Alikiba’s ‘Starter’ EP, a Bongo Flava feast for the soul

 The EP is a blend of emotions, featuring compelling beats, thought-provoking lyrics, and themes that delve into love.

 Whether you're single or embarking on a new relationship, the 20 minutes and 46 seconds of this EP will keep you smiling from start to finish, making it feel like you’ve stepped into Valentine’s Day.

 The EP opens with ‘Nahodha,’ meaning ‘Captain’. In this track, Alikiba explores the difficulty of believing he can love again after being deeply hurt by past relationships.

 With its gentle, soulful rhythm, the song evokes feelings of love and the thrill of starting fresh.

 The second track, ‘Top Notch,’ features Marioo and feels like a natural continuation of ‘Nahodha,’ with Marioo seamlessly picking up the message from the first song.

 Despite a shift in beat, the transition remains smooth, captivating listeners with its soothing rhythm.

 "Asubuhi ananiitaga mylove, mchana ananiitaga baby, usiku ananiitaga waubavu, alafu ninyimwe nini yeye ndio tamu yangu,’ translate to ‘In the morning, she calls me 'my love,' in the afternoon, she calls me 'baby,' and at night, she calls me 'rib.' So what could I deny her?" Marioo croons, opening the song with his soft vocals layered over a relaxed beat.

 This collaboration marks the third time these two artists have teamed up, and each time they’ve come together, they've produced love-themed hits.

 Marioo previously featured Alikiba on ‘Love Song’ last year, and when Alikiba released his hit ‘Sumu,’ he again brought Marioo in to lead the opening.

 In Kheri, translated as blessing, the third song, Alikiba continues to celebrate the beautiful woman he’s admired since the beginning.

 "Kukupata miujiza baby girl, umenituliza roho, natamani hii dunia ingekuwa yako,’ which in English means ‘Finding you is a miracle, baby girl, you’ve brought peace to my soul. I wish this world belonged to you," he sings, conveying that knowing her is a true blessing.

 Produced by Mocco, this track features a slightly altered beat with a danceable tempo, encouraging listeners to revel in the journey of love.

 Hatari, meaning danger in English, showcases a collaboration between Alikiba and Jaymelody—one that fans had been eagerly anticipating.

 This partnership has been skillfully crafted by producer GENIUSJINI X66, delivering a sound that fans have come to associate with Jay Melody.

 In this track, Alikiba reflects on how his ex-partner mistreated him during their relationship, leaving him feeling devalued.

 Meanwhile, Jay Melody adds his distinct flair to the song, reminiscent of the style he showcased in his album ‘Therapy.’

 With his vocal prowess, Jay Melody effortlessly collaborates with any artist, blending his music with rich Swahili essence and emotional lyrics.

 The fifth track, ‘Bailando,’ transports us to a Charanga-inspired vibe, making it feel as though we’re in Cuba.

 This collaboration marks the third time Nandy and Alikiba have teamed up, starting in 2020 with ‘Nibakishie’ and continuing with ‘Dah’ this year.

 Chibaba, the sixth track, highlights Alikiba’s continued praise for his partner with an upbeat, danceable rhythm.

 Occasionally, it evokes the feel of sebene, thanks to the way the instruments are played. It’s undoubtedly a song that could inspire numerous challenges on social media.

 The EP concludes with ‘Nahodha Acoustic,’ inspired by the original track’s strong positive reception shortly after its release.

 In just over 20 minutes, ‘Starter’ is a delightful tasting menu of Alikiba’s musical prowess.

 This EP isn’t just for the lovebirds; it’s for anyone who appreciates the beauty of connection in all its forms.

 Whether you’re dancing alone in your room or enjoying a cozy night in with loved ones, ‘Starter’ is the perfect EP to celebrate life and love.