Kenyan singer-songwriter Tanasha Donna makes a daring sonic left turn to kick off a new chapter, “VAI,” after being on a year-long hiatus.
The whole title of the album—”Afande Nikupe Posho,” meaning “Officer, Give Me My Rations”—informs you exactly where the record is. It’s a straight talk with the powers that be, the entitlement, and the frustrations of the common man with systems that frequently overlook them. Munta Dee and Stamina, however, do not take a sour view on it. It’s delivered with enough rhythm and sharpness that rather than leaving you feeling drained, the record stays fascinating.
With Stamina on the track, “Afande” immediately gains credibility. But his matching intensity with Munta Dee reveals that kind of vocal synergy only arises when both singers are really keyed into the same message.
The vocal interplay between both singers is also why the record works structurally. Their tonal alterations range from observant clarity to more violent rhythmic blasts. Each shift is another layer on the social critique rather than the same point at different volumes.
“Afande” is one of the more intriguing recordings in that lane this September for listeners of Tanzanian music who tend to follow the more politically conscious and street-rooted corner of Bongo Flava.
Stream “Afande” below—do Munta Dee and Stamina speak for the streets? Leave your take underneath
Discussion