share a name?
6. Nishike
I call this the trouble song. LOL. It’s well known to have caused quite a number of drool drenched keyboards when the video was released a few months ago. I’m sure it’s on quite a number of “take you down” playlists too.
7. Dollar Dollar
As the title suggests, this one refers to how our society is led by the lust for money. Simple instrumentals and carried mainly by the groups powerful voices and the well put down lyrics. Nice break as we get to the midpoint of the record.
8. Still The One
When they released this song, I could immediately tell that they were seeking to transition from the local beloved band that they were to having a more global appeal. To this day, I’m still trying to catch what the instrumental reminds me off. Polycarp’s guitar skills are my highlight of the song.
9. Kiss Me
This song has haunted me since the first time they sampled it at one of their shows and I’m really glad it made it to the album. It immediately takes me back to Mwanzo, Awinja in particular. The acoustic guitar, the melodies and harmonization, it’s all just a reminder to their fans that the old Sauti Sol is still there. They haven’t forgotten their roots. Might be useful to have in the car for that “After a Date” playlist.
10. Nerea
The song that caused an uproar between the Pro-Choice and Pro-Life camps. I will not discuss my feelings on the subject. Not the right forum. In regards to the music, no one can argue that this was not a well done track. Who would have thought that five voices on a track would not be too much? This was honestly a shocker to me… in the right way!
11. Kuliko Jana
Another contender for song of the album for me. I can only describe this as a prayer. This should jump to the top of any gospel charts in a jiffy. Who knew Bien could write gospel? At least we all remember Delvin in a gospel group (Do you?). This is a heartfelt, beautiful song carried by vocals. The production work is superb. Nice touch with the choir fill in at the tail end of the jam. My mum will love this one.
12. Sambo Party
Once the ballads are done, it’s time to turn it up a bit. I love the disco feel on this. I can also feel the south African influence especially on the bridge and the hook. In traffic, at the coffee shop or in the club, you will definitely nod and move to this. A certified feel good track. Can I replay it before I go on?
13. Nipe Nikupe
Honestly, this feels like a filler on the album. Another dance track, it feels like they just needed a jam to reach their ideal number of tracks on the album and this was it. On the other hand, Polycarp’s magic fingers really thrive on this. I would not be surprised if a few other artist jump on this. Also, a refix would be really easy to do.
14. Shake Your Bam Bam
Nostalgia is the first word that comes to mind when I hear this song. A lot of the songs of the early to late 2000’s heavily influence this one. From the claps from the 2002 diwali riddim, to Awilo Longomba to Rayvon’s Lose control, I hear so many songs that remind me of when I was growing up. Just in case you are wondering, Diwali Riddim had Lumidee, Rihanna’s Pon De Replay and later, Brick and Lace’s Love is wicked. A beautiful way to pay homage to their influences.
15. Relax
A chilled out song. Their way of letting us off easy after the musical journey that is the album.
My take away? A very well put together that you can play from beginning to end without the feeling of skipping a track. It portrays the growth in Sauti Sol as artists, producers and Song writers. There is a song for every mood, even when you want to get your kigosho on. It’s been a long wait since Sol Filsofia but I can confidently say that it has been worth it.
Highlights: Fantastic production quality, the mixing and mastering would pass anywhere in the world. There is also a lot of quality song writing and arrangement.
A definite hit in my books.