Album Review: A Breakdown of Wanavokali Second Album 'Vibes & Vokals'

By Frankline Keya

Music group Wanavokali in November released their second album Vibes & Vokals. The album features tracks with artists like Iyanii and Brandy Maina. Better known as ‘The ones with the vocals,’ Wanavokali explored major music genres in the album. This includes Arbantone , Rhumba and RnB.  Composed of Riki, Mela, Chep, Lena, Sam and Ythera the squad worked together to produce the 10 track masterpiece. 

1. Intro

Vibes and Vokals starts on a high note with Actor Nyokabi Macharia setting the pace. She goes ahead and  starts the album rhyming Wanavokali's hits Hawataweza and Rhumba. Nyokabi terms Wanavokali as Kings and Queens of fashion as she ushers us into Vibes and Vokals. Wanavokali jump in stating "Wanavokali huaga wakali kila wakati". The vocalists throw shade at critics who doubted them since they decided to pursue music. They identify as the beasts in the game with their amazing vocals saying ‘Sauti za kutoa nyoka pangoni.‘

2. This Love 

This Love produced by Wuod Omollo is the first track off the album. Kicking off on a romantic note the bridge ‘Take my hand and follow the leader, won't let you go, finders keepers.’The lover here is referred to as a healer and one who puts one in trouble - Matata. This Love is a pop song that delivers nothing but romance. 

3. Supa Dupa ft Brandy Maina 

Supa Dupa is the lead track off the album featuring Brandy Maina. It was also among the first songs performed before the official release of the album . The track is a danceable song saying “Am feeling Supa Dupa.’ Brandy Maina adds more steps with her verse ‘Basi iwe ni kesi, tucheze densi.’ 

The song explores the rhumba genre with guitars adding cherry to the cake. The line, ’Cherie I remember you, I saw your pretty face when you walked into the room,’ has been popular among fans. Wuod Omollo is the producer of the track. 

4. Thirsty 

Thirsty is a love pop song to a significant other. The lead vocals are by Sam and Melah. On an Instagram post, Wanavokali revealed that Sam first presented the song and they were eager to make it a full song. The chorus for Thirsty is simple and repetitive making it easy to sing along. The song has drops of water at the end to stamp the title Thirsty. 

5. Selina 

Selina is a song about a girl who is advised to live her life and not to be afraid of the world. The chorus is ‘ Ishi ooh ishi Selina, maisha ooh,  maisha ni moja.’ The song delivers a twisty vibe with guitars playing in the background. Selina is told of how she's beautiful, confident and smart, assuring her that the world is waiting for her. She is also hyped and told she is a ‘baddie’ a popular Gen Z slang. The song ends with a strong call to action saying ‘Selina ishi maisha!’ 

6. Meet Me At The Altar

Meet Me At The Altar is the perfect wedding song for married ones. ‘Wake up next to you , do this life with you, ‘ is what Lena says in the tale of happily ever after. She asks his loved one whether they will meet her at the altar. Riki comes in as a defender and protector referring to his lover  as her queen. The track exchanges vows to love and cherish. Meet Me at the Altar is produced by Kobby Worldwide. 

7. 50/50 ft Brandy Maina 

50/50 is the second song in the album featuring Brandy Maina. The song talks about everyday living and dealing with anxiety. It also sheds light on meeting the heavy pressure of society . The track’s chorus leads to light at the end of the tunnel saying tomorrow I'll be a hundred for sure despite being fifty at the moment. 

The song is an honest song taking one to a place of introspection.It talks about being complete with the symbol of 100 despite being fifty fifty today. The track encourages one that despite the happenings of today, one will improve and get better. Brandy Maina’s verse echoes the power within her chest . Her line ‘ Today I am a little stressed, tomorrow I'll be a little different. ‘ She affirms saying tomorrow she will  glow without a doubt. Brandy does the background vocals inside the track signing out with a strong punchline “I'll be a hundred for sure.’ 

8. Whine Selekta ft Iyanii 

Iyanii starts the songs with confidence infusing his signature party rhythm. Iyanii is rejecting every negativity and inviting good vibes only. Wanavokali goes ahead and invites everyone to the dance floor. They bring their problems down anxiously for Friday in order to party. They assure that no one will stop them with the line ‘Huwezi Kutuzima’. 

9. I Wonder 

Wanavokali are still on a revelers mode with hit producer Motif Di Don. They wonder why they meet up with school buses with the line ‘Natokaga bash , nikikutana na ma school bus.’ No drunk driving is tolerated and they emphasize on not passing out ; questioning the mate ‘ Siendi ka utableki Leo .’ Riki Gathiriki blends in with Beenie Man’s Who Am I (Sim Simma) saying "Sip sipper , who's got the bottle of liquor."The Arbantone song places them in the urban sound, marking it with vocals at the last verse. 

10. Hela 

Hela is the last track off the album. It is also the only track with the official music video out. Hela which translates to money is a song about everyday living and money being a key thing. It goes down to budgeting with the line ‘you must calculate,’ referring to every commodity and living must be on a budget. The song doesn't shy away from having fun with some money set aside for enjoyment. 

The Amapiano sound in the track was produced by Adabis Beatz. Hela also has its official choreography which was generated by Riki and Sam. Hela is directed by KG Brian. 

Vibes and Vokals album sees music producer Wuod Omollo dominate in the production of most of the songs. Riki Gathiriki was also involved in the production of The Intro featuring Nyokabi Macharia. Other producers in the album include Motif Di Don, Kobby Worldwide , Musyoka and Adabia Beats. Visual director Kirika Washington  designed the artworks for Vibes & Vokals . The entire album was mixed and mastered by Tawala Beats.