It’s not everyday that a new artist excites the folk at Mwafrika.com the way Lin has. You might not have heard too much about her, if indeed anything at all, but take our word for it - you need to! Arguably one of the most true to herself and authentic neo-soul / alternative singers from Kenya, one listen to her recently released debut record would leave you bamboozled at the thought that she might actually be making her solo entrance onto the musical scene.
Epistles To You is her new full length release, and is choc full of goodies. Produced largely by Gideon Kimanzi of Gigkym Productions, it’s not difficult to pick up the influences of American singers Jill Scott and Corrine Bailey Rae, amongst others, on this release.
With a father who sang and played the guitar in a 70’s pop group, and having been in various music initiatives since her childhood, Lin has had music in her veins for many years. Like many of her peers, Lin sang with her local church choir throughout her younger years. Later on whilst in Kabarak High School, she got involved in various musical initiatives and music groups, before eventually going on to sing with Groove Award winner Emmy Kosgei as a back-up vocalist.
Three years into this gig, Lin made the very bold move of going solo, opting to step out from behind the scenes and throw her hat into the ring. And what a brilliant move it was! It wasn’t long before she teamed up with Christine Muna and five other independent artists to record and release the compilation album The Platform 2008. Take Me Back, a mellow mid-tempo alternative cut that also appears as the opening track off her debut, was her contribution to the album. Written by Lin and producer Gideon Kimanzi, the slightly melancholic song follows the lives of various characters tired of the seeming rat race of life they find themselves in, and some resultant bad decisions made, and asks God to take them back. The opening lines of the song, and the album, effortlessly connect with many.
“It’s Monday, I don’t even want to get out of bed. I’m so tired Lord. Been taking so many tangents, going far far away from you, I can’t even remember the last time we talked.
Take me back”
 Lin At Her Album Launch For a full album review, click HERE. Other cuts to look out for include her lead single; the beautiful neo-soul tinged Brand New Eyes (complete with a beautiful music video from Mind Frame Productions), the inspirational cut Gorgeous – a song whose music video is to follow, but one we strongly recommend every lady to listen to, and Kipsengwet.
Her 2006 meeting with producer Gideon Kimanzi got the ball rolling insofar as her album is concerned. Back then, they worked together on I Believe, a song written as part of the United Nation’s MDG (Millenium Development Goals) program. The producer returned to handle the bulk of production duties off her debut.
Part of the beauty of this singer is her boldness, exhibited in different ways. Not only does she effortlessly mix English and a lovely sprinkling of Kalenjin into her music, giving parts of it a striking authenticity, but her preferred genre is still yet to gain much, if any, mainstream appeal. Yet even though there have been silent murmurs of disquiet from various quarters, she is unapologetic about her style, and very admirably insists on being herself. She says: “I don’t apologise for the music I do, and the styles I do. I had to be true to myself as an artist. I could easily have gone the Kapuka way that many people seem to like. But that’s just not me. I have a message to pass, and I have been given a tool to use. I will use it.”
Epistles To You was released at an intimate function at Upper Hill’s Savannah Restaurant to a highly appreciative crowd. The album will soon be available at Nu-Metro stores around the country.
Do yourself a huge favour. Look out for it. It will most certainly impress. You have our word!
:: Click HERE to read her album review
:: Click HERE to download her latest single, Brand New Eyes
:: Click HERE to view her video
» Post Comment
» 12 Comments
1Comment
at Monday, 16 February 2009 08:29
What a beautiful single. I've never heard it before, is it playing anywhere? It is sooooooo cool. Too cool!!
2Comment
at Monday, 16 February 2009 09:48
Brand new eyes is very very nice. I'm glad Mwafrika made it available.
3Comment
at Monday, 16 February 2009 09:58
I havent heard sweet music to the ears in a while. Keep up tha good work Lin!
4Comment
at Monday, 16 February 2009 11:19
Great work Lin..such a great track.
5Comment
at Monday, 16 February 2009 17:52
i love the album. great work. kenya needs more of these!!!!!!
6Comment
at Monday, 16 February 2009 18:16
If that is what the single sounds like, album ni lazima. Seriously, such a great song and sijaiskia mahali. Good job Mwafrika. We need to hear about more underground singers.
7"AMAZING"
at Tuesday, 17 February 2009 06:38
I've listened to some of the songs in Lin's CD and they're DEEP.
They take u some place else and really make u think and @ the same time relax! It's that awesome. Gotta get it with my buddies. God bless yall.
8"DEAR RURY"
at Monday, 23 February 2009 09:53
HEY RURI...
DAMN YOU HAVE TALENT N I KNOW YOU BETTER FROM BACK THEM DAYS WEN ALL WE HAD WAS MRS SANG AND THE CHAPEL.
AS A FRIEND AND FAN,,YOU AREDEFINITELY GOIN PLACES AND ALL ALWAYS BE PROUD OF YOU.
IN ALL YOU DO GIVE GLORY TO THE ALMIGHTY .HOPE YOU REMEMBER THE AONG..WE ARE CHILDREN OF THE FATHER..LET THAT ALWAYS BE YOUR GUIDE...LOVE YOU LOTS N MAY HE GRANT YOU THE VOICE TO KEEP ON BLESSING HIS NAME...BIG UP LOVE
9"La balaa"
at Saturday, 28 February 2009 16:04
maze sijaskia ngoma yako lakini WEWE! umeiva tu sana ...phone number is how
10Comment
at Saturday, 28 February 2009 18:56
Just watched the "Brand New Eyes" video on You-tube. My my my...Lin has just made my day. Though some people may find it hard to identify with her neo-soul style with english lyrics sprinkled with Kalenjin, I for one flowed with her...alabatin! Ok, I don't speak Kalenjin but the word just caught on! I think Lin is a jewel just waiting to be discovered by main-stream stations...till then, we'll still follow up on her at Mwafrika.com...what are fans for?!
11Comment
at Friday, 19 June 2009 06:46
we all need brand new eyes for sure girl. good stuff there.
12"All the Best"
at Saturday, 24 April 2010 13:30
Wow Ruri u r taking us to another level of music especially here in Kenya. What i just want to tell u is all da best in your quest for success and may The Lord Almighty shine you thru.
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