The Kenyan singer-songwriter & rapper’s amazing debut LP Saint Sinner is out now
Hello there summer, what a whirlwind you have already been. It is a necessity for music to save the day here and breathe tranquility in some form. There is no better musician suited for this than Elsy Wameyo and her latest track, “Conquer”. Her original taste and sound capture a beautiful moment that reaches the eager ears of many with the help of Ywaya Tajiri to seal the deal. As an additional piece of bliss, her debut album Saint Sinner is now available to all. She is stepping into musical waters that are sure to beat the heat.
“Conquer” offers up an Afrobeat portal right from the get go. Elsy’s vocals are catchy and provoke the most serious of head bobs throughout. It is also a very thoughtful track that lives in a tranquil plane that is equally groovy. Fans will be able to link contemporary sounds with a myriad of other past themes from funk, Afropop, and an odd twist of alternative R&B. Each connection is sublime while remaining in a sphere that is truly her own. Listeners will be able to journey each stanza and live in it a while to gather its musings full of original wisdom.
What was it like working and performing with Ywaya Tajiri for “Conquer”?
Working with Ywaya was so much fun but also very challenging. Our skill sets and ways of practice differ at times, though I feel this is why we work so well. His ideas and choice of melodic scales weren’t always my natural go to. In my rigidness, he would gently encourage me to experiment but also gave room for me to be me. At times, I would lock myself away to write verses then run back for his melodious chorus. Ywaya is like a chameleon. He can do and adapt to anything. At his core, he has a very sweet heart. We resonate and share a lot of values so writing together was very easy. I thank God my paths crossed with this one of a kind genius. I am so inspired and have a lot of love for Ywaya. His mind and work truly amazes me. Yeaaaahh, that’s my brodie, but don’t show him this, he’ll get a big head.
In that same vein, how was the process with Wuod Omollo and Polycarp Otieno? Are there any memorable moments that stick out for you?
Wuod and Poly are family so working together came with a lot of comfortability. Someone was always cracking a joke, sliding down the stairs or dancing. They were so supportive and cautious with me, I felt like a little sister being guided through life’s trials and tribulations. Saint Sinner is very personal but this journey was theirs as much as it was mine. Before the writing camp, I had a written document that explained my walk as a saint and as a sinner. Thoughts, quotes and notes that best summarized who I was at that time. I also included the music, instrumentation and sounds that I liked for them to digest prior to the camp. They are undoubtedly some of the best producers, but what was missing was their understanding of Elsy Wameyo as the Saint Sinner. Wuod warmed my heart because he’d always explain the point of inspiration from the document in his work. They were both very intentional with everything that was produced and carried a high level of respect for me and my work.
You have a pure organic sound that is original in the best sense of the word. What do you think is integral to that sound? Is there a vibe that you attempt to capture in your work to make your own?
I always aim to see and feel everything for myself. I can’t tell a story I’ve never lived through and I think it’s that simple. My work has specks of Kendrick and Simbi because I heavily studied their work for months. My words are firm and certain because at the bottom of the food chain there’s no room to be timid. What you hear from me is only a reflection of what I’ve seen or heard. I’m guided by the spirit and driven by anointing.
What goals down the line do you hope to achieve in the medium? Are there people you hope to work with in the future?
I yearn to sharpen my skills. Being an independent artist sometimes forces you to sacrifice the art. I’m not the best version of myself but I’ve tasted the possibilities. I know I can do so much more and I’m excited to continue learning. I’d love to spend a day with Kendrick. I wouldn’t even need the feature, I’ll get everything I need from a day of asking questions.
What advice would you give musicians eager to jump into the music space?
Jump as far as you can but let the spirit guide you. Always listen to your gut feeling. It will NEVER fail you. The industry is ghetto so play by YOUR rules, not theirs.
