Shamsi Music, an award-winning jazz and afro-jazz fusion band from Nairobi, Kenya, which prides itself in creating memorable musical experiences, released their eagerly awaited sophomore album: Afrosynthesis.
Shamsi Music, in late 2019, did a sophomore album teaser show dubbed ‘The AfroSynthesis Experience’. The show was a musical celebration of modern Afro-Urban culture, a jazz party that presented music embodying icons of our own mixed urban culture — Kenyan cuisine and dining, Matatu culture, Benga, Sheng’, Afro-Jazz, dreadlocks and natural hair, abstract art, Nairobi night life among others. True to this experience, the album cover epitomizes it.
Shamsi Music’s sophomore album exudes a band that trusts the things they have in common — the joy, fun, awesomeness of playing, the camaraderie, the respect. The music output is absolutely palpable; both on record and in live performance, you hear yelps of delight from the band members.
Perhaps above all it is about the level of invention and musicality. Each of the 15 pieces encompasses various themes — speaking about the injustices in Kenya with Cry for Kenya, appreciating heroes with Super Juma and Okaka, recognizing the value of friendships with Murata, and spanning all the way to environmental and wildlife matters with Sudan, a song appreciating the life of the world’s only northern white male rhino at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
AfroHits, the title track opener, is a catchy uptempo groove, showing their musical range — the horns kick in and the rhythm section locks down, handling a wide range of grooves and tempos impeccably. It’s a strong, catchy start, with a kind of care and attention evident throughout most of the album.
Each member of Shamsi is a superb musician in their own right, with a wealth of experience: Laka Nyaga (Saxophone), George Nyoro (Multi-Instrumentalist), Michael Munene (Bass Guitar), Immanuel Mohol (Guitar), and Kenn Biggie (Drums). Each player solos well, chiming in with the sentiments of each selection while clearly relishing the musicianship of their fellow musicians — the dynamics are pleasing.
All in all, Shamsi Music have done an admirable job of arranging Kenyan folk tunes in fresh and innovative ways, such as Murata and Ntheya, alongside ravishing collaborative works such as Khutseya featuring Fadhilee Itulya, and Mandira featuring Siti and the Band. They have stunning original material that draws heavily on the Kenyan tradition but also brings in influences from traditional tunes, complementing them with jazz. Afrosynthesis is a profound piece of work — a spirited ambassador of our culture, heritage and artistry.
Kudos, Shamsi Music!
