Kenyan music takes center stage with 'INSHA' from Nairobi Ableton Music Group

'INSHA' explores the role of music in Kenyan culture and storytelling, particularly in traditional ceremonies, aiming to bridge the gap between past and future music creators. The project aims to showcase the country's rich and diverse musical traditions, highlighting the talents of Kenyan artists and offering a fresh perspective on the country's cultural heritage.

This compilation is a unique and innovative exploration of Kenyan music, providing a platform for artists to express themselves and examine the relationship between music and tradition. 'INSHA' promises to be a fascinating journey through Kenya's vibrant cultural landscape. The lead track, 'mtwapa siren' by Nabalayo, was a sneak peek into the high-quality music featured in 'INSHA'.

The ominous yet hopeful 'Aliamka,' by Kimina serves as the perfect intro track with the conceptualization of actuality sounds placed all over the productions, culturally it symbolizes the opening of the new age artists. The instrumental gleams of minimalistic productions as it ushers you into KMRU’s electronic 'I Had The Impression.' As if the bass drums don’t trigger your inner African, the songs give a sense of escape from colonialism clutches that slowly convert to neocolonialism. The static sound over an indistinct conversation only proves Kenyan creatives are adding artistic layers into their cannon.

The emphasis of this pan african tape comes in the African inspired productions. The drums, the bells, the horns are all synonymous to African heritage in communication. In Kenyan cultural communities’ musical performance has always been linked with a long chain of related events and ideas.

Music was often used to illuminate a specific topic and its implications to society. Through this method of explanation, musicians were able to reveal several underlying social concepts that determined people’s behaviour towards each other and the community. This common recurring theme was seen mostly in ceremonies.

With emphasis on highlighting new artists, Munyasa makes his debut with 'Borrowed Cadences.' The pitched synthetic melodies breath a life of new air with its electronic installment and airy synths. As he makes an intersectional new age frenzy as MR LU’s 'Kaa Tuchome' sees him infusing traditional chants and new age music. Reflecting Nairobi’s current music scene: diverse and monumental.

Listen to 'INSHA' HERE