Apollo Komesha '71 - Nyar Yonam Atek

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Review by Babajide Dosu-Ekunnrin

Album Review: Nyar Yonam Atek by Apollo Komesha '71 Alright, let’s talk about Nyar Yonam Atek, the 1972 gem from Apollo Komesha '71. If you’re into raw African folk vibes with a side of soul-soothing authenticity, this one’s for you. It’s not fancy or overproduced—just pure Kenyan heart poured straight onto vinyl. The album falls under that Folk, World, & Country umbrella, but really, it’s all about its African roots. Released on Apollo’s own label (props to him for keeping it indie), the whole thing was penned by Gabriel Omolo, who clearly knew how to craft tunes that stick. Now, I gotta shout out two tracks here: "Atek" and "Nyar Yonam." These aren’t just songs—they’re like little stories wrapped in rhythm. Let me break it down. First up, “Atek.” Man, this track is smooth as butter. It starts off with these gentle guitar licks that feel like they’re telling you a secret only you can hear. There’s no rush; it lets you settle in before the vocals come in soft and steady. You don’t need to understand every word to get the vibe—it’s melancholic yet hopeful, like looking at old photos of people you never met but somehow love anyway. What makes it unforgettable? Probably the way it builds so subtly you don’t even realize you’re hooked until it’s too late. By then, you’re humming along like it’s been stuck in your head for years. Then there’s “Nyar Yonam,” which hits different. This one feels more grounded, like someone sitting next to you sharing their life story over a cup of chai. The percussion has this earthy kick that pulls you right into the moment. And those harmonies? Chef’s kiss. They’re simple but layered just enough to give you goosebumps. Honestly, this track reminds me of lazy afternoons where time doesn’t matter—just good music and good company. Or maybe being lost in thought while staring at the horizon. Yeah, it’s that kind of song. What stands out about Nyar Yonam Atek is how unpretentious it feels. It doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is—a snapshot of Kenya in the early ‘70s, told through sound. The production might feel a bit rough around the edges compared to today’s polished stuff, but that’s part of its charm. It’s real. Like, super real. No filters, no gimmicks. Here’s the kicker though—I couldn’t stop thinking about how albums like this often get overlooked. Back in ’72, who would’ve thought some guy in Kenya strumming his guitar would still be talked about decades later? Not many folks outside his circle probably cared back then. But now? It’s like finding treasure in your grandma’s attic. Unexpected, kinda dusty, but totally worth it. So yeah, if you stumble across Nyar Yonam Atek, give it a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up playing “Atek” on repeat for hours. Oh, and hey—if anyone knows what “Nyar Yonam” actually means, hit me up. I’m curious AF.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: apollo-komesha-71-nyar-yonam-atek.zip
  • MP3 size: 15.8 mb
  • FLAC size: 98 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Atek
Nyar Yonam

Images

lataa albumi Apollo Komesha '71 - Nyar Yonam Atek
last ned album Apollo Komesha '71 - Nyar Yonam Atek

Catalog Numbers

APL 7 - 671

Labels

Apollo

Listen online

  • lyssna på nätet
  • escuchar en línea
  • ascolta in linea
  • online luisteren
  • online anhören
  • lytte på nettet
  • écouter en ligne
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • ouvir online

Formats

  • Vinyl
  • 7"
  • 45 RPM

Companies

RoleCompany
Phonographic Copyright (p)Phonogram Limited
Manufactured ByE. A. Records
Manufactured ForPhonogram Limited

Credits

RoleCredit
Written-ByGabriel Omolo

Notes

Language: Luo

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Label Side A): AS 1517
  • Matrix / Runout (Label Side B): AS 1518

About Apollo Komesha '71

Name Vars

  • Apollo Komesha
  • Apollo Komesha \
  • Apollo Komesha '71'
  • Apollo Komesha Band
  • Appolo Komesha
  • Orch. Apollo Komesha '71
  • Orch. Apollo Komesha '71'
  • Orchestre Apollo Komesha '71

Members

  • Gabriel Omolo

Interesting fact about Album

Did you know? The 1972 Kenyan album *Nyar Yonam Atek* by Apollo Komesha '71 is a hidden gem in African folk music. It features just two tracks, "Atek" and "Nyar Yonam," both penned by Gabriel Omolo. The album captures a raw, authentic sound that reflects the rich cultural vibes of Kenya at the time. It’s like a time capsule of African storytelling through music. Pretty cool, right?