East African Records shares new releases

The new music includes experimental gqom, Ugandan trap and a skanking roots tune from C Wyne Nalukalala and veteran DJ Vadim, who will perform at Kalabash Festival in Kampala on 25 May.

Give Thanks by DJ Vadim & C Wyne Nalukalala

‘Give Thanks’ is an uplifting roots reggae tune from Ugandan dancehall artist C Wyne Nalukalala and Grammy-nominated UK producer DJ Vadim who was was formerly signed to Ninja Tunes. C Wyne chants the praises of Jah Rastafari over Vadim’s fat, bouncy instrumental, which harks back to classic 1970s production. The video for this collaboration drops on 17 May on C Wyne’s YouTube channel.

Stream Give Thanks here.

Um’khonto by Phelimuncasi & Alameda 5

‘Um’khonto’, meaning spear, brings together South African gqom group Phelimuncasi and one of Poland’s leading experimental electronic acts Alameda 5. Phelimuncasi’s uncompromising style is given a soulful twist with various percussion, winding synthesisers and turntable scratches. The dynamic rivalry of the MCs offsets the multicoloured maximalism of the Poles, superbly accentuated by the rhythmic qualities of the Zulu language. Phelimuncasi is one of the most successful gqom acts internationally, with performances at the Roskilde Festival in 2023 and Unsound Festival in Poland in 2022.

Stream um’khonto here.

Kisasi Kimu by Blaq Bandana

‘Kisasi Kimu (One Shot Gun)’ is a return to the scene for Uganda’s “most notorious MC” Blaq Bandana, who’s been on enforced leave at the president’s pleasure for two years. The ‘one-shots’ are familiar to East African residents as the rusty old rifles from the bush war, which are handed out to guards at banks. Bandana’s lyrics always mix comedy with menace – “All I need to slay your crew is a kisasi kimu.” With superbly sinister trap-style production by Amani Greene, this is “East African gangster business at its finest.” Blaq Bandana has performed on the main stage at prestigious festivals in Uganda, including Fête de la Musique and Nyege Nyege. Bandana has released tracks on the cream of African underground labels, including Flo$$ on Nyege Tapes (with Chrisman) and Nkwaata on PAN Records (with Still).

Stream Kisasi Kimu here.

Encore Encore by thii

A slow-burning, menacing house throbber from thii, ‘Encore’ layers spoken word over acid lines and insistent bass. thii has a growing regional and international fanbase for his epic live and DJ sets. He tours underground clubs in France every summer and manages The Room Residente events in Kampala, which have already gained cult status. thii has played at numerous electronic festivals around East Africa including Nyege Nyege (Uganda), Beneath the Baobabs (Kenya) and Kaleidoscope (Kenya).

Stream Encore here.