You might know Gregory “Keke” Mabusela from lauded Afro-soul legends The Muffinz, but he’s striking out on his own under the moniker of KekeLingo – and Pula is his debut solo EP.
“Pula” translates as “rain” in KekeLingo’s native Setswana and the entire EP echoes a generations-long prayer for rain, one which is as synonymous with overarching African culture as is the rain itself.
Dexterous sonic diversity filters through, exhibiting KekeLingo’s various strengths alongside a company of award-winning artists and producers, as the title track opens things with a lulling undercurrent of rainfall, elevating the compelling ballad beyond its love-struck melodics.
“Jeteme”, featuring Mpho.wav and Zakes Bantiwini kicks things up a notch with progressive Afro-house tendencies, “ithemba” leans on rousing traditionalism alongside John Lundun and Leomile and Muneyi – while “Unale Gade”, featuring Nhlonipho, favours minimalism and and visceral percussion.
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The EP wraps up on “Pula Reprise”, looping in Dato Seiko for a gorgeous femme vocal counterpart to the swoony love song, lending the title track a final, fresh kick and wraps up an impressive solo debut.
Feature pic supplied by artist
