Elsy Wameyo, the Adelaide-based singer who originally hails from Nairobi has released a new track ‘River Nile’.
An EP ‘Nilotic’ will follow and be available on the 1st April via Music in Exile. The multitalented Wameyo has also released an accompanying video for ‘River Nile’ that she produced and directed, with co-direction by Leighton Bond.
Buy or Stream ‘River Nile’ here.
This remarkable artist has already received rave reviews for ‘River Nile’ with Triple J Unearthed reviewers falling over themselves to praise the track. Their enthusiasm is entirely justified. ‘River Nile’ is unlike anything that has emerged from Australia in recent times. The combination of African harmonies with a booming bass-line and Wameyo’s rapid fire rapping over the top is absolutely addictive. It is the most astonishing and trailblazing mix of rap and traditional sounds that completely shatters the mould.
| Elsy Wameyo says of the single: “‘River Nile’ was a revelation, a turning point which led me to understand who I truly am. I had been so weak, fighting a battle that was never mine. This song came about after I learnt how to strategically use the power within. I journeyed with this song to find a place of rest. I reached a level where I no longer had to work. Instead, I used the forces around me to gain altitude. The moment I found it, it was game over for everyone else.” |
Wameyo has said that the upcoming EP, ‘Nilotic’ reflects her journey of personal growth. She grew up in Adelaide, singing in church choirs from an early age. The deeply-religious Wameyo always questioned not only her heritage but also the societal structures that characterised her upbringing in South Australia, relentlessly researching these issues in an effort to understand their impact on her.
| Elsy says of the EP: “What you will hear is the journey of a confident, frustrated and sad Elsy attempting to heal within. What you won’t see is the spiritual journey I took with my Father to learn, through obedience and true faith, that I can do ALL things. This EP was never the point. Nilotic is just a byproduct of God’s grace in my life.” |
Based on what Wameyo has revealed in ‘River Nile’ and ‘Nilotic’, the EP is not to be missed.
| NILOTIC EP TRACKLIST 1. River Nile 2. Promise 3. Sulwe 4. The Call 5. Nilotic 6. Hunger |
Wameyo has already shared stages with artists such as Grammy-winner Printz Board, Maségo, Sampa The Great and Hilltop Hoods. She has appeared at Groovin’ the Moo and St Jerome’s Laneway Festival. She also was awarded the Young Kenyan of the Year in 2018.
Despite all these achievements and kudos Wameyo is clearly headed for even greater recognition. Her music is groundbreaking and she will not be and indeed, cannot be ignored.
Nilotic EP out on 1st April via Music in Exile. Pre order the vinyl here.
| Photo Credit: Jefferson Ofesi (@jefferson.ofesi) |
