Nairobi-born, Adelaide-based singer, rapper and producer, Elsy Wameyo recently announced the impending arrival of her debut EP, Nilotic on April 1 via Music in Exile. To coincide with the news, Elsy has shared her latest self-produced single, and self-directed video, “River Nile”. Directed and produced by Elsy herself, with co-direction by Leighton Bond, the striking visual sees a barrage of scenes as Elsy and friends embrace the spirit of the River Nile story, while standing firm in the track’s fierce call to action.
Elsy Wameyo says of the single, “‘River Nile’ was a revelation, a turning point which led me to understand who I truly am. I had been so weak, fighting a battle that was never mine. This song came about after I learnt how to strategically use the power within. I journeyed with this song to find a place of rest. I reached a level where I no longer had to work. Instead, I used the forces around me to gain altitude. The moment I found it, it was game over for everyone else.”
The new single, “River Nile” is defined by a low slung bass melody that darts back and forth with assured swagger. Elsy’s fire-speed raps and confident delivery is intermixed between choral shout-outs, taken from a chopped out sample. Tapping into an emboldened energy, Elsy was inspired by the beginning of the Nilotes journey while penning the track, furthered in today’s accompanying music video.
A bilateral journey of spirituality and personal growth, Elsy’s debut collection, ‘Nilotic’ attempts to claim back, fix and uproot the world’s evil while processing frustration and sadness through her music. Hailing from the Nilotic tribes of Kenya, and informed by an Adelaide upbringing and singing in church choirs from an early age, Elsy poses questions to heritage and the equity of societal structures as she unravels her self-identity across six self-produced tracks, due in April. In a voracious effort to understand and educate herself through years of relentless research, in-depth conversations and dedicated learning, Elsy applies her self-taught creative talents across production, songwriting and singing, to unravel her feelings and thoughts on what it means to be a Nilot in 2022 on tape.
Elsy says of the EP: “What you will hear is the journey of a confident, frustrated and sad Elsy attempting to heal within. What you won’t see is the spiritual journey I took with my Father to learn, through obedience and true faith, that I can do ALL things. This EP was never the point. Nilotic is just a byproduct of God’s grace in my life.”
“River Nile” follows on from the eponymously titled EP track, “Nilotic”. Released late last year, the track and its accompanying video co-directed by Elsy and award-winning director Richard Coburn, scored applause from the likes of triple j, NME, Purple Sneakers, community radio and more, alongside being named triple j’s Unearthed Feature Artist and Feature Video on Rage. Elsy has also been named among numerous 2022 ‘Ones to Watch’ lists, including Red Bull and triple j Unearthed.
As the self-assured vision of Elsy Wameyo continues to come to light, and the multi-talented creative prepares to share her deeply resonating debut Nilotic EP, soak up the magic in “River Nile” today.
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Featured Photo: Jefferson Ofesi (@jefferson.ofesi)
