If you thought “Mbe Omukhasi” was a one off punt, “Khalinjola” screams: this is it! This is Steve Kay. At one time, that was just a name lost among the bevy of young Bukusu musicians seeking to take over Bukusu folk music. Today, it’s a brand that’s pushing the boundaries of Bukusu and Luhya music.
Just in case you thought “Mbe Omukhasi” was too brave. That’s it’s play on boomba music and Bukusu folk music was exciting; then you’ll find “Khalinjola” and its toying with Ohangla, Caribbean Salsa and Bukusu folk music mind blowing. Granted, with Khalinjola there is a hint of rushed delivery. Possibly a restrictive budget too. But creatively, I assure you, Steve Kay and his team held nothing back. However, unlike the finely refined “Mbe Omukhasi“, Khalinjola leaves one with ‘that’ feeling of all things experimental. That discomfort of different stylistic elements getting in each other’s way stalks the listener. Admittedly, not all the time, but a little bit here and there.
Khalinjola (n)
Translation: The One Who Fits Me
With Khalinjola, one Is left craving for litungu
Moreover, the lukewarm reception that this sequel to “Mbe Omukhasi” received might have to do with habit rather than delivery. With the almost complete abandonment of a stylistic element that we’d come to love about his music, Steve Kay leaves us craving for more. Save for use of Lubukusu, there is scarcely any hint of the traditional in “Khalinjola”. To Steve Kay (if you are reading this or if a handler is ,please pass on the message), we humbly ask of you to bring back the roots to your music. We loved that about you. They way you would take us home whenever you strung on the litungu.
As regards what this means for the Steve Kay brand, this ballad further cements it as exciting. An experimental brand always serving up a treat. Consistency is key for this Luhya music sensation is to walk with legends. To patronize the hallowed paths trodden by the likes of Wanjala Okumu, Isaac Kisache and Wasike Wa Musungu , Steve Kay has to be true to his style. But for his chosen style of meddling with the greys and flirting with the uncharted, consistency will mean more of the same. More of luhya music that fuses with classic and contemporary genres. More of “Khalinjola” please.
