Tanzanian sisters Kioo release debut EP 'Nachukua Time'

Kioo, a duo of two sisters Husna and Hawa Mkungo, were discovered by the Dar es Salaam-based artist management company Panamusiq in mid-2015.

The debut four-track EP (meaning 'I am taking time') comes after the duo underwent several months of vocal training with Tanzanian coach Tony Joett. While Kioo wrote all the lyrics of the songs, which were produced and arranged by top Tanzanian producer C9 (real name Charles Francis), who himself signed to Panamusiq late last year.

According to their label, this is the first time an African artist debuts with an EP instead of a single or full album. Panamusiq has decided to go for this format to make Kioo immediately appealing to booking agents and promoters.

Kioo's EP features different sounds to show off the duo's versatility. The single 'Hayana Ufundi' features bongo flava artist Dully Sykes, one of the pioneers of Swahili dancehall, widely known for hits like 'Julieta', 'Salome', 'Historia ya Kweli' and 'Leah'.

Other tracks on the new release are 'Unaweza', 'Love me back' and the title track 'Nachukua Time', which also gets a bonus acoustic version.

The album is available on iTunes and will be available in music stores from Friday 13 May.