Released: May 10, 2024

Genre: Electronic

From: Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Label: Nyege Nyege Tapes

A few thoughts: Singeli music pioneer and label figurehead of the legendary SISSO RECORDS studio Sisso has released a dynamic, frantic and disorienting new project along with fellow Tanzanian producer and keyboardist Maiko. The album is titled Singeli Ya Maajabu and features some incredibly dense and energetic compositions mixing traditional Tanzanian Singeli music with Footwork, Hip-hop and a variety of Electronic music subgenres. The incredible synth-led compositions, with frantic, crushing synths and basslines on tracks like “Kazi Ipo”, “Uhondo” and “Shida” being almost aggressive in their energy. The playful samples throughout these tracks make them animated and colourful, while tracks like “Chuma”, “Timua” and “Zakwao” feature more melodic and traditional Tanzanian compositions, mixed with some heavy and intricate drumming throughout. There’s an urgency to this album that is infectious and perfect for dancefloors around Dar Es Salaam and around the world.

The album: