New Music Alert!: It Only Gets Better – Kagwe Mungai

Kagwe Mungai’s BRAND NEW mix tape was released over this past Madaraka Day weekend and I must say the just over 33minute taste is a delicious ride on the budding alternative music scene in Kenya.

‘It Only Gets Better’ features a total of 9 solid tracks with a bonus cover to Ice Prince and Sarkodie’s ‘Oleku’. Each of the tracks is unique in its composition and the general feel to it. Here’s an overview of each of the singles:

1. Purely Poetic Logic

The first track is an introductory overview of what one should expect in the mixtape. Mungai expertly displays his mastery of the dialect as well as authroitatively convinces the listener that he/she is in for a rollercoaster of surprise and creativity.

“Herein in my ominbus, I can afford honest expression devoid of secular perception and ignorant analysis,” is one of the witty lines he bluntly utters.

2. Marry You

With a somewhat Kwaito flow to it, the track is a reccurent proposal to a loved one…convincing in its delivery and effective in the rhythmn.

3. Cure For This

This futuristic sample of a song uses the melodious vocals of Louise Victoria to slow it down and give you an outer space experience, as you ride the galaxy of enlightenment and relaxation.

4. Get Down

The upbeat track really gets you on your feet, as Kagwe uses the lyrical rhymes of what was once a famous primary school rhyme, upgrading it to what could possibly be the most popular beat on the mixtape. The song screams Kenyan club banger.

5. Rock With You

Cerys Weetch sounds ALOT like Alicia Keys on this track that oozes RnB with a clever and soothing mix of instrumentals and vocals that make this song the perfect Sunday afternoon or late night tune.

6. Interlude

A break from it all…Impressive lyrics over a phonecall. Need I say more?

8. It Only Gets Better

Bearing the same title as the entire mixtape, it is bound NOT to be a disappointment. Kagwe came up with a staccato African instrumental and background vocals that piece together this song into an amazing amalgamation of wording and melody. Despite the fact that the artist ‘talks’ through the track, the beat is clearly memorable, with a crescendo towards the end that leaves a beautiful climax.

9. Hey Mama

The instrumentals and beat once again carry this song which is heavily dependent on fantastic drops and a philharmonic feel that makes it a feel good song.

10. Oleku Cover

This West African hit is given a laid back tune which makes shoulder movements involuntary, with Mungai’s rap flow

Overall this mixtape offers a rich array of talent, soul and lyrics that will leave you impressed with the direction in which Kenyan music is headed. Great work Kagwe Mungai. Ghafla! gives you a five star rating.

Have a listen to the Mixtape ‘It Only Gets Better’ by Kagwe Mungai below…