East African Records a community-based studio and label in Kampala, Uganda, that supports and develops upcoming regional talent operating in the alternative and experimental space, has shared three of its new releases for 2023.
The offerings comprise an EP by Keneth Nahabwe and Razoof, two singles by Thii and a remix by Alichief. All the releases are available for streaming on East African Records’.
Keije by Keneth Nahabwe and Razoof
The Keije EP is a meeting of musical minds between the young Mukiga musician and enanga player Keneth Nahabwe and seasoned German producer Razoof. The music was recorded in the East African Records studio, with Razoof applying his expertise to get the best out of rare traditional instruments, with only minimal processing and beat-based additives. This is traditional western Ugandan music in deliciously pure and organic form.
Keneth performed all the instruments and vocals himself, with great skill and humour. His vocal style – alternating between singing, talking, chanting and urging – recalls the sounds of herders from his native Kabale. The songs tell the story of a groom arriving to meet his bride and in-laws and receiving a merry welcome from the Bakiga people of Kabale.
Razoof is a veteran dub-house DJ and producer who divides his time between Uganda, Germany and an annual summer residence on the Balearic party island of Formentera.
The EP’s lead single ‘Kunira Abagyenyi’ reached No 6 in 108 territories on Apple Music’s Sho’t Left, an alternative releases playlist, indicating a promising start for this upcoming artist from the Kigezi highlands.
Ffembi by Thii
‘Ffembi’ resonates with soulful, melodic Afro-house vibes as Thii deploys his classic electro-house ‘80s synth sounds over subtle African gospel choir vocals and organic live percussion. Here, Thii is perfecting a sound that is both forward-looking and timeless. Great for listening at home and for the club – a slow-burning, subtle track that penetrates the consciousness.
Ayee by Thii
‘Ayee’ is a sublime, restrained Afro-house composition, gradually introducing melodies and pulsations from Thii’s vintage Korg keyboard. Thii’s live, organic playing on the 1980s keyboard brings a timeless quality to ‘Ayee’, elevating it from the standard formulas that have taken over house music. One feels the direct lineage of electronic music from artists like Kraftwerk, Aphex Twin and Afrika Bambaataa, channelled through their spiritual medium Thii, in the language of contemporary African house. A unique and soulful experience for the mind and the dancefloor.
Fool by Alifchief
Alif’s sultry, sexy guitar licks flicker effortlessly over a heavy blues jam in this deep, powerful howl of frustrated love. Originally written and recorded by Ugandan artist The Body of Brian, Alif puts his spin on the song by stripping it down to the bare essentials and slowing down the tempo to give the song’s story a deeper impact.
Alichief is a guitar maestro from Brunei, pushing a unique style of psychedelic rock and blues. He is influenced by his native Asian sounds and the polyrhythmic sounds of Uganda, where he has been based for several years. His first EP Boda Boda (2020) was pressed to vinyl and favourably reviewed by UK magazine Arts Desk. It was playlisted on Apple Music’s Sho’t Left in 140 territories. His first album Nusantarafrika (2021) was playlisted on radio worldwide, including in the US, UK and Australia.
