Kenya: Bakhita shares self-produced track After Two

The single, which follows yet another self-produced offering ‘DECAY: ATTACK : RELEASE’, is available for streaming and download on all major digital platforms.

A blend of neo soul, disco, urban jazz and Afro-funk, ‘After Two’ is a love song that explores the early stages of romantic relationships. It talks about the giddy and electric feeling when you start to know your partner deeply. The vocals and lyrics give meaning to the theme of the song, showing what it feels like to desire the freedom to spend more time with a new romantic partner whenever you have a chance.

Beyond that, ‘After Two’ is also a silent nod to the sapphic distress experienced when you are beginning to fall in love. Simply, Bakhita is talking about the joy and excitement of finding a fulfilling queer romantic relationship with someone – especially since celebrating queer love is culturally frowned upon in many places. The song’s rap section expounds on the subject matter.

“All the tracks I am currently working on touch on different queer African experiences,” Bakhita said. “Finding acceptance within queer love through a scope free of sexualisation, the power of community, unapologetically showing up as yourself, living your truth in a homophobic society, and the celebration of queer life.”

Bakhita wrote, arranged, produced and performed ‘After Two’ while Nairobi-based producer Kimina mixed and mastered the track.

Continuing to challenge stereotypes and discrimination towards marginalised and queer voices, Bakhita enrolled in a production course last September to help take creative control of their craft. So far, they have self-produced two tracks that are a testament to their evolving craftsmanship.

Bakhita added: “The body of work I am currently forging will sonically, lyrically and visually express and demand recognition of the vibrance of queer Kenyan culture in hopes of propelling myself and our community onto the international stage.”

A multidisciplinary artist also pursuing painting and set design, Bakhita creates Afro-surrealist universes that challenge biased and discriminatory systems that affect marginalised communities. Bakhita’s art is layered with reflective and insightful undertones, interweaving and borrowing from the muse residing in the natural and creative Kenyan climate.