Audio
Alyssa Klein
Aug. 25, 2014 03:36PM EST

Listen To Rising Kenyan Rapper Wangechi's Nostalgic 'Play'

Listen to Kenyan alt-rapper Wangechi's "Play," the first single off her self-titled album.

Back in February rising Kenyan alt-emcee Wangechi (born Wangechi Waweru) hit our radar with a mysterious teaser video of her debut album. Last we checked in with the '94-born rapper she was teaming up with Kenyan heavyweight (and the Lonely Island collaborator) Rabbit and South African Motswako king Hip Hop Pantsula on "Tulia Tu." Last week the Nairobi rhymesmith came through with the first official single off her forthcoming self-titled album, a soulful burner that finds its roots in 90's neo-soul/rap. Produced by her manager Kevin Provoke, "Play" is a breezy introduction to 19-year-old Wangechi's nostalgic rhymes and occasional slips into Swahili wordplay. "The challenges I have faced making a name is that most of the people don’t accept my style of hiphop, since it's not that commercial and leans more on the alternative side," Wangechi explained in an interview with Kenyan Poet. Listen to her make more left-of-center hip-hop below. For more from Wangechi watch her featured alongside Just A Band on CNN's Inside Africa episode on Nairobi's music scene.

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Photo: Single cover art courtesy of Emerald East

Rema Welcomes 2021 With New Single 'Bounce'

The Don Jazzy produced track reminds us of why the Nigerian singer-songwriter is topping charts.

Nigerian golden boy Rema took his time on deciding how to start of 2021—and we're glad he did.

The afropop hitmaker is out with his first project of the year, "Bounce", after stunning fans with word of an upcoming album, and the cooks in this kitchen have not disappointed.

Keeping it in the Mavin Records family, legendary producer Don Jazzy sprinkles his magic on the track, while undoubtedly motivating the young singer-songwriter to be his best self. And with this track being like nothing we've heard from Rema before, one could say Jazzy succeeded. "Bounce", fast-paced and fierce, is a love song dedicated to bewitchingly beautiful and blessed bottoms. The candid declaration and hip shaking beat are a force duo and we can't help but love it.

Of the single and collaboration with head honcho Don Jazzy, Rema says, "This record was inspired by the luscious and magnificent body of the African woman. Furthermore, I'm really excited about this tune because it's my first single with the legendary Don Jazzy."

Honestly, when you start the year off with a banger, you get to make songs about butts.

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