Angell Mutoni, often dubbed the Erykah Badu of Rwandan rap, has been a consistent presence in Rwanda's rap scene since 2014. In an industry where female representation faced challenges, Angell persevered, evolving her craft and continuing to make waves in 2023. While she might not be a household name, you've likely encountered her music at some point, even though she primarily raps in English, which can be a disadvantage in Rwanda. Beyond rap, Angell is known for her poetry, freestyles (a skill she demonstrated back in 2014 on the popular TV show Code250), and podcasting. Angell is a versatile artist who has experimented with various subgenres of rap, including old-school hip-hop, trap, afrobeats, and drill, all while staying true to her unique sound. Her latest collaboration with Dr. Nganji of Green Ferry Music (GFM), a producer who played a significant role in shaping Rwanda's rap scene, offers a glimpse into her evolution. Dr. Nganji, known for co-founding the Kinyatrap subgenre, has left a mark on Rwanda's rap landscape. In 2015, he, along with artistes like Bushali, Icenova, Mazimpaka Prime, Maktain, Pogatsa, Clout, among others, introduced a new sound that merged old-school rap and trap. This sound later became known as Kinyatrap, and by 2018, it was taking the charts by storm. Artistes like Bushali and B-Threy, who were under GFM management, released albums produced by Dr. Nganji, setting the stage for a new generation of rappers who brought fresh perspectives to the rap scene. An intriguing Extended Play (EP) collaboration The opening track, Step in Like exudes a freestyle vibe rather than a structured track, setting the tone with its downbeat melody that allows Angell's voice to shine. The self-assured hook chants, Step in like uh, Take 'em down, yeah, we check 'em like uh, Cruisin like uh, Hold it down, 'cause we poppin like uh. In the initial verse, Angell channels motivation through her poetic verses. As we progress to the second verse, the poetic essence continues, but this time it delves into the theme of societal expectations, hinting at the pressures to fail. Angell declares her refusal to succumb to these pressures, resulting in an overall motivational and empowering composition. Moving on to the second track, Pale Pale, featuring Mazo, this song caters to the romantics among us. Both rappers craft verses that allude to their presence and affection for a loved one. The recurring Swahili phrase Niko Pale, meaning I'm there, means they’re committed. Angell's verse maintains a relatively Parental Guidance (PG) tone, employing censored poetry that may leave younger listeners oblivious to its subtleties. However, those in the know will discern her intention as she hints at allowing her love interest to take the lead and indulge in intimate desires. The chorus finds the duo going back and forth, reaffirming their mutual support and presence for one another. Mazo's verse adds a layer of flirtation, with compliments and requests for consent, making it clear that Pale Pale is intended for a mature audience. Next up, we have Get Low, featuring E.T Ndahigwa. This song introduces a distinctive beat that carries hints of blues, complete with the resonant tones of trumpets or violins. Angell immerses herself in the atmosphere of a party, singing of her penchant for being surrounded by beautiful women who effortlessly bring energy to the festivities. Their sole desires are shots and love, and Angell confidently declares herself a legend and a classic. She asserts her ability to obtain whatever she desires and even throws in some verses about dance moves and the excitement of club life. E.T enters the scene with his commanding, deep voice, urging Angell to get low and unwind as he establishes his dominance, manhood, and fame. The synergy between these two artistes is palpable throughout the track, and this chemistry is particularly evident in the final 15 seconds. Fourth track is titled Hit It, featuring Lagum The Rapper. As the music begins, you'll notice a beat reminiscent of something Wizkid might hop on—a slow, Afro-inspired rhythm. In this track, Angell takes a departure from her usual rap style and delves into singing, delivering beautiful vocals I might add. The chorus of Hit It is particularly catchy and tends to linger in your mind: Are you with it, come and get it, go on and make a move, Imma dig it, give you the digits, go easy with it, I’m just tryna take a ride, get the gas, hit it. Lagum The Rapper, joins the song with full confidence, stating that he's ready to hit it. He suggests they remove any training wheels if she's interested, he also has willingness to pursue her. Upon listening to this track, you might find yourself pondering its metaphors. Are they discussing cars and races, or is there a hidden meaning beneath the surface? Lastly, we arrive at the final track, Iby' ejo n' ibyejo, a song that exudes a hakuna matata vibe. The beat is infused with hints of electric guitars, accompanied by a rhythmic pulse of 808 drums and kicks. It's yet another slow-paced composition, which, interestingly, happens to be my favorite on the album. This is a bit peculiar since I'm not typically a fan of slower sounds, but there's something about this melodic rap track. Angell's vocals shine as she croons, I've been feeling all mellow, who cares where the wind blows, tomorrow things are for tomorrow people, gotta let it go. Her message is clear: don't be overly concerned about the uncertainties of tomorrow; instead, live in the moment. It's a reminder that your time will come when it's meant to. Throughout the song, Angell's verses are emotionally charged and reveal a deeper truth. She shares that she's been gazing out of her window, feeling confined, as if she's on trial with herself. She's carried burdens for too long, feeling trapped in a never-ending rut. In the second verse, she pushes herself forward, acknowledging her worth and self-belief. She strives to see things from a different perspective, taking life one day at a time. Back in the studio, she feels both heavenly and weighed down, as if she's living the same story with a different title. My thoughts: The EP presents a fresh and distinctive musical experience, a departure from the upbeat rap songs that have become so commonplace in today's music scene. A glimpse of something real and raw, setting it apart from Angell's previous releases and the current musical trends, props to Angell, Nganji, Raymond Shema and Serge Paul.
