Liz Ogumbo

KenSoul Album, Liz Ogumbo:

This is not just listening music. Its moving music. This is what youll soon realise about the KenSoul album.

Take a step into the intro track, Awete and get deceived by the solo acoustic guitar riff that steps back at the whiff of the welcomed strong voice of Liz Ogumbo. She comes off as serious but soon kicks it up a note lighter with her playful energy and lyrics, accompanied by the drifting drums and break beats.

No sooner you realise what just hit you, youre confronted with the insistent question, How you gonna the rock the jeans when your ass aint swollen? Big A** in the Blue Jeans is quite simply a hit. The lyrics are potent; the melody is charming, uncomplicated and guaranteed to get stuck in your head.

The notable keys of Ubuntu (humanity) carry beautifully the musings of the global traveller, a captivating child of deep-seeded African origin growing up to share the spirit of good brotherhood; something many across the world may have forgotten about. Liz offers this song poetic integrity fused with a jazzy two-step.

That insistent piano continues in the slow-sway sweet sound of Le Couer Que Crie lamour.. A heart that cries love. This beautiful new-soul tune digs deep for the treasure of life embedded in self; told through an easy conversation between queen Liz and the prolific poet-mcee Tumi Molekane, a fellow global soul. 

Another winning combination takes shape in Searching. Liz and Afro-funk-Soul master, MXO hit a high note in the sensual reggae-infused sounds. Unforgettable scatting, alluring drum and bass will have you singing along and gyrating lazily to the soul-stirring jam.

The South-East soulful journey continues and hits an inspirational peak in Only Thing Missin (a charming Aretha Franklin soul classic). You cant miss the crisp feel-good breeze in this one.

Enters the cheeky bass, percussions and electro-infused beats of Maro Pa More; an eclectic tune originally recorded with the outstanding Kenyan entity, Just-A-Band.  On the remixed version of Maro Pa More, Liz teams up with gifted, straight-up lyricist, Zubz (da last letter); whose rhymes add a fitting accompaniment to the Luo tune.

Im already liked; is a fun, rebellious reggae-tronic warning to new-age digital-stalkers. What is there not to like about this piece?

Mambo Jambo is a celebration of Lizs Kenyan roots through the love for the country; a Swahili-influenced Chakacha-inducing percussion-heavy Afro-pop beat. Tlale Makhenes signature shakers take the minimal instrument, thick vocals and truck loads of soul laced in this track, to another level.

You can call Sega Supermodel, a staccato stiletto story; illustrated by a complex keys and percussions tune accompaniment. The sassy story takes you on a walk-about of the limitless vocal, rhythmic spoken word that tells the story in praise of this beautiful African Supermodel in pursuit of her dollar in the game!

The KenSoul musical experience is produced under the skilful set of apt nu-soul producers; RJ Benjamin and Baba Bantu.

To sign-off the wondrous journey, Liz brings back the unmissable Big A** in the Blue Jeans in a smoky-jazz cafe, stand up bass and swing remix. Watch this lady move, shes only just started!