Album Review: Musa by Orch Les Baboka – A Kenyan Folk Odyssey That’ll Stick to Your Ears Like Chapati Dough
Alright, buckle up because we’re diving into Musa, the latest gem from Orch Les Baboka. If you’re into African folk vibes with a Kenyan twist, this one’s gonna hit different. Released under Editions Babu and penned by Bela Belos (who clearly knows their way around a melody), this album feels like sitting under an acacia tree while someone tells you stories of life, love, and maybe a goat or two.
Now let’s talk tracks. The album has only two songs—yep, just “Musa Part 1” and “Musa Part 2.” But don’t let that fool ya; these aren’t your run-of-the-mill jams. They’re more like musical peanut stew—rich, layered, and something you wanna savor slowly.
Track Highlights
Musa Part 1:
This is where the magic kicks off. It starts with this hypnotic rhythm that feels like it’s pulling you into a trance. You know those moments when you’re zoning out during a long matatu ride? This track could soundtrack that perfectly. The instrumentation is minimal but oh-so-effective—hand drums, strings, and some vocals that feel raw and real, as if they were recorded live on a village square somewhere in Kenya. What sticks with me most is how effortlessly it builds. No overproduced nonsense here—it’s stripped-down storytelling at its finest.
Musa Part 2:
If Part 1 was the calm before the storm, then Part 2 is the rain pouring down hard. This track takes everything cool about the first part and cranks it up a notch. There’s a moment midway through where the tempo shifts slightly, and suddenly you’re not just listening anymore—you’re feeling. It’s hard to describe without sounding all poetic, but imagine being swept away by a river current that somehow leaves you happier than when you started. The vocal harmonies are killer too, adding layers of depth that make you want to rewind and hear them again.
Why Does This Album Stick?
What makes Musa memorable isn’t just the music—it’s the vibe. These tracks feel alive, like they’ve got stories to tell even if you can’t understand every word. And honestly, who needs lyrics when the instruments do all the talking? It’s rare to find an album that keeps things simple yet still manages to knock your socks off.
Oh, and here’s the kicker—I listened to this while cooking ugali the other day, and suddenly I wasn’t just making dinner; I was hosting my own personal concert in the kitchen. True story.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, Musa might only have two tracks, but trust me, quality beats quantity any day. It’s the kind of album that sneaks up on you, like finding money in your pocket weeks after forgetting it was there. Give it a spin, especially if you’re tired of the same old Spotify playlists. Who knew Kenyan folk could be this fresh?
P.S. Shoutout to Bela Belos for crafting something so authentic it almost feels illegal. Also, next time, maybe throw us a bonus track? Just saying.
