Kenyan Afro-Fusion singer-songwriter, Nina Ogot has released new album called ‘Ukumbu.KE’ – her brand new album.
The 9-track album offers a fresh outlook of Ms Ogot’s thoughts and feelings as a live performer.
Following the album release, Nina says “Working on this project was a wonderful experience for me to reminisce about different moments, events and elements that have enriched my life over the years.
“In the process, I rediscovered a plethora of ideas that transformed into music and transports the listener from the past into this present moment.”
The project offers warm guitar sounds, groovy percussion and resonant horns that complement Ms Ogot’s unique vocal timbre.
She also infuses cultural influences from traditional sounds like Taarab and Bango melodies from Coast, percussive Isukuti of the Luhya and the spiritual Dodo rhythms of the Luo people.
The album uses ‘ukumbu’ which means memories in Swahili and Ke used to represent Kenya but which together read as ‘ukumbuke’ (let us remember).
The name offers a description for the album, a vault for Kenyan music and culture.
The album is inspired by Ms Ogot’s memories and personalised cultural moments; from nearly forgotten traditional music and tales to legendary movies and TV maestros.
The album’s sound revives cultural roots while creating a colourful live music experience, creating new memories for the present age.
Additionally, a new version of “Chokoraa”, originally released in 2008, is on this album which attests to her impressive musical evolution and her lyrical prowess.
The track which addresses the plight of street people has grown from a laid-back guitar acoustic to a dramatic and powerful call to action.
“I invite you to experience the diversity of ideas I managed to capture in lyrics and to rediscover the cultural melodies that we once knew but almost forgot.
“This album will take you on a musical adventure that will fill your hearts with nostalgia, keep your heads bobbing and feet dancing to the rhythm,” Ms Ogot says.
