I know the buzz for Sauti Sol’s Live and Die in Afrika album has probably died down right now. It’s okay. I will try my best to revive your interest again. But I think we all acknowledge that Sauti Sol’s music is timeless.
So the album has 15 songs. Each very diverse in nature. There are attributes of Lingala in Shake yo bam bam which was cowritten with Awilo Longomba famous Lingala master. This song was released before the album and it was a hit considering it was also among the featured songs in Coke Studio Africa season 3.
Then there is attributes of the Coastal culture in Sura yako which is usually accompanied by the Lipala dance an Abaluhya dance move. So that is the mixture of two Kenyan cultures that are very far apart from each other, blending in one song. Who said Kenyans cannot put their ethnic differences aside? On your face. Sauti sol proved you wrong.
Enter the love songs. Sauti sol’s forte. But that is my opinion. They may think otherwise. Here we have Isabella, Say Yeah, Still the one, Kiss me. These are really sweet. They make you feel in love even though the only love of your love at the moment is pizza.
Its Okay has a Spanish aspect to it. It’s funny how one can actually really dance to salsa while listening to this song, considering the fact that you’re chasing someone away from your life. It’s not the usual slow-paced and full of pain type of songs. Quite the contrary.
Image credits: musixmatch.com
Enter nishike. The song that had everyone ranting and raving disappointment on one side and appreciation on the other side. This is one of the Sauti Sol songs that took controversy to a whole other level. This is what happens when parents are unable to accept that their boys have turned to men until it slaps them on the face and their choices become limited. Very limited.
Image credits: thestar.co.ke
Music that speaks about morality. These are also featured. Nerea featuring Amos and Josh speaks on abortion and responsible fatherhood. Dollardollar speaks on quick money. Sambo Party speaks on never giving up.
Live and die in Afrika is all about patriotism. It is also the name of the album. Photo credits to Anabelle Onyango for beautiful work done on the album cover because all the four artists are representative of various leaders in Africa. They bring out all the various African cultures without you having to think much about it. The song is also as patriotic, special emphasis on the vocals that mimic elephants.
Finally, this one is a personal favorite. Just like every other human being, at the end of the day it is our nature to acknowledge the powers that be, to give thanks for all achievements and seek divine intervention. Kuliko jana is what would be classified as Gospel music. A call to God from a desperate human being. With AAron Rimbui on keyboard and background vocals by Naema Murindi, Benjamin Webi and Lydia Ndwiga.
In my opinion, this album and all its 15 songs was a hit and not a miss. Let me know what you think too.
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