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Africa

Duality resounds in Touch By Mirror’s cultivation of ethereal visceralism, ‘Send Flowers’

Posted on 11 March 2024

Touch by Mirror’s latest single ‘Send Flowers‘ from the EP ‘A Fox is a Wolf Who Sends Flowers‘ is definitive proof that there are always new intersections to explore in alt-rock. This 6-minute track transcends far beyond the ordinary bounds of sound; the genius lies in its masterful contrast: the raw, overdriven guitars clash and harmonise with ethereal electronica melodies, crafting a visceral and delicate atmosphere in the same progressive breath.

Juxtapositions in the same vein resound in the vocal chameleonic finesse as the vocals oscillate between the grungy rawness of Kurt Cobain and the haunting, melancholic harmonies that echo the legendary Ian Curtis of Joy Division and Ian McCulloch of Echo and the Bunnymen. This vocal duality adds layers of emotional depth, making each listen a compelling discovery through the corridors of Touch By Mirror’s creativity.

The South African artist’s rapidly growing discography is a haven for true music aficionados. His experimental soundscapes are not just heard; they take listeners on a journey through varied sonic landscapes.

Remarkably prolific, Touch by Mirror has already graced 2024 with an EP and an LP within the first three months; most artists would kill to know the secret to his unfaltering creativity and alchemically affecting ingenuity.

Stream Send Flowers on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Angolan-Portuguese artist Dabie Simul impresses with the wonderfully catchy FOGO

Posted on 19 April 2023

With a cheeky and cute giggle to start off proceedings, Dabie Simul shall spark a ray of sunshine to emerge even if there are dark clouds brewing like a volcano on the sexy new single FOGO.

Dabie Simul is an Angolan-born, Portuguese music artist and student who blends jazz, soul, afro sounds and hip-hop into her introspective creations.

”The pure essence of who I’m choosing to be in this present moment.” ~ Dabie describing her new sound

Startling all innocent ears with a lovely single to hold tightly, Dabie Simul is on top form with a tremendously instinctive soundtrack. She sends our hearts into a whirlwind of emotions on a rather magnetic single to dance with all night.

FOGO from Angolan-born, Portuguese musician Dabie Simul is a rather catchy experience for the betterment of current society. Sung rather marvellously and with a  smile never far away, all moods are flipped over like a pancake on this gem of a single. Featuring positive vibes and loads of imagination to swim deeply into, this is a delightful track to simmer sweetly into.

Listen up on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

No More Monsters In My Bed: Kamanda helps us find a purpose on I Will Always Shine (feat. Regikay)

Posted on 8 March 2023

Neglected when young and feeling like everything was going under, Kamanda heats up the airwaves with a visualizing greatness soundtrack of the highest standard on I Will Always Shine (feat. Regikay).

Kamanda aka Nehemiah Kamanda is a Liberia-born Newcastle, Australia-based indie poet, rapper and songwriter who makes the kind of music which helps wounds heal.

”Kamanda raps about his life, his struggles and overcoming hard times.” ~ Kamanda

Displaying much leadership and projecting a superb anthem for anyone who feels rejected in this odd world, Kamanda and Regikay join forces rather smoothly and calm all anxious hearts on this rather special song. This is a track about clawing out of the struggle when it’s easier to just give up.

I Will Always Shine (feat. Regikay) from Newcastle, Australia-based indie poet/rapper Kamanda is a thunderously emotional single which is a real stunner in a cold world. With enlightening melodies to ease all worries away into the distance, we are treated to a proper message to the world.

Shining no matter what the past, is more valuable than anyone can quantify.

Listen up on Spotify. View more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Listen To The Voice Of Peace: Neba Wilson veers us away from the burnt graveyards on Fîrloo

Posted on 4 March 2023

Rumoured to possess a therapeutic effect to ease all willing listeners away from everyday issues, Neba Wilson calms all worried humans away from the ragged corners of doom on his latest stunner called Fîrloo.

Neba Wilson is a Bamenda, Cameroon-based indie solo artist who loves to create music that helps heal the wary world and bring a sense of hope to all.

”Choosing to perform his debut album in his mother tongue he also recreates an atmosphere which welcomes the diversity of cultural music across borders and leaves the listeners with a feel of warm mental calmness.” ~ Neba Wilson

Soaking our senses with a droplet of reality that could turn into a flood, Neba Wilson returns to some aplomb. Showing us his messenger-from-a-deep-power aura, to startle many and guide the world into what is really happening.

Fîrloo from Bamenda, Cameroon-based indie solo artist Neba Wilson is a call for true peace to flow across all lands. Tired of the cruel carnage and evil spirits lurking in the shadows, we find a real hero who is ready to help us all recover again. With a moody backdrop and so much to look inside, this is an ominous video to take seriously. A sign of the times indeed.

Hear this fine single on YouTube. See more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Look Better In Person: 3smuni prays for those close locked up in the system with Overseas

Posted on 3 February 2023

Showing us so much re-energized enthusiasm and compelling dynamite, 3smuni displays a compelling verve and shall drain away all doubts in the sink with Overseas.

3smuni is a South Africa-born London-based indie hip-hop artist & multi-instrumentalist who fuses drill, US and grime soundscapes into his own transcendent way.

Exhibiting to us what the youngsters are listening to as we speak, 3smuni is that young new school artist who seems to possess a rare insight into what is going to define the next generation. Absorbed in quality and always progressive, this is a thunderous display which will please many who love to hear what tomorrow is bringing.

Overseas from London-based indie hip-hop artist 3smuni is a magnificent track which will take our minds away from any current stresses and mould our minds into the future. Launched with a rather illumination-filled fragrance and never losing its shine for a second, we find a rather remarkable effort when the world needed it most.

Turn this up loud on Spotify. See more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

B.A.M.N. (By Any Means Necessary)

Posted on 22 November 2022

B.A.M.N. (By Any Means Necessary) is not only an organization: it is a true community, featuring young African American entrepreneurs with a shared goal. They want to bring liveliness and innovation to the local community, as well as supporting each other’s endeavors and success. The Detroit-based collective combines a wide range of interests. These include Hip-Hop, dancing, creativity, sports, visual arts and more. Formed in the wake of the 2020 pandemic, B.A.M.N. currently features Brian Morris (ConsciousMC), Q’lante Nance (CadillacQue), and Nicholas Kemp (Killa Khemist).

These artists have been tight ever since they were in middle school. For over 20 years, they’ve been strengthening their bond and creating a thriving community where creativity and cooperation are core values. B.A.M.N. understands the struggles black people have experienced and continued to be subjected to in a professional environment, including in the music industry and other creative niches. For this reason, the group is committed to creating opportunities and making things happen with a stellar team. The name of the group itself is a testament to its incredible resilience and willingness to go above and beyond to accomplish something remarkable. B.A.M.N.’s first song, “Back At You N****s” is a perfect mission statement; showcasing B.A.M.N.’s drive as a whole, while also highlighting the individual skills of these emcees. What makes B.A.M.N. and its members so special is that the group is more about the music. These talented individuals consider themselves family. They’re true brothers who have built a life on music, passion, family, and community.

The Time Has Come: Queen Lilas urges for the return on the excellent Lamuka

Posted on 4 November 2022

Bringing the world a joyous single which feels like a proposal to humanity that shall be answered, Queen Lilas is in exquisite form with a foot tapping single to get enthusiastic about called Lamuka.

Queen Lilas aka Lilas Lafleur is an award-winning Democratic Republic of the Congo-born indie singer-songwriter, pianist and music producer.

”Queen Lilas has had a remarkable musical journey which is still going on. She has won many singing competitions, such as The Jumping Jack (UK) singing competition. Out of 6000 applicants in the UK, Queen Lilas ended up in the top 10 at the final in Coventry.” ~ Queen Lilas showing up how the journey has unfolded so far

Showing all the world class skills that have been gained after learning from the legendary Congolese soukous musician Diblo Dibala aka Machine Gun (speed and skill on the guitar), Queen Lilas has dropped one of the best vocal performances so far in 2022. This is a proper anthem made with so much purpose and passion, leading us to that true meaning of life again.

Lamuka from UK-based indie singer-songwriter Queen Lilas is a natural delight that has been designed with a beautiful glow and will surely leave a smile on many faces. Properly assembled and urging for the hatred to stop, we are entertained by a single that is more than a song.

Showing us that love is actually the answer, this is a rather monumental release made from the heart.

Hear this prodigious track on YouTube and see more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Domestic Violence Awareness: Tendayi Sutherland moves on from the evil lips of a monster on Gold

Posted on 30 October 2022

With the excitement slowly building for her upcoming album, Your Love is Civilisation, Tendayi Sutherland floats away like a butterfly after dealing with something absolutely tragic no human should ever experience on her important single Gold.

Tendayi Sutherland is a Kent, UK-based Zambian-British indie pop singer-songwriter, poet, music producer, and visual artist who loves to build up wisdom into her spirit.

”It was inspired by positive shock, after past experience of domestic violence and love that was ambivalent, piercing and confusing.” ~ Tendayi Sutherland

Showing us her quality spoken word experience, Tendayi Sutherland shows us far inside that cage which threatened to destroy her forever. This is as honest as they come, you see. Vocally authentic and with lyrics which might cause a small tear to flow down our cheeks, there is so much to take in here from an artist who has lived through so much trauma.

“Domestic violence can ricochet from your past into your future and colour the fabric of new love. But I have found hope and I hope to fly this personal flag, from my mountain of recovery, to signal that hope is within reach.” ~ Tendayi Sutherland

Gold from Kent, UK-based Zambian-British indie pop artist and music producer Tendayi Sutherland is a heartbreaking anthem which is intertwined with so much hope. Filled with so much vivid detail and a sound which might reverberate in the farthest part of your soul, this is something rather special for the world to learn from.

Listen up to this fine new single on Spotify and see more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Get your good vibes straight from the source in ORAL P’s blister of Afropop bliss, Give Me Love O

Posted on 10 September 2022

East Nigeria-hailing Afropop artist ORAL P has captured international audiences since his 2018 debut; in his first release of 2022, Give Me Love O, he’s as soulfully versatile as ever.

With its jazzy undertones and rich Afrobeat flavour, Give Me Love O falls into that rare category of music that throws away commercialism, embraces a brand of soul that knows no borders and oozes commercial potential as a result of the vibrantly innate good vibes. With Give Me Love O on your playlists, you will always have a source of serotonin.

The Radio Edit of Give Me Love O is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mist’riii – Sometimes: Acknowledging the Temporary State of Everything Has Never Been More Beautiful.

Posted on 3 August 2022

Nairobi-hailing indie-pop newcomer, Mist’riii has released the ballad to end all others with her beautifully scored feat of expression, Sometimes.

It’s not often that I’m caught off guard, but that’s exactly where Sometimes succeeds. It resonates like a brand-new visceral experience that you desperately want to share with the rest of the world because you KNOW the emotional magnetism transcends genre preferences. It’s a strikingly ornate, moving ballad that deserves to be in the OST for the next Hollywood romance blockbuster – in spite of the intimate indie feels.

In her own words, here is what Mist’riii had to say about her latest release,

“Sometimes, we don’t want someone from our past back; we acknowledge that it is over, but from time to time, we can’t help but wonder if they ever think about us. Not sure if it’s the ego at play in such instances, or just nostalgia (or both lol) but I believe that it’s a sentiment that anyone who has ever lost someone (whether it’s an ex lover or friend) can relate to.”

Sometimes is now available to stream on SoundCloud, where the independently released track has already racked up over 17k streams.

Review by Amelia Vandergast