John Oriwo, better known by his stage name Udulele, is a renowned artist who has received numerous awards for his exceptional talent as a singer, songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and audio engineer. He is popularly known as the father of Soulful Benga & Kantingwati rhythm/groove. Among his outstanding releases are Wakalala, Adungu Love, Subira, Lamu Tamu and others.

Udulele is characterized as an avid experimentalist whose evolution as a musician is steeped in Benga culture.

His latest release, Ololokwe, which doubles as his first EP after his album Soulful Benga Vol.1, is an incredible record featuring three well-curated tracks: Ololokwe, Koth Chwe, and the previously released single, Anyango.

Ololokwe demonstrates why Udulele is one of Kenya's most genuine artists in the thriving Kenyan music business.

Talking about the EP, Ololokwe is a project that explores the intersection of indigenous sounds, nature, people, and cultural stories. The 3-track EP seeks to create a healing, peaceful, and harmonious existence for all people. It imparts wisdom intended to uplift spirits and assist them in letting go of the old and evolving to become one with the world,” Udulele said.

The title Ololokwe stands for a Spiritual Mountain in Samburu, which Udulele described as his source of inspiration. Samburu's connection came in a dream. There, the mountain joined Udulele to harmonize on a song the latter was strumming on his guitar.

This EP features Kenyan sounds and rhythms -- drums, shakers, benga guitar picking, and vocals. It also incorporates spoken words sharing indigenous cultural stories, wisdom and East African folktale stories where nature and life remain recurring themes throughout the EP.

In conclusion, Ololokwe EP by Udulele is an introspective and interconnected musical journey. The first track, Ololokwe, holds a special significance, rooted in a dream that fostered a deep musical connection. Its arrangement is notably commendable.

Anyango delves into vulnerability and seeking forgiveness, addressing challenges many men face when accepting love. It confronts societal expectations with candor.

The last track, Koth Chwe, resonates universally, encapsulating the collective memory of East African tribes. Its essence lies in reminding us of our shared humanity and aims to be a catalyst for healing, reconnection, and transformation.

Produvers: Oduor Oriwo, Sidney Simila, Sjef Rolet

This is the cover art for the debut EP "Ololokwe," Kenyan singer and guitarist Udulele aka Father of soulful benga.

Udulele New Release: OLOLOKWE - EP REVIEW

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