First time I heard Elani's ‘Jana Usiku' a feeling of calm and pleasure went through my body. ‘A breath of fresh air' is my definition of Elani. They are something new, something we need in Kenya. A listen to their songs and you get the sense that they are not trying to be like anyone or anything that we have in the country – a mistake most upcoming Kenyan artistes make- they are simply Elani! Elani is an urban afro band that consists of Muthoni Kunga, Wambui Ngugi and Bryan Chweya. I am sure that by now you have heard of them having released their successful break out single ‘Jana Usiku' in September last year. They have however been in the game for much longer than that though it wasn't until recently that they captured everyone's attention.
Elani is a mixture of talent, passion and dedication. The word Elani means light in Giriama and the band true to their name seems to be a light at the end of a dark tunnel. They may not be a mainstream band just yet but if their talent is anything to go by then 2014 could be the year they finally do it big. We are at that point where being an artiste in Kenya finally seems to be paying off with artistes such as Wyre and Sauti Sol having more of an international rather than just local audience. Elani is a band that could easily follow in these footsteps. They make music for everyone, young or old and manage to connect to their audience through their songs. The band has curtain raised for the likes of Sauti Sol and Eric Wainaina but if you ask me, here is a band with the potential to stand strong on their own. They managed to launch their debut album on 6th December last year to a full house.
Elani: "We can't even begin to name all the people and events that inspire us to create! We are influenced by anything and everything, and write about the things that we go through personally as well as what we see happen from day to day in the world."
They say they want to put Kenya and East Africa on the musical map, I say go right ahead, you have what it takes! In a generation with more misplaced priorities than any before them, it is great to see young people actually doing something positive with their talent and doing it well! You go guys!
If you're a big fan or simply curious you can check out their Facebook page Elani, for postings on their scheduled live performances.
Watch out for Elani, there's no telling what boundaries this band can cross!
Check out their song, Jana Usiku.
wanazo nyimbo kadhaa
[video=youtube_share;5ZUoUxAhJmQ]http://youtu.be/5ZUoUxAhJmQ[/video]
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