As a ritual, the majority of the world has set aside Friday for new music. Just like a double edged sword we get to consume so much music that we sometimes miss out on some hidden gems. As WYS Global, we have made it our commitment to keep our audience with the latest releases within East Africa. For our first edition we will cover Nairobi and its environs and with edition we will expand the coverage.
“Taya” – Okello Max
“Taya” is a captivating fusion of East African rhythm and soulful melodies from Okello Max. The song serves as the lead single of his new album ‘Healing’ which was released on 4th July. Clocking in as a smooth, mid-tempo groove, it weaves Dholuo-flavored guitar lines and warm production into a hypnotic soundscape With heartfelt vocals layered over pulsating beats, the track strikes a perfect balance between introspective lyricism and an irresistible rhythmic pulse. Lyrically, “Taya” feels like an open invitation whether it’s a contemplative introspection or a tender ode, the emotive delivery tugs gently at the listener’s soul.
“Karibia Kidogo” – Muthoka
Muthoka’s artistry knows no boundary, it continues giving and evolving at the same time. “Karibia Kidogo” is a tender yet infectious trac that invites you to draw closer just a little bit. Blending a laid-back Afro-fusion groove with Muthoka’s warm, easy vocals, the song feels like an intimate conversation at sunset, where every word is carefully weighed and every note lands softly. The Swahili title, which means “Come a little closer,” perfectly captures the track’s magnetic pull whether it’s about the longing for closeness with a lover, a friend, or even one’s own dreams. Carried by mellow guitar riffs, subtle percussion, and a breezy melody, “Karibia Kidogo” showcases Muthoka’s gift for storytelling and creating music that feels both familiar and refreshing. It’s the kind of song that lingers long after it ends an invitation to lean in, listen close, and feel every beat.
“Why Can’t I” – Frank Ireri
“Why Can’t I” is a raw, soul-baring piece from Frank Ireri that wrestles with longing, doubt, and the quiet ache of unanswered questions. Anchored by Frank’s warm yet pleading vocals, the track unfolds like a late-night confession,vulnerable, honest, and achingly relatable.
With its gentle guitar chords, airy production, and subtle R&B undertones, “Why Can’t I” captures the tug-of-war between desire and self-restraint. Each line feels like a question we’ve all asked at some point: Why can’t I speak up? Why can’t I stay? Why can’t I let go? It’s this universality that makes the song linger, echoing long after the last note fades.“Why Can’t I” is more than just a love song; it’s an introspective moment wrapped in melody, reminding listeners that sometimes the hardest questions are the ones we ask ourselves.
“Mama Milka” – Ochiko, Mbithi, Jopee
Rooted in the everyday stories of the block, this playful collab from Ochiko, Mbithi, and Jopee is a cheeky nod to that unforgettable neighborhood matriarch everyone knows as “Mama Milka”. With sharp storytelling, witty punchlines, and a beat that bounces between laid-back and lively, the trio captures the essence of street banter and local legends.
The track fuses nostalgic East African vibes with contemporary flows, letting each artist’s personality shine through. Ochiko’s vivid imagery, Mbithi’s crisp delivery, and Jopee’s easy charm blend into a soundtrack that feels like catching up with old friends on the corner shop stoop. It’s an anthem for the characters who keep our estates alive, humorous, heartfelt, and dripping with that everyday magic only home can bring.
“Chanua Ma Namble” – Mastar VK, Toxic Lyrikali
Fusing street grit with poetic depth, this powerful track by Mastar VK and Toxic Lyrikali blooms with raw honesty and hometown pride. “Chanua Ma Namble” a title that evokes the idea of growth despite the struggle, channels the duo’s sharp lyricism into a rallying cry for resilience and self-belief.
Over a hypnotic beat layered with edgy drums and melodic hooks, both artists paint vivid snapshots of life’s highs and lows: the grind, the setbacks, the quiet wins that push you to rise again. Mastar VK’s commanding delivery pairs seamlessly with Toxic Lyrikali’s reflective bars, making every line feel like a line you’d scribble in your own journal.At its heart, this isn’t just another street anthem it’s an ode to blooming where you’re planted, no matter how tough the soil. Expect it to hit hardest for anyone fighting to grow their dreams from the concrete up.
Stream these songs and more on our Spotify Playlist!