Lamo (Worship) by Voices United Choir (VUC) is probably one of the most rousing and significant albums lately.

‘Lamo' is a blend of ‘easy on the ear styles' and lyrical

messages diverse enough to satisfy every listener's aural taste buds. VUC remain almost compulsively resourceful, their approach creating a chic and soulful beauty of an album.

VUC is turning out to be one of the regions most enduring musical experiences. VUC sounds above all else comfortable and at ease with itself. Overcoming misfortune and career movement, this team is a tutorial in concordance. The result however is a rich blend of music that is as diverse as it is ‘à la mode.' The musical project is a cheerful and enthusiastic experience. Generically this album straddles soul, full on afro-jazz, a touch of soft rock, benga, and very Kenyan country music.

With ‘Leo and Go', VUC comes life with ringing keyboards, strings, drums, and some beautiful harmonies. The two songs actually sounding like one extended track feature Kanji of Milele a gifted singer with talent that, given the chance, excite and animate a fish.


In ‘Furaha' (Kiswahili word meaning ‘Joy'), Lily Karanja leads VUC in a gently sang Swahili ballad using an abundant array of musical instruments with percussions and guitar accompaniments at the heart of the song. ‘Heal Me' is an a word –stirring! Cathy Mueni helms this song that illustrates a synthesis of rich - rhythmic and delightful neo-traditional African vibes with high-spirited and indulgent quasi-western choral performance.

‘All Creation' is a heart warming and seemingly faultless vocal performance. This song stresses the album's significance, which is that we are designed to worship. VUC communicates this truth most convincingly, blending Swahili and English effortlessly. Once again, band leader and chief VUC writer Chris "Phatstix" Adwar showcases his songwriting dexterity on

this beautifully rendered and absorbing number.

Yahweh' featuring KORA award winner Neema is a song for all fans and for those needing to appreciate genuine talent. The song enumerates Gods magnificent unchanging nature year in year out. Twinkling guitars fill the track perfectly offsetting the sophisticated, ferociously potent lead vocal performance.

‘Taya' (Luo word meaning Light) is a beautifully done, laid-back rendition of a popular Luo praise chorus. The song generally translated says”

‘Jesus is the light of my salvation, I paid no fee for receiving the grace of God, He is the one who deserves my praise.'

‘Shine' the second track on the album by a Kora Award winner – Eric Wainana like the song ‘Taya' speaks of Christ as the only light.

‘Lamo' (Luo word meaning Worship) the album title track calls on everyone to be serious about their personal commitment to Christ. I know of no other choral group that sings about heaven as if they have

been there - VUC do; and in the process whet your appetite. The album has two tracks singing about heaven. Wan Wadhi, Luo for ‘We are Going' and ‘ Fly Away'. Wan Wadhi is a rapturous confession denotating in part; ‘ I hear the call of heaven, I hear God calling me to heaven, I hear angels singing ,I hear trumpets crying out calling me to heaven… and I am answering.                                                       

With precise vocal artistry and choral, the track ‘Fly Away' gives the album an exuberant and fitting close. Featuring Vangules and Jobi two talented upcoming artists on rap and reggae riffs, l isteners will be appropriately satisfied; whilst new fans enchanted by this track.

 ‘All Creation' is a heart warming and seemingly faultless vocal performance. This song stresses the album's significance, which is that we are designed to worship. VUC communicates this truth most convincingly, blending Swahili and English effortlessly. Once again, band leader and chief VUC writer Chris "Phatstix" Adwar showcases his songwriting dexterity on

Only brave, single-minded artists choose to fly in the face of current conventional tide. The track experiments with soft rock and has all the hallmarks a chart topper - uninterrupted guitar strumming, plenty beats per minute and a repetitive chorus stands out both for its nostalgic quality and sincere delivery.

A lot of the musical projects you will listen to will have just one or two well done songs that help propel sales, then the 10 or so ‘kind of' hurriedly done, songs that are there to ‘sort of' accompany them. Not so for ‘Lamo'. It's hit after hit with as much attention paid to each song. Each song is branded with musical idealism, infectious rhythm as well as biblical integrity.

In a nutshell, VUC have upped the ante from their debut release “The Time Has Come” . This album is undoubtedly one of Kenya 's most rewarding pieces of musical artistry.


Album reviewed by: T.O

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