Kenya: Unganisha releases debut album Mbili Mbili

Mbili Mbili, meaning two by two in Swahili, is available for streaming and download on major digital platforms.

Unganisha is a musical collaboration between Kenyan traditional music artist Labdi Ommes and Norwegian experimental electronic artist Bernt Isak Wærstad. The album follows a string of successful singles and their well-received 2022 EP Kucheza! The title encapsulates the essence of their cross-cultural collaboration, embodying the duality of their music and celebration and contemplation in life.

“Unganisha has always been about playfulness and fearless exploration and this album is no exception,” a statement reads. “Embracing the album format has allowed them to expand their creative horizons, delving into a diverse range of sounds while addressing serious and complex themes, all the while delivering irresistible rhythms and carefree melodies.”

The single ‘Kendo’ introduces a new dimension to their repertoire as the duo’s first ballad, offering a view of humanity's impact on our planet. Meanwhile, ‘Mbona’ presents an electrifying groovefest while addressing the issue of colourism in our world. 

With their debut album, Unganisha has elevated their ethos of collaboration and experimentation to new heights. The two artists have ventured beyond their established creative roles, coming together to craft both the production and lyrics for the album, thereby fully embracing the meaning of their name Unganisha, which translates to uniting or fusing together in Swahili. This approach has not only deepened their creative connection but also fueled their pursuit of an experimental future with a foundation in tradition.

Their fusing of cultures and musical expressions stretches beyond the core of the duo and this album is packed with diverse guest artists, with Kenyan percussionist Kasiva Mutua, Norwegian artist Ane Marthe Sørlien Holen and Malian percussion legend Sidiki Camara contributing to the project.

Mbili Mbili is poised to be a significant milestone in Unganisha's musical journey, captivating and inspiring listeners with its bold fusion of culture, exploration and rhythm. Unganisha’s aim is to bring traditional East African music, experimental art music and electronic club music together, using bits and pieces from their two cultures as building blocks to create a new, culturally re-synthesised and personalised form of sound.