Albums Dropping in 2014

Last year was an exciting year in Kenyan music with a lot of banging hits that got everyone busy on the dance floor. 2014 looks like it will be even greater as a number of top and upcoming artists hit the studio to record albums. Coincidentally the only two Kenyan music acts (Amani/ Sauti Sol) nominated at this year’s MTV Music Awards (MAMAs) are both about to release new albums.

“Over the years, I have grown in so many ways as a songwriter, performer and singer and I would love this to reflect on my new work but still stay true to who I am. My fans have been so loyal that I just want to give them the best,” says Amani, nominated at MAMAs for Best Collaboration in the song “Kiboko Changu” featuring Radio & Weasel from Uganda. Formerly of Ogopa DJs, she is now working on a couple of hot singles with different producers. She reveals that she’s also armed with a great team of advisors who are preparing her for some heavy studio sessions. She wants Nairobi to know that the new Amani will be one of many flavours and influences, and we eagerly wait for what’s in store from this hit producing songstress.

The only music group from East Africa nominated at the 2014 MAMAs this year is Sauti Sol, battling African heavyweights like Mi Casa, Mafikizolo and P Square. Their consistency and gradual improvement has catapulted them as East Africa’s top act, and this recognition couldn’t have come at a better time. Band member Chimano says: “In a matter of months, we will be releasing our third and most special album. We have produced it ourselves but enlisted the help of other expert musicians, producers and sound engineers like Musyoka and Aaron Rimbui.”

“Our new video “Nishike”, shot by Enos Olik, will introduce our fans to us anew,” dishes out band member Delvin. This promises to be their biggest year in their career and we wait with bated breath to see how it all unravels.

Former Necessary Noize member Nazizi is doing the final touches on nine singles of her upcoming LP called Evo-Lussion 14 (Evolved Dream 2014). The album is being recorded at another Necessary Noize member’s studio (Wyre Love Child Records) and she features various producers such as Ibra, Kosta and Sappy. “Recording the album has been like a journey coming back home. It’s got all the emotions of being back in my home city with my people and my fans. The Naz everyone has been asking for is here,” she says. The album will contain four hip hop tracks with the single “254” set for release in a few weeks. The video of the song is shot by Wallace and features Vigeti of Kalamshaka, Prezzo and members of Ukoo Flani.

Straight from performing at Upstairs (April Edition), Fena revealed to UP that her debut album, Fenamenon, comes out May 16th. She says, “It is long overdue and means a lot because it’s taken a long time because before I wasn’t ready as a musician.” She adds, “It has all the songs most people know that I am in love with, including “Brikicho”- guys would kill me if I didn’t put it in the album.” Jazz Odongo has produced the 15-tracked album that features other producers including Kagwe.

Another first album from a gifted singer is, Magic In The Air, by Mayonde –an album exploring many different genres and sounds. “It was a dream to put out an album and I’m thrilled to say that dreams do come true,” she says. Her first single will be released this month. She has worked with Mbithi Masya and Jim Chuchu, whom she cites as producers of a “very playful, very sweet and so very soulful album”. Juliani is also ready to drop his new album, Exponential Potential, in June. He hosted an exlusive listening party in April and the hype is already there.

Vote for Sauti Sol and Amani at the 2014 MAMAs Awards via www.MTVBase.com

By Anyiko Owoko & Buddha Blaze