With an artist listing that reads like the who’s who of Kenya’s Afro-fusion scene, and hugely written and produced by Kenya’s ‘winningest’ KORA producer Tim ‘Ennovator’ Rimbui, the compilation album Kinanda is now complete, and ready for the World Music market. With a delightfully eclectic mixed bag of love songs, Gospel tunes and political parodies, Kinanda is sure to make a huge splash.
The album kicks off with the highly-charged and dance floor ready What If. With Kanjii Mbugua on lead, his ad-libs sound uncannily similar to a certain Wycleff Jean. Its beauty is found in the juxtaposition of contemplative musings, where Kanjii wonders how differently he would be treated if he had all the world’s wealth, against an energetic and exuberant dance track.
Unfortunately, and to the detriment of the whole record, What If is the only truly vigorous jam on an album filled with mid-tempo tunes. Yet what Kinanda lacks in boogie, it more than makes up for with sheer class and an A-list to top them all.
Eric Wainaina chips in with Fancy Car, a humorously satirical number where socio-political themes are unconcealed. Very conversationally, Eric takes a pot shot at politicians who flaunt their wealth before a populace steeped in poverty. Its very conversational tone, similar to earlier hit Nchi ya Kitu Kidogo, makes it easy to connect with.
Two areas that Kinanda succeeds in showcasing is Kenya’s growing depth in both top-notch jazz musicians and quality female vocalists. Aaron “Krucio” Rimbui is already well known for his piano jazz album, Keys of Life, and new cut Sauti is a beautiful addition to the record. But headlined by Izzo, it is guitar-driven Ubayanazi Bwanje that really adds a certain joie de vivre to the album.
And after a year that’s seen her endure more than her fair share of bad press, fans of KORA winner Neema will be all smiles to hear her return. Amenitendea sounds more like an intimately personal testimony than a radio single, and finds her reciting the faithfulness of God through her own life. She may not knock this one out the park with her trademark power vocals, but her warm laid-back approach fits hand-in-glove on this thoughtful reflective number.
True-blue African songstress Hellen Akoth weighs in with inspirational Luo Gospel cut Itelona, a tune for all those who feel like life might have handed them a bad card. Life ain’t working out? No job? No house? Still single? Helen reminds that God is always with us, leading us and never tiring of us.
Atemi Oyungu, who earned her stripes with popular 90’s girl-group TTBC (Thrown Together By Christ) and more recently as vocalist for Eric Wainaina, comes into her own with the slightly melancholic love song Ooh Wee. With sweet guitar licks and breathy back-ground vocals, Atemi proves she will be a force once her debut album, Hatimaye, drops.
Two sleeper tracks off Kinanda include Country Gal and Shamba La Wanyama. The former, arguably the album’s strongest cut, is an addictive and well-measured urban love song penned and performed by song-writer extraordinaire Chris Adwar. Renown for both his production prowess and work with Kisima winners VUC (Voices United Choir), Chris is not necessarily the most powerful of vocalists, yet like secular acts Macy Gray and Akon, he’s mastered the art of using his voice to create authentic compelling and radio-friendly tunes. One listen to the killer vamp on Country Gal is all one needs to fall in love.
“Penzi langu na we ni kama ziwa, isiokauka, baby, baby,
Penzi langu na we ni kama mwamba, isiyotingika, baby, baby” Chizi contributes co-writing production on yet another humorously satirical piece, Shamba La Wanyama. Borrowing heavily from author George Orwell’s classic, Animal Farm, the song is already a favorite at Chizi’s own Café Mia Moja events. Chizi takes an underhanded shot at leaders and politicians who don’t keep their word, making a tongue- in-check reference to them as wakoloni weusi. It’s rich and unique backing trumpets only add to its appeal. Listen and laugh.
“I say hey man, tuko shamba la wanyama, nguruwe ndiye mfalme, na taji la dhahabu;
I say, I say, tuko shamba la wanyama, nguruwe ndiye mfalme, nguruwe binadamu”
A number of thoughtful interludes by local television newscaster, John Alan Namu, round out the record.
Look out for Kinanda in your local music store.
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