Riki na Marafiki–So Simple

Ricky Nanjero’s new album, ‘So Simple’ is an eclectic mix of sounds typical of jazz music, swinging between the traditional lipala and mutibo music of the Luhyia people of Western Kenya and the sophisticated jazz that forms a soothing backdrop in high-end lounge bars in Nairobi Friday and Saturday evenings. But he has aptly christened his style Afro jazz, so we know what to look forward to. And it is not an exclusive Ricky project; he is backed by his band, who he simply refers to as Marafiki (Swahili for ‘friends’).

The album opens with a crisp and danceable track that sets the mood for the serving. The rolling beat and energetic interplay between the instruments introduces what promises to be a feast for the ears. In the second track the sax is mournful, the tempo slowed, as if asking us to get back to our seats and take some wine.

But the track that gives meaning to the ‘Afro’ is the title track ‘So Simple’. Perhaps it is because I hail from the same region as Ricky and have an intimate knowledge of the content of the lyrics. All the same ‘So simple’ is definitely African, from the swing to the percolating guitars. And, yeah, we finally hear him sing ( a colleague at the office who happens to be a strong fan of guitar-driven benga and rumba music once told me he can’t go to a jazz concert because the last time he went he was waiting in vain for the vocalists to start singing).

Ricky takes us home to Eluanda to sample traditional delicacies like obusuma (corn-meal) and sibambala (dried fish)…ahh… I can sense my taste-buds tinkle. I know that stuff.

‘Dufa Mpararo’ starts off with a coastal chakacha feel, the laid-back lyrics reminiscent of the lyrical style of early singers like Fadhili Williams or Them Mushrooms. But that is as far as the connection goes. The setting is definitely Nairobi’s Eastlands. The rhythm and feel is playful, just like the message. …Twende mslaido kwa mtaro za maji (Let’s go sliding in the rain-washed gutters)… kujenga moti za waya (toy cars made out of scrap wire) …those are Nairobi kids from the City Council housing estates (what would pass for the projects in the US in Hip-hop culture) trying to make as much fun of their school-out time as they can. When the seben guitar kicks in we are reminded that we are in Africa, partying under the stars.

Well, the question we are no doubt asking ourselves by now is, was that jazz really? That’s the beauty of ‘So Simple’. You don’t go looking for grubs in the mushroom stew. They might just be the reason why it is so tasty!

A number of gifted musicians took part in the compilation of this album. Ricky, who wrote and arranged all the songs, keeps everything grounded on the bass.  Mike Okinyo, Mwema Nzomo and Patrick Nakaya are the magical fingers wafting on the keys. Michel Ongaro and Moody Paul handle the acoustic guitars. Steve Munge is on the sax, while the percussions are by Jabali Afrika’s Justo Asikoye. The album was recorded at Ketebul Sudios.