UP Music: A Striking Masterpiece, Saint Evo’s New EP ‘Kalijo Remix’
His presence on the E.D.M. and Afrobeats scene is undeniable. Breaking out as a DJ gave him his first big break and naturally progressing, he siloed into production and is now garnering a fast-growing following as a multi faceted artist. With that, Saint Evo will no doubt be listed as one of the biggest breakouts artist for 2015.
As with any up and comer, pundits were skeptical as to whether his new EP is a fad or if he really is here to stay, but we’re convinced he’ll be stuck in our eardrums for years to come. Amassing a broad catalogue of tracks and going back to his roots - Saint Evo shares his song out to underground music producers from the African continent.
With the share of this track comes the biggest challenge - to repackage and give the track back to the audience as an alternative narrative, each listen different from the first, yet maintaining the same message to his debut EP, Kalijo.
Perhaps the most striking thing for any music lover about the EP is the defiant vocal of the lovely Mbewe - a Kenyan/Zambian musician with a growing passion for House Music - whose vocals blend seamlessly on the track.
Anyone disappointed that the album revolves on Kalijo as the main theme can console themselves a little with the fact that each of the ten tracks features different DJs/ Producers from Kenya and South Africa.
A well chosen guest lineup feature Kaynez, Brackish, DJ Cecil, LayedSoul & Melo Mokoena, complimenting Saint Evo’s two interpretations of his original, an ‘Alternative Mix” and an “Equatorial Reprise.” Understandably, this line-up has provoked a degree of scepticism from critics, with speculation about what an album that somehow finds room for all of them might sound like.
Saint Evo’s carte blanche on the Remix Ep re-emulates the day-to-day situations we face in life, that are brought forth by jealousy (as Kalijo stands for jealousy in Zambian dialect, Chewa).
The hook message being Kalijo- that message of hope, perseverance, strong-will and optimism. With each press of the play button, one is taken exposed to the individual nuances and undeniable talent of each featured DJ/Producer.
The opening strikes with intent, the tempo rises and rejuvenates, and the Kalijo hook sticks after one listen.
Picking one favourite remix from the catalogue of ten remixes would be an injustice, although Kalijo EP Remix underlines what we already know: it is clearly going to be enormous.
Listen to the EP below and check out Saint Evo on his website here.
Listen to the mix on Soundcloud and keep up with Saint Evo on Twitter & Facebook
