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Africa

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

Dwin, The Stoic hopes for their connected souls to be closer again on ‘Gkw’

Posted on 4 July 2022

Urging his lover to come back as he feels that lonely energy that is bringing him down, Dwin, The Stoic shows us that true love which has him wondering why he can’t be reunited again on the contemplative single, ‘Gkw‘.

Dwin, The Stoic aka Edwin Madu is a Lagos, Nigeria-based singer-songwriter, composer, poet and journalist who is also one half of the local indie band, Ignis Brothers.

”Dwin, The Stoic employs vivid storytelling in his music while exploring themes ranging from love to death to politics. He has written music for acts like Adekunle Gold, Ibejii, Jessica Bongos, Bigfootinyourface, and others.” ~ Dwin, The Stoic

Guiding us through a ponder-packed moment that will take you deep inside your memory if you have ever dealt with the sad vibe inside your soul before, Dwin, The Stoic has us all gazing into the distance and embracing those who we love.

”In January 2022, Dwin, The Stoic opened the Lagos leg of Fireboy DML’s tour. He has also performed at Felabration, Ake Festival and for the Swedish Embassy in Nigeria.” ~ Dwin, The Stoic

‘Gkw‘ from Lagos, Nigeria-based singer-songwriter, composer, poet and journalist Dwin, The Stoic is a song for anyone who is missing their romantic partner. He sings with a truly smooth and honest style that takes you back into that time when you just wish you were together again. With lyrics that will strike you inside your heart, this is a well-constructed effort that is certainly made with that caring mixture that you can’t help but appreciate.

Sometimes your heart just wants to be close, no matter the distance.

Listen up to this new single on Spotify and check his IG for more news.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Exodus Burns And The Burning vocalist knows that they will be war first on, ‘Living In The Land Of Illusion’

Posted on 12 May 2022

Showing us the truth when many try and hide it for their own selfish gains, Exodus Burns And The Burning vocalist urges us to wake up from what these sleepy thoughts aren’t teaching us about history with his latest single, ‘Living In The Land Of Illusion‘.

Exodus Burns And The Burning vocalist is a Nassau, Bahamas-born independent reggaeton artist who is also a world traveller and educator who is renowned wherever he lands.

He is also the founder of Junkaa Bubb – which is a mixture of Bahamas Junkanoo music and Reggae Dubb music – who sends another real message here for us to learn from, away from the horrid misinformation that can break your glorious soul into tiny pieces.

”To uplift consciousness in the African mind.” ~ Exodus Burns

Taking us to where the blood was spilt before and the memories that shall never be forgotten, Exodus Burns and the Burning Vocalist brings us another true story about how Africa has been scarred from its past and must never forget the right way forward to be truly at peace with itself.

‘Living In The Land Of Illusion‘ from Nassau, Bahamas-born independent reggaeton artist and teacher Exodus Burns And The Burning vocalist show us a world that can take you away from the truth if you aren’t too careful. He warns us that war will come if we believe that our oppressors are here to help us when they are actually just taking what truthfully, isn’t theirs. Sung with his unmistakable grit and honesty, this is another lesson from a great of the genre who further cements his name into the hearts of those who have opened their eyes to what is real.

Listen up to this new single of substance on Soundcloud and see more on his Facebook page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

South London’s Nick Frayzier wonders if they will ever be ‘In sync’

Posted on 2 May 2022

Bringing us a mesmerising single that shall boost your heart rate and get you looking more in-depth inside the whole picture that you thought was painted, Nick Frayzier takes us into a world that knows that something isn’t quite right with the timing on, ‘In sync‘.

Nick Frayzier is a South London, UK-based Kenyan-born artist and music producer who fuses the line between RnB, rap and jazz to form his own experimental blend of brilliance.

”Nick started his musical journey back in 2016 where he would upload songs to Soundcloud using instrumentals he found on YouTube.” ~ Nick Frayzier

Sizzling our senses awake with a cannonball of a single that shows the diverse awesomeness of a creative in full flight, Nick Frayzier flicks a switch and shows us where the light has been hidden all this time on a tantalising release.

”His growing popularity in the UK underground scene is a sign that people find Nick’s unique takes on common song topics such as love, loss and yearning to be refreshing, expressing the mightiest highs and the abyssal lows of emotion.” ~ Nick Frayzier

‘In sync‘ from South London, UK-based Kenyan-born indie solo artist Nick Frayzier, is such a speaker-shaking effort from an artist who is always looking for the next level. His vocals are striking and loaded with a worldly attitude, that has him looking through all the fake plastic – as he tries to find that planet where everything is real – between two souls on the same wavelength. If you are looking for something to open up your conflicted mindset again, this is the answer to all your desires.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more on the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Manchester-based Dámì Sule feels so lost currently as he worries about ‘Taking L’s’

Posted on 13 April 2022

As he examines the grim clouds above and wonders why things are so bleak right now while he cleans up his wounds, Dámì Sule delivers one of the more honest singles you are likely to hear today with the contemplative release about finding your destiny on ‘Taking L’s‘.

Emmanuel Damilare Sule aka Dámì Sule is a Nigerian-born singer and rapper who is based in Manchester, UK and shows us his good-guy-vibe mentality with music to stimulate your deepest emotions.

”Taking L’s’ is a fitting title for this emotional and personal tribute to failing to meet one’s own expectations.” ~ Dámì Sule

Dámì Sule is a gifted underground storyteller who seems to have that rare aptitude of expression that lets you into exactly what he is seeing right now. In a carnage-loaded world far too full of gloom and unnecessary hate, he is taking his time to work out who exactly he is – so that he may flourish like a free bird – and banish all those ghastly demons that are hiding in his mind forever.

‘Taking L’s‘ from the Manchester, UK-based indie singer and rapper Dámì Sule is a soundtrack for those who need some comfort about their current projection in this harsh seemingly alternate universe. There are others battling too and we can feel a sense of unity as we all get lost sometimes when our GPS malfunctions before we have a chat with ourselves and get back on track again. Featuring softly spoken poetry-like gems to awaken the mind again, this is a thoughtful single that should see you gazing outside and wondering if you are in the right place.

After all, you never know where your road will lead if you don’t experience some bad times – so that the good times will feel even more treasured like shiny gold – and make you extra appreciative of what you actually have.

Hear this deep track about finding your way on Spotify and follow him on IG for more.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

AkaiBoi sends us back to the homeland of love with ‘Afrique’ (feat. Su)

Posted on 7 April 2022

With a catchy style and plenty of instrumental-greatness to have you wanting so much more, AkaiBoi fills our minds with so much joy and love as he shows his fondness for his homeland of Ghana with, ‘Afrique‘.

Theophilus Akai aka AkaiBoi is a Ghana, West Africa-born, Evansville, Indiana-based indie artist who is also a well-respected studio musician.

”At this point, I’m well-known in the music space as the studio guy. I’ve always served other artists and I love that space. I also have the drive to release my own African-based music.” ~ AkaiBoi

Showing us his intricate skills that have evolved but never sold out to the commercial world, AkaiBoi guides us into a voyage that will have you happily drumming your toes and grooving with superbly rhythmical delight.

”Theophilus has managed to spend many years touring with guitar in hand. Hard work and determination landed him a lead guitar role for Phillip Lawrence’s album release show and a robust studio portfolio.” ~ AkaiBoi

‘Afrique‘ (feat. Su) from Ghana-born, Evansville, Indiana-based indie artist/studio musician AkaiBoi, is an ear-sizzler that will have you closing your eyes and letting your imagination wander. As he shows us a terrific tempo and an unpretentious style that demonstrates why he is so in demand, this is a reminder that his heart will always be in Africa. This is the type of track that will have you looking at your passport, so that you may travel to these beautiful lands if you haven’t already.

With an ode to the past but also a look at where he is now, this is a fantastic track from the US-based artist who is growing his name quickly to magnificent aplomb.

Hear this fine new single on Spotify and see more news via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Alt-Hip Hop artist Kai Thursday steers us inside his psychedelics-loaded mind on ‘350blows’

Posted on 3 April 2022

With an astute harmonious pencil streaming deeply from his visionary mind and featuring a Dennis Rodman reference, Kai Thursday shows us that he is prepared for the next step as he dreams his way into that manifestation that he knows is possible on ‘350blows‘.

Kai Thursday is a Cape Town, South Africa/Canada-based indie neo-psychedelia alt-Hip hop artist, skateboarder and music producer.

”The record is produced by longtime collaborator Hashi, formerly known as Andrew James. The music video for 350 Blows was shot, edited and directed by ingenious filmmaker, Jacob Webster.” ~ Kai Thursday

Showing us that he is headed in the right direction as he closes his eyes and visualizes where exactly he wishes to land when his intellect is back into reality after this important expedition, Kai Thursday might be one of the most fascinating artists on planet earth right now.

”350 Blows is an immersive outlook on his day to days during spring of 2021, travelling across South Africa with his skate team. A day in the life of a creative twenty-two-year-old street-fashion aficionado, experimenting with psychedelics and finding inspiration in Spielberg classics.” ~ Kai Thursday

‘350blows‘ from Cape Town, South Africa/Canada-based indie neo-psychedelia alt-Hip hop artist/music producer Kai Thursday, is a highly innovative single from a sharp mind who is floating right now as he works out what is real and what isn’t. After seeing the world for what it is – this feels like a statement track that is opening up a whole new path – from an underground artist who wants that success so badly but will never sell his soul for the sake of his priceless art.

See his innovative new music video on YouTube.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Morocco’s Flomine returns with the visuals for ‘Ghorba’ (feat. Mr Casablanca)

Posted on 29 January 2022

On a beat so catchy you will find yourself dancing along to the vibe all night, Flomine takes us on a ride that sends shivers down your spine on ‘Ghorba‘ (feat. Mr Casablanca).

Flomine is a Casablanca, Morocco-based music producer, audio engineer, and DJ who skillfully mixes in gnawa, deep/afro house, and amapiano.

”He is the first Moroccan producer to release and produce amapiano music; creating a new fusion genre using his Moroccan traditions and cultures.” ~ Flomine

Gliding in with a new single which is made with a revved-up rhythm you can’t help but nod your head with, Flomine is at his best with a smoothly-shaded release – that has you feeling so much more relaxed than before – as you wrap your mindset into a body-grooving experience to treasure.

‘Ghorba‘ (feat. Mr Casablanca) from the Casablanca, Morocco-based music producer and DJ Flomine, is a cruise-friendly track that features a looped video that urges us to be wary of the many distractions and pitfalls we may face in the world. Made in an effortless manner that is rather unique, this is a party-friendly track that shows us the innovative nature of an artist who is making his own path by blending in the style that he likes while always keeping his heritage in mind.

See this stylish new music video on YouTube and see more via the IG music page.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen