Sound Nation

It's been a minute, Sound Nation has been on a pause but we are back. And we are back with a BANG. Starting us off is an interview with the amazing DJ/Producer Draconraze. We shall be talking about how one drunken night turned into a passion for production. To end the episode Dracon will premier his podcast mixing series called In the Rave.

The world has moved to cloud-based streaming services which more or less minimized piracy the music industry had faced during the beginning of the century. Apps like Spotify, Apple music, etc are in the process of accomplishing the impossible — making people pay for music.

In this story, let’s take a walk down the memory lane to see how MP3 technology has changed the music industry for good.

On Todays episode, Chacha reviews the latest album from rapper Kahu$h.

It's 30 years since the development of technology that allowed synthesisers and drum machines to be connected to computers - and since then MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) has revolutionised the world of music recording.

Grime is a genre of electronic music that emerged in London in the early 2000s. It developed out of earlier UK dance style UK garage, and draws influences from jungle, dancehall, and hip hop. Grime is now becoming a popular genre and taking over the waves internationally and with that being said… On today’s episodes we shall take a look at three artists that are blowing up the UK grime scene. First we shall start off with Birminghams very own, Dutchavelli.

On today's episode of evolutions of music, we’ll take a look at the history of sampling, break down some of the misconceptions of its intent and use, and examine the artists that have innovated in the art of sampling over the decades.

Tracklist: 

Revolution 9 by The Beatles 

Amen Brothers by The Winstons

Straight Outta Compton by N.W.A. 

Futurama Theme Song 

La Di Da Di by Dougie E Fresh & Slick Rick 

Hypnotize by Notorious B.I.G. 

We Can't Stop by Miley Cyrus

Today we shall look at three artists that have a similar sound pallet and better yet they have worked together extensively. To end the show, we shall review the latest Kali Uchis album but first let's start with the famous band that follows Anderson Paak everywhere and all throughout his shows.

Tracklist: 

Beauty & Essex by Free Nationals ft. Daniel Caesar

Come Down by Anderson .Paak 

Jet Black by Anderson .Paak ft. Brandy 

Bubblin by Anderson .Paak 

Cut em in by Anderson .Paak ft. Rick Ross

Tyrant by Kali Uchis 

I want war (But I need peace) by Kali Uchis 

Nuestro Planeta by Kali Uchis ft. Reykon

¡aquí yo mando! by Kali Uchis & Rico Nasty

fue mejor by Kali Uchis & PARTYNEXTDOOR

A few years ago no one wanted to be called a “SoundCloud rapper.” The free platform for streaming and uploading music was associated with broke-ass rappers with dreams of hip-hop stardom. But with its low barrier to entry, more and more unsigned artists took to SoundCloud, where they didn’t need a record label or distributor to be heard like they did on major streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify. This up-and-coming generation also rejected the mixtape hosting powerhouses of the early 2000s, like DatPiff and LiveMixtapes, that refused to adapt their one-song-at-a-time release preferences. An emerging class of artists reacting to a changing music industry, these artists took control of their own destinies, releasing their own music on SoundCloud, succeeding at a pace that the traditional music industry couldn’t keep up with.

Tracklist: 

Don't by Bryson Tiller

The Race by Tay K

On this season of Sound Nation, we shall continue with the main segments from season 1. Every Tuesday we shall get into the evolutions of music and it's culture. Instead of getting an episode of one artist spotlight, on Thursday you shall receive a collection of artists that have similar sounds. Every once in a while we shall get to interview producers, rappers, singers and much more to talk about their influences and how they think about the music scene. Last but not least, Straight Outta the 254 segment will come at you once a month, and you already know what we shall be showcasing.

Thank you so much for tuning in to the first season of Sound Nation. I hope you have enjoyed, because season two is going to be even more jam packed. More mixes, ore artists, more segments, more everything. On that note, have a wonderful holiday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Chacha and Nen. Stay tuned for the Season 1 Playlist that will have some of the best jams showcased on the show. 

On Today's episode, Nen interviews upcoming rapper from Mombasa, Kenya Lil Shakes 

Tracklist: 

I'm Lit (24/7) by Lil Shakes

There’s something familiar about the most popular songs of 2020. We will be starting a new segment called Evolutions of Music where we shall take a closer look as to how music has evolved throughout the years from how it has been consumed to how it’s being distributed. On Today’s episode we shall take a deep dive into how Tik Tok has influenced the popularity of certain tracks playing on the airwaves. And as an added bonus we shall look at the newest track off of Lil Wayne’s mixtape No Ceiling 3.

Tracklist: 

Old Town Road by Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus 

Yummy by Justin Bieber

Toosie Slide by Drake 

Say So by Doja Kat 

BB King Freestyle by Lil Wayne ft. Drake

Today's episode is dedicated to my collegue Mary as she is expecting her first child. She had been playing "Duduke" on repeat and I saw it fit to do an episode on the beautiful singer/songwriter Simi. More life to your little bambino. 

Tracklist: 

Jericho by Simi ft. Patoranking 

There For You by Simi ft. Ms. Banks 

Duduke by Simi 

Loving You by Simi

Today's episode had been highly requested by a listener. It is none other than Nigerian singer/songwriter Tems. We take a look into Tem's life and also review her short EP For Broken Ears.

Tracklist: 

Essence by Wizkid ft. Tems 

Damages by Tems 

Try Me by Tems

Interference by Tems

On today's episode, we shall highlight the sultry contemporary R&B and hip-hop styles, non-commercial dubstep, funk carioca, and downtempo electronica DJ/Producer Sango. 

Tracklist: 

Ritmo Coco by Juls & Sango 

Sango Mix

On today's episode we shall delve into UK Grime artist born to a father from Trinidad & Tobago and a mother who's a Welsh drum and bass DJ, AJ Tracey. 

Tracklist: 

Dinner Guest by AJ Tracey ft. MoStack 

West Ten by AJ Tracey ft. Mabel 

Quarterback by AJ Tracey 

Alakazam by AJ Tracey ft. JME & Denzel Curry 

On today's episode, we shall look at Aluna both being a part of electronic duo AlunaGeorge up until her eventual break off to fly solo and charter a new path with her debut album Rennaisance. 

Tracklist: 

I'm in Control by AlunaGeorge ft. Popcaan 

You know You like it by AlunaGeorge (Dj Snake Remix) 

White Noise by Disclosure ft. AlunaGeorge 

Your Drums, Your Love by AlunaGeorge 

Supernatural by AlunaGeorge (Pomo Remix) 

Warrior by Aluna ft SG Lewis 

Envious by Aluna

On Today’s episode we shall take a look at the musical style and swagger of French artist Dadju.

Tracklist: 

Bobo au coeur by Dadju 

Nous avec DAVIDO by Dadju 

Donne-moi l'accord avec Burna Boy by Dadju 

Amour Toxic by Dadju 

Please avec TAYC by Dadju

Its Thursday, so you know who this is! Its me Nen back again!

Are you as excited for the holidays as I am? With that in mind, I know the perfect person to shine a spotlight on as the Christmas season is upon us. It is none other than the multitalented and multifaceted, Frank Sinatra.

Tracklist: 

Luck Be A Lady by Frank Sinatra 

Let it Snow by Frank Sinatra 

I've Got You Under My Skin by Frank Sinatra 

(Love is) The Tender Trap by Frank Sinatra

On today's episode, Chacha interviews producer and DJ BornOnSunday and they talk about the price of fame, the various music they grew up listening to and other music related things. At the end of the show BornOnSunday graces us with an Amapiano mix in the first installment of the Sound Nation Essential Mix. 

Tracklist: 

My First Song by Jay Z

We Are All In This Together by High School Musical Cast 

Memories by David Guetta ft, Kid Cudi

This episode was long overdue. He is not only one of my favorite producers but he is someone I have followed from when he was making beats under a different pseudonym to him having a grammy nomination. It is none other than the man and the legendary, Kaytranada.

Tracklist: 

The Recipe by Aluna & Kaytranada ft.Rema 

January by Disclosure (Kaytranada Edition) 

Vivid Dreams by Kaytranada 

Freefall by Kaytranada

It’s the end of the month which means its back to the segment Straight Outta the 254! We are back again to look at some of the jams that have come out in the past month.

Tracklist: 

1. Sota by Rekles ft. Mejja

2. Wagithomo by Joefes & Fathermoh 

3. Makofi by GWASH ft. K4kanali & MastarVk 

4. Narejea Kwako by Daddy Owen

5. I’m Sorry by Boutross

6. Missed Call by Breeder LW 

7. Wanjiku by Ochungulu Family 

8. Lela by Octopizzo 

9. Ukimwona by H_ART THE BAND 

10. Jamila by Otile Brown ft. Reekado Banks 

11. Leo by Ssaru & Mejja 

12. Si Kama by Sultan Wa Pwani 

13. One Day by Radical ft. Mr. Seed 

14. NYE by Willy Paul & Mejja 

15. LIMBO by Mbogi Genje & Wakali Wao & Kingpheezle

16. Double It by Barak Jacuzzi & Steph Kapela 

17. Bado Mapema by Blinky Bill 

Its Nen! I am back again on our 20th episode! I know you missed me but I shall be here once a week to showcase my favorite artisits.

On today’s episode, I shall discuss arguably German’s most famous electro producer and dj Zedd.

Tracklist: 

Clarity ft. Foxes by Zedd

Stay the Night ft. Gemma Hayes by Zedd 

Inside Out ft. Griff by Zedd 

Good Thing ft. Kehlani by Zedd 

Stay ft. Alessia Cara by Zedd

On Today’s episode we shall explore the organic, wordy, and literate hip-hop group created by Casyo "Krept" Johnson and Karl "Konan" Wilson.

Tracklist: 

Wo Wo Wo by Krept & Konan

My Story by Krept & Konan 

G Love ft. Wizkid by Krept & Konan 

Pour Me Another One by Krept & Konan

On this episode we shall look into the electronic grooves of trance music group legends Above & Beyond.

Tracklist: 

Keyboard Cowboys by Boomjinx & Andrew Bayer 

The Taxi Driver by Andrew Bayer 

Counting Down The Days ft. Gemma Hayes by Above & Beyond 

Cirlces by Thomas Schwarz 

England by Andrew Bayer 

Sahara by Nick Sember

On Today’s episode, we shall take a deep dive into a Congolese Musical Legend in Madilu System.

Tracklist: 

RTC Riva 

Aminata 

Mamou (Tu Vois) ft. Madilu System by Franco

Sansa Ya Papier

Introducing the all new co-host of Sound Nation, Nen!

On today’s episode we shall look into the alternately dreamy and danceable, falsetto-driven electropop confections that BORNS has had to offer us.

Tracklist: 

Fool 

Dopamine 

American Money 

Overnight Sensation

On today’s episode we shall delve into the sounds coming from the Southern part of Africa to the beautiful and vocally talented Simmy with her sophomore album “Tugela Fairy Made of Stars”

Tracklist: 

Emakaya ft. Sun El Musician 

Imihla Nezalo 

Stay With Me 

Konke ft. S-Tone

Ubala ft. Sun El Musician 

On today's episode, we shall be looking at the latest EP from Smooth Trap House Jazz Criminal Masego. 

Tracklist: 

Mystery Lady ft. Don Toliver

Polygamy

Passport 

Veg Out

Mbilia Bel was Africa’s first female transcontinental diva. She became the first female musician from Africa who could claim popularity all over the entire continent and beyond. On Today’s episode we shall dig into the crates and explore her musical work.

Tracklist: 

Nakei Nairobi

Nadina 

Bayenga

Eswi Yo Wapi 

Mobali Na Ngai Wana

On Today’s episode we shall explore the funky grooves of  indie pop band JUNGLE

Tracklist: 

Heavy California 

Casio 

Cherry 

Beat 54

The man needs no introduction. On today's episode I am joined by none other than Toronto based Sound Engineer Danny! He talks to me about switching from doing medicine to ending up creating music with the likes of Aminé, Tiesto and much more. 

Tracklist: 

Don't You Worry Child by Swedish House Mafia 

All I see (Darius Remix) by Bondax 

My Reality by Amine 

Shimmy by Amine 

Supernatural (Pomo Remix) by AlunaGeorge

We have reached our 10th Episode!!! 

On Today’s episode we shall explore the alternative hip hop sounds of Muthoni Drummer Queen. 

Tracklist: 

Kenyan Message Remix

Suzie Noma

Nai Ni Ya Who 

Power

Building on the success from Sounds from the Other Side, WizKid has released his new album Made in Lagos where we shall be reviewing. 

All tracks played come from the album. 

Today we have Toronto based rapper Oseko on to talk about his life in Canada as a Kenyan and getting started in the Rap Industry.

On Today’s episode we shall delve into the electronic rhythms of duo Snakehips.

Tracklist: 

Cruzin ft St Rulez by Snakehips 

Warm Water Snakehips Remix by BANKS

On & On by  Snakehips

All My Friends ft. Chance The Rapper & Tinashe by Snakehips

Long Way (Too Much) by Snakehips

On Today’s episode we shall delve into the sound of London Native Sinead Harnett.

Tracklist: 

Boiling ft. Sinead Harnett- Disclosure

Days With You ft. Sinead Harnett- Snakehips

Baby ft. Sinead Harnett & MNEK- Rudimental

Stickin’ ft. Masego- Sinead Harnett

On today’s episode we shall look at some fresh tracks coming out of the 254 from Khaligraph Jones, Matata, Breeder and a few others. 

Tracklist: 

1. Zote- Scar MKADINALI
2. Kwendaa- Khaligraph Jones
3. Lewa - Parroty X Kabagazi X OneBoy X Mejja
4. FEMI ONE ft NVIIRI - KIPETERO KIYESU
5. MATATA - GENGETONE LOVE
6. Watoto Wa Mungu - Nonini ft Levis Brown
7. Nadia Mukami Ft Sanaipei Tande – Wangu
8. Kesho - Gabiro Mtu Necessary & Asen B
9. Amarwa - Miggy Champ
10. BAD GAL SHEE – FOOL
11. BREEDER LW - Mambo Shwari

Cover Art: Matata

Join Chacha as he interviews the growing talent of MiSTR. Make sure to follow MiSTR on all platforms, @mistrfromuganda. 

Happy Birthday!