Kwetu

This is the debut from an extremely versatile singer and guitarist from Kenya. Fadhilee Itulya's music is a modern fusion of world music and pop with an underlying influence from the Luhya music of western Kenya. Although this is his first recording, he has been performing professionally since 2008 and he hosts a popular monthly gig called Fadhilee's Garage, an intimate performance that takes place in different residences and is a showcase of local talent.

On this album he deftly switches between modern and more traditional material in a way that is reminiscent of late South African Johnny Clegg. ‘Shombo’ and ‘Flora’, for example, are beautifully realised productions with acoustic guitars and lavish female harmonies. Both songs demonstrate the power of his voice. ‘Freedom’ and ‘Tabasam’ are potentially classic stadium rock songs; and ‘Nairobi’ is a tastefully conventional Swahili rumba. These are balanced by four purely traditional songs that feature the isukuti percussion of western Kenya. Kwetu is an impressive and varied debut from an artist who is keen to promote his home country's music while simultaneously exploring global rhythms, singing in a mixture of Swahili, Luhya and English language.