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      Jack Muguna: Journey of the Soul

      April 20, 2021

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      Geco Café: Slithering with good vibes in Nairobi

      February 18, 2021

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      How to work with producers in Kenya by…

      February 26, 2020

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      The Love Zone Thrills fans on Valentine’s Day

      February 21, 2020

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      Shamsi Music Sophmore Album: Afrosynthesis

      February 6, 2020

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      Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra Love; Liberty…

      May 4, 2022

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      Beneath the Baobabs Live: A Kenyan live music…

      April 5, 2022

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      Down memory lane: An Evening Remembering Whitney Houston

      December 2, 2021

      Events

      Nairobi Orchestra Returns! at Kenya National Theatre

      July 2, 2021

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      An Evening Celebrating Stevie Wonder in Nairobi

      June 10, 2021

  • Artist Spotlight
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      Ngewa: Kasiva Mutua rhythmical tales on percussion

      April 26, 2022

      Artist Spotlight

      Herbie Tsoaeli Spiritual Dialogues: At This Point in…

      December 10, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      Sage Chemutai: Love is all we need

      April 26, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      Jack Muguna: Journey of the Soul

      April 20, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      WYNTON MARSALIS interactive session with Kenyan artists: Mythology…

      November 26, 2020

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      Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra Love; Liberty…

      May 4, 2022

      Classical Music

      Nairobi Orchestra Returns! at Kenya National Theatre

      July 2, 2021

      Classical Music

      A Kenyan Opera: Nyanga The Runaway Grandmother

      November 17, 2020

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      September 25, 2020

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      David Ralak: A visionary pioneering figure with great…

      June 16, 2020

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      Experience Nairobi Horns Project Debut Album – Black…

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      Artists from the coast revolutionizing Nairobi’s Jazz scene

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      Jazz in Kenya: A beginner’s guide to artists…

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      Pilani Bubu: Jazz Breaks Me Open. Songs from…

      April 29, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

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      February 26, 2020

      Jazz Spotlight

      Shamsi Music Sophmore Album: Afrosynthesis

      February 6, 2020

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      My Afro Jazz

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      August 20, 2015

Review

Shamsi Music : The Audition Album Review

by Maureen Shelmith April 25, 2017
written by Maureen Shelmith April 25, 2017
Auditions art work

Image Courtesy: The Audition art work

With a spiritual-tinged demeanor, Shamsi music is currently the youngest jazz band in Kenya, they came together in 2014 as a recording and performing instrumental jazz fusion band that comprises of friends to make music for God’s glory. They seek to create music that refreshes, inspires and gives hope.

Shamsi Music comprises of:

  • Paul Mbithi – Band leader, Music Director, Pianist, Keyboardist.
  • Samwel “Laka‟ Nyaga –  Saxophonist.
  • George Nyoro – Pianist, Keyboardist.
  • Kenn “Biggie‟ Njoroge – Drummer, Band Manager.
  • Michael Munene – Bassist.
  • Immaunel Mohol – Guitars.

Their Album Audition evokes a collective of musical spontaneity that is colored with a splash of splendid colors of polyrhythms.

Auditions contains 15 originally composed tracks. What is striking about Shamsi’s album is their solid rhythms section made up of varied contributions by Tetu Shani, Kasiva Mutua, and their band leader, Kenn ‘Biggie’. Their tight rhythmic arrangement can be felt all through the 15 tracks, supporting some of the impressive soloing by the various instrumental virtuosi featured in the various tracks.

Shamsi Music have comfortably anchored their groove and musical sweetness by decorating Auditions with delectable yumminess with overlaying polyrhythms. Their choice of arrangement on the various tracks makes their work fresh and quite frankly contemporary.

Auditions begins with what sounds like a live recording of a musical showcase program, you can clearly hear them auditioning for what I can term as a musical role. Auditions, which is the first track- comprises of the subtleness of the soft percussion claps as the bass takes lead in this track.

One of the tracks – Miyale means Sun rays, is sugared with a very strong melody line. The bass takes lead in this second track, the bass line paves way for rhythmic elements. It is quite beautiful how the djembe compliments the various percussion elements making ‘Miyale’ a wholesome track- like 8 grain brown bread ;).

Audition permeates with optimism with every note struck and the pulsating drum beats that will hold someone hostage in a musical abyss.

All in all, Audition radiates with inexplicable sort of warmth, like a star that glows, that’s unavoidable. They have relished due to their unpredictable virtuosi on the various tracks. They pay homage to their African rhythmic expressions, that is youthful, full of vigor and ‘danceable’ movements It should definitely be part of your car’s playlist jams with infectious songs such a Wa Milele and Mighty Long Way.

Shamsi Music are set to officially release this incredible work of art mid -July 2017.

 

Kenn “Biggie‟ Njoroge – Drummer, Band Manager

Kenn “Biggie‟ Njoroge – Drummer, Band Manager

 

Immaunel Mohol

Immaunel Mohol- Guitarist

 

Paul Mbithi – Band leader, Music Director, Pianist, Keyboardist, Composer

Paul Mbithi – Band leader, Music Director, Pianist, Keyboardist, Composer

 

Samwel “Laka‟ Nyaga – Saxophonist,

Samwel “Laka‟ Nyaga – Saxophonist

 

Michael Munene – Bassist

Michael Munene – Bassist

 

Images courtesy of : Mbarathi’s Edge 😉

Reference : Music In Africa

George NyoroImmaunel MoholKasiva MutuaKenn “Biggie‟ NjorogeMichael MunenePaul MbithiSamwel “Laka‟ NyagaShamsi MusicTetu Shani
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About Me

About Me

Maureen Shelmith

My mission here is to take you on a Kenyan musical journey that is exceptional.

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    December 10, 2021
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