National final to choose Sovarasma's next entry

 

Rationale

 

It's not often that I do a national final for Sovarasma these days but I'm stuck on these 3 tracks so I'll need your precious help! Afrobeats is under-represented in BJSC and given its rise in popularity these days, now being explored by some of the most famous DJs in the world, I think it's a great opportunity to showcase some of the tracks that represent the genre well, and hope you can appreciate the intracacies and meaning behind! Inspired by Aeroche doing one for his a couple of editions ago, let's give this national final a go!

 

Trikk - Fortuna

 

"Fortuna" is produced by Portuguese producer Trikk, and sung by Kenyan singer-songwriter Sofiya Nzau, whose songs are featured in many of the later remixed tracks, such as "Mwaki" by DJ Zerb. Here, Sofiya Nzau sings the song in Kikuyu language. Technically, this track is not afrobeats but a fusion between Trikk's tribal and organic approach to electronic music and Sofiya's soulful vocals, with a lot of influences from the afrobeats genre. Interestingly, the belting near the end is heard if not sampled in the new Tamil song called "Unkitta Solla", for the movie "Kadaisi Ulaga Por".

 

I like the catchiness of this track, involving a multitude of instruments. The instrumentation is well-layered. While the buildup is not the most elaborate, the drop is still melodic and memorable.

 

 

Wail Bouri, Idd Aziz - Jogolo

 

"Jogolo" is produced by Tunisian-French producer Wail Bouri, and sung by another Kenyan Idd Aziz, renowned for "Come Dada" featuring Khaligraph Jones. This track is sung in Kiswahili, meaning "chicken". However, very little is known about the track, and I couldn't find any Swahili folk tale related to "chicken", so feel free to chip in if you find any info about the track!

 

This track is well-structured, with a decent buildup which lets you anticipate a banging drop, and deliver they do!

 

 

Mpho.Wav, Nyamal Nyang - BILKUEY

 

"BILKUEY" is produced by South African producer Mpho.Wav, and sung by South Sudanese Nyamal Nyang. This track is sung in Dinka, and is originated from a South Sudanese folk tale.

 

This is probably the most vibey out of the three, and the builds are considerably longer and stretched-out. However, it is pretty catchy and the melodies are pleasant!

 

 

Let me know what you think about these tracks and vote in the poll above!

 

 

© Longorama of Sovarasma 2024

First choice: Wail Bouri, Idd Aziz - Jogolo

Second choice: Trikk - Fortuna

Third choice: Mpho.Wav, Nyamal Nyang - BILKUEY

Definitely liked Jogolo the most.

 

Actually my ranking is identical to Zanmatony's.

Edited October 8, 2024Oct 8 by Dobbo

Hmmm I think I'm torn between Fortuna and Jogolo...albeit I admit that the latter has cleaner production and much pleasant for the ear!!!

 

Buena Suerte!!!

BILKUEY is easily my favourite, although I'm afraid that doesn't really help looking at the above preferences! It's the kind of South African entry I have sent several times in the past and failed to qualify with, however, so you may be better off with one of the other options. Going straight onto my playlist, fantastic!

 

Jogolo is my second favourite and Fortuna third but they are not quite my cup of tea enough to generally feature in my votes.

This tiebreaker needs deciding after someone seems to have decided to submit a null vote.

submitted what is leading currently but feel free to keep voting and commenting! will finalise the entry by Wednesday x