Nairobi-born, Adelaide-based artist Elsy Wameyo delivers a powerful debut with Saint Sinner, reflecting on themes of identity and spirituality. Following her 2022 EP Nilotic, Wameyo traveled to Kenya's Naivasha region to record these new songs, collaborating with producers Wuod Omollo, Polycarp, and Ywaya Tajiri. The 13 tracks showcase her range as a singer, rapper, and producer, spanning hip-hop, R&B, soul, and gospel.
'Repercussions' combines hard-hitting beats with a story of overcoming betrayal. 'Quagmire' blends rapid-fire rap with melodic hooks, while 'Umva' and 'Ler' explore smoother R&B territory with thoughtful words of self-acceptance. 'Slowly Slipping,' is another reflective moment, pairing confessional lyrics with a sparse, emotive backing.
In an album statement, Wameyo says, "I am not a saint nor a sinner. I am a child yearning to perfect and mimic my father's glory as I continuously fall short." This sentiment underlines the album, charting Wameyo's growth as an artist navigating the complexities of the music industry and her identity.
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