Kenya: Listen to Udulele’s new EP Ololokwe

The EP, a follow-up to his debut album Soulful Benga Vol 1, is composed of three songs namely, ‘Ololokwe’, ‘Koth Chwe’ and ‘Anyango’.

“Ololokwe is a project that explores the intersection of indigenous sounds, nature, people, cultural stories and science,” Udulele said.

Opting for a different creative direction, Ololokwe is a departure from Soulful Benga Vol. 1, which consisted of lively dance and party songs. It is marked by a distinct shift in style and tone, with the project focusing on spirituality and connection to nature.

The EP features a variety of Kenyan sounds and rhythms interwoven with sounds of nature such as the wind, rain and animal cries. The EP also features spoken word pieces that share cultural stories and wisdom.

Udulele added: “The EP is named Ololokwe because it draws inspiration from a profound dream I had. In the dream, I was at the top of a hill playing the guitar when I was joined by the Samburu [people of Kenya], and we started singing together. Later, I discovered the existence of Mt Ololokwe in Samburu region. The significance of the name lies in the profound connection I felt during that dream – the bond with nature, with people and the healing that came with that encounter, which is captured on the title track.”

Nature is a recurring motif throughout the collection, with ‘Koth Chwe’ retelling an East African folktale of a leopard giving birth by the river as it rains – a reminder of the need to preserve our precious natural ecosystems. “The universality of folktales continues to captivate me. In my travels throughout East Africa, I’ve found folktales are part of the collective memory of people from numerous tribes. The song is a reminder of our interconnectedness as a people.”

‘Anyango’, the singer says, is a vulnerable song borne out of personal experience. “It’s a moment in which I look back with clarity and seek forgiveness from a former partner after I felt unworthy to be loved, which is a challenge many men face. It’s time to break the myth that as men we must be successful to deserve love.”