We Speak Music

Waithaka: A 20-Year Legacy of Elevating African Music

Published

2 months ago

September 10, 2024

Celebrating two decades of profound influence in the music industry, US-based Kenyan producer, artist, and composer Waithaka marks a milestone with the release of his latest album, Soul’d Duets. This R&B and soul project not only showcases his artistic evolution but also reaffirms his unwavering dedication to crafting timeless music that resonates across generations and borders.

Waithaka’s journey from a budding pianist in the early 2000s to a globally respected music producer is a testament to his passion, resilience, and forward-thinking vision. His label, Waithaka Ent, serves as a cornerstone for nurturing African talent, bolstering the careers of numerous artists and contributing to the vibrant cultural exchange between Kenya and the world.

The Evolution of a Visionary

Waithaka’s musical trajectory has been defined by his versatility and commitment to creating a diverse catalogue. His debut album, Odes by Queens (2020), set the tone for his approach—centering strong female voices in his productions. The collaborative project BLK2541 (2020) further pushed the boundaries of African music, while his recent joint album, Moshi (2024), with Zimbabwean artist MJ Wemoto, highlights his ability to blend traditional African sounds with modern influences. Each project reflects Waithaka’s love for storytelling through music and his desire to elevate the African narrative on a global stage.

Soul’d Duets: A Masterclass in R&B and Soul

Waithaka’s latest release, Soul’d Duets, is an artistic triumph that beautifully blends R&B and soul with his signature touch of innovation. The album features an array of vocalists, each carefully selected to create dynamic and emotional duets that pull the listener into an immersive soundscape. The lead single, “I Surrender,” is a standout—featuring the hauntingly beautiful vocals of Zaituni Wambui, accompanied by the award-winning saxophonist Kimbassax. The track captures the essence of the album, blending rich instrumentation with heartfelt emotion.

This project is more than just an album—it’s a celebration of Waithaka’s 20-year journey, a tribute to the artists he has worked with, and a reflection of his deep connection to the R&B and soul sounds that have shaped his life.

A Champion for African Talent

Beyond his personal projects, Waithaka has made a significant impact on Kenya’s music scene through his role as an executive producer. He has been instrumental in the careers of several prominent Kenyan artists, including Kwame Rĩgĩi, whose EPs Rugendo, Malkia, and Cama Wendo bear Waithaka’s production stamp. He also produced five of the nine tracks on Wangechi’s Don’t Consume If Seal is Broken EP, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend genres and create sonic depth.

Waithaka’s work extends beyond Kenya, with collaborations that include Grammy-nominated engineer Giggz, Congolese-French musician Kaysha, and BET’s 106 & Park All-Star ’09 winner Chris Deshield. His influence on the global music scene has made him a sought-after producer, not just for his technical skill, but for his ability to bring out the best in every artist he works with.

A Legacy of Timeless Music

As he reflects on his two-decade-long career, Waithaka continues to stay true to his mantra: “Music is Life & Life is Music.” His sound—rooted in the R&B and soul of the 80s—serves as a reflection of his personality: deep, introspective, and full of heart. With Soul’d Duets, Waithaka solidifies his legacy as an artist and producer who not only champions African talent but also bridges cultural divides through the universal language of music.

As Waithaka continues to evolve, his impact on the music industry—both in Kenya and globally—remains undeniable. With his label, Waithaka Ent, at the forefront of supporting African artists, he is set to shape the future of African music for years to come.

We Speak Music

Jean-Loup Pinson ‘A Moment of Deathlessness’: A Visionary Exploration of Mortality and Desire

Published

32 mins ago

November 21, 2024

Philomena Marie

Jean-Loup Pinson’s, A Moment of Deathlessness, is a sonic revelation that brings the poetry of Emily Dickinson into the modern world with grace, complexity, and unflinching creativity. Known for his diverse work in film, television, and theatre, Pinson’s latest EP showcases his skill as a composer who is unafraid to take risks. With contributions from the revered Carice Singers and London’s hip-hop poets Armanious and Tanaka Fuego, Pinson weaves a soundscape that feels like a haunting meditation on life’s biggest questions.

The collaboration with The Carice Singers anchors the EP in a timeless aesthetic, their choral harmonies lending a ghostly beauty to Dickinson’s poetry. In these moments, the listener is transported to a world of introspective calm, where Dickinson’s words are given space to resonate. Pinson’s arrangements are delicate yet impactful, underscoring the nuances in Dickinson’s exploration of existential themes with layered instrumentation that leaves room for reflection.

Armanious and Tanaka Fuego bring a visceral immediacy to the project, drawing connections between Dickinson’s words and the lived experiences of today’s youth. Their performances are powerful yet understated, infusing the poetry with a streetwise perspective that broadens the EP’s appeal. Through their voices, themes like death and desire feel personal and urgent, transforming Dickinson’s nineteenth-century verses into something raw and universal. The juxtaposition of classical and modern elements invites listeners to think about how timeless these questions really are.

Pinson’s composition style is intricate and narrative-driven, each track unfolding like a story within itself. His film and theatre background shines here, particularly in his ability to balance tension and release. The electronic beats woven through the tracks bring a modern pulse to the project without overwhelming its emotional depth, creating a sound that is as moving as it is original.

A Moment of Deathlessness, is a standout in the contemporary music scene, proving Pinson’s remarkable versatility and vision as a composer. By bridging classical and urban sounds, he highlights the universality of Dickinson’s themes while offering something truly new. This EP, now available on streaming platforms, is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of classical poetry and modern sound.