A wave of experimental East African releases in July pushed beyond the region’s mainstream sounds, introducing Somali house, rock, and collaborative hip-hop to a growing audience.
Somi’s “Sometimes Love” pairs the Grammy-nominated vocalist’s jazz-rooted delivery with highlife textures from The Cavemen. The lyric video was shot on a tea farm in Fort Portal, Uganda. The track precedes her album What Does It Take to Bloom?, due in August.
Tanzanian singer-songwriter Bolingo turned to rock on “Chapaa,” a raw, hook-driven track that gained traction on social media. The song marks a departure from the region’s more familiar genres.
UK-raised DJ and cultural curator SaiSounds fuses traditional Somali influences with contemporary house on “Lei Lei,” offering an entry point into the emerging Somali house movement.
Yemi Alade and Bien trade playful verses on “Don’t Be Shy,” a flirtatious collaboration that leans on Alade’s assertive delivery and Bien’s melodic ease. The single arrives ahead of Alade’s forthcoming album.
Rwandan hip-hop is showcased on “Imbobo,” where R.M.H enlists Dylack, Og2tone, and Cracs Got Real for a brisk, collaborative cut. The track previews R.M.H’s fourth album, Ndigukaba IV.
Burundian artist Drama T follows his earlier 2024 standout “Ntagatima” with “Iholele,” a self-assured track that maintains his understated momentum.
Kenya’s ColloBlue and his Cluster Africa collective, known for shaping music marketing through creator culture, step into the spotlight with “Dance Samawaah.” Featuring Ndovu Kuu, the song and its video bring together prominent Kenyan TikTok dancers, reflecting the platform’s role in breaking new music.
