Sidi Touré is a Malian guitarist/songwriter that's been crafting songhaï blues since the early 80s. Throughout his career Touré's won the Mali National Bienale award for best singer twice but never quite gained the international praise garnered by compatriots Tinariwen and Bombino. That might (should) change soon though. Sidi Touré is set to release his new full-lengthKoïma on solid Chicago imprint Thrill Jockey this April. Watch the 8mm video for featured track "Ni See Ay Ga Done (It Is To You That I Sing)" and stream/download "Tondi Karaa (The White Stone)" over at TJ's soundcloud.
Kenyan label and creative agency CCN Studios released their debut track this month titled "Keja" by Juiiceman featuring rappers Boutross, Munyakx and Nare. This laidback trap banger is perfect to vibe to on your party playlist right now.
Nandy 'Nimekuzoea'
Tanzanian songstress Nandy dropped a new single from her amazing Taste EP this month. The new track "Nimekuzoea," produced by Kimambo, is groovy and definitely more upbeat than her previous releases. The smash hit single was accompanied by a vibrant new music video shot in Soweto, South Africa.
Alikiba 'Jealous' ft. Mayorkun
Bongo flava legend Alikiba teamed up with Nigerian Afropop star Mayorkun this month for a new track titled "Jealous," an afropop love song produced by Yogo Beatz. We love this cross-regional collaboration and waiting keenly on that music video!
Diamond Platnumz ' IYO' ft. Focalistic , Mapara A Jazz & Ntosh Gazi
Tanzanian superstar and WCB Wasafi founder Diamond Platnumz dabbled in the trendy amapiano sound collaborating with fast-rising South African act Focalistic on this fiery banger titled "Iyo" featuring Mapara A Jazz and Ntosh Gazi. This is definitely the hottest track out of East Africa this month.
Benzema 'Freshy' ft. H_art the Band
Kenyan rapper Benzema teamed up with popular band H_art the Band on a new pop single called "Freshy." After going solo from Ochungulo Family, Benzema 's transition into a solo star has been successful with him dropping several mainstream pop hits in the last couple of months.
Anjella 'Sina Bahati'
Konde gang's first lady Anjella returned this month with a new bongo flava love song titled "Sina Bahati." This track is about a woman who fell in love with a man who later ran away from her and went to another woman and left her In pain.
Asum Garvey 'Shrapper Sum' EP
Fast-rising Kenyan rapper Asum Garvey just dropped a full project titled Shrapper Sum, a shrap origin story of one of the sub-genres main flag-bearers. The fire project also features key players in the Nairobi scene like Baraka and Boutross.
