Nairobi-born, Adelaide-based singer, rapper, and producer, Elsy Wameyo today announces the impending arrival of her debut EP, Nilotic on April 1 via Music in Exile. To coincide with the news, Elsy has shared her latest self-produced single, and self-directed video, “River Nile”. Directed and produced by Elsy herself, with co-direction by Leighton Bond, the striking visual sees a barrage of scenes as Elsy and friends embrace the spirit of the River Nile story while standing firm in the track’s fierce call to action.
Elsy Wameyo says of the single, “‘River Nile’ was a revelation, a turning point which led me to understand who I truly am. I had been so weak, fighting a battle that was never mine. This song came about after I learned how to strategically use the power within. I journeyed with this song to find a place of rest. I reached a level where I no longer had to work. Instead, I used the forces around me to gain altitude. The moment I found it, it was game over for everyone else.”
The new single, “River Nile” is defined by a low slung bass melody that darts back and forth with assured swagger. Elsy’s fire-speed raps and confident delivery is intermixed between choral shout-outs, taken from a chopped-out sample. Tapping into emboldened energy, Elsy was inspired by the beginning of the Nilotes journey while penning the track, furthered in today’s accompanying music video.
A bilateral journey of spirituality and personal growth, Elsy’s debut collection, ‘Nilotic’ attempts to claim back, fix and uproot the world’s evil while processing frustration and sadness through her music. Hailing from the Nilotic tribes of Kenya, and informed by an Adelaide upbringing and singing in church choirs from an early age, Elsy poses questions to heritage and the equity of societal structures as she unravels her self-identity across six self-produced tracks, due in April. In a voracious effort to understand and educate herself through years of relentless research, in-depth conversations, and dedicated learning, Elsy applies her self-taught creative talents across production, songwriting, and singing, to unravel her feelings and thoughts on what it means to be a Nilot in 2022 on tape.
Elsy says of the EP: “What you will hear is the journey of a confident, frustrated, and sad Elsy attempting to heal within. What you won’t see is the spiritual journey I took with my Father to learn, through obedience and true faith, that I can do ALL things. This EP was never the point. Nilotic is just a byproduct of God’s grace in my life.”
“River Nile” follows on from the eponymously titled EP track, “Nilotic”. Released late last year, the track and its accompanying video co-directed by Elsy and award-winning director Richard Coburn, scored applause from the likes of triple j, NME, Purple Sneakers, community radio, and more, alongside being named triple j’s Unearthed Feature Artist and Feature Video on Rage. Elsy has also been named among numerous 2022 ‘Ones to Watch’ lists, including Red Bull and triple j Unearthed.
As the self-assured vision of Elsy Wameyo continues to come to light, and the multi-talented creative prepares to share her deeply resonating debut Nilotic EP, soak up the magic in “River Nile” today.
Elsy Wameyo embraces her beliefs and life experiences to forge a pearl of insightful wisdom that is shared via flawlessly soulful rhythms in her music. Self-producing her own work and exploring new production techniques has led to Elsy finding her own style and control in a sonic direction. This approach complements a fusion of gospel and traditional sacred sounds that shape Elsy’s musical vision, alongside a force of contemporary hip-hop and R&B influences. Elsy’s comfort in her own voice is evidenced through her poetic verses woven with stories, metaphors, and hard-fought questions to challenge perceptions and detail lived-experience. Elsy has shared stages with artists such as Grammy award-winner Printz Board, Maségo, Sampa the Great, Adrian Eagle, and Hilltop Hoods. She adds to this with festival appearances at Groovin’ The Moo & St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, after being awarded Young Kenyan of the Year by KASA at the annual Madaraka Day Gala in 2018, and winner of people’s choice Best Hip Hop at the annual South Australian Music Awards.
RIVER NILE” OUT NOW VIA MUSIC IN EXILE
1. River Nile
2. Promise
3. Sulwe
4. The Call
5. Nilotic
6. Hunger
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