Song covers are usually designed to add a different but creative twist to their original song versions. While some song covers have been average, there are covers that have earned more popularity than their original versions.
The music cover scene in Kenya is growing steadily with both upcoming and established acts partaking of this creative side of the industry. Below are some music cover suggestions by Kenyan artistes to spruce up your playlist:
Work Cover – Fena Gitu
This is cover from Rihanna and Drake’s song Work. Fena’s version is very lyrical with a Kenyan touch. She also flaunts her musical versatility as she sings and raps in this track. It is definitely a song that you want to jam to while chilling with your squad.
Shape of You Amerucan Mash Up – Kochdoer & The Dayantis
Comprised of Lorna Makena, Brian Murangiri, Kanoti and music producer Kochdoer, this group is a mashups and covers trendsetter in Kenya. The Shape of You Amerucan Mashup is a blend of lyrics from a number songs such Wild Thoughts, Gentleman, Leg Over, Girl A Bubble, Chuki, Twilight and Mfalme Wa Mpenzi among others on one beat.
Suh Different Malkia Katee
This is a cover of Patoranking’s song Suh Different. Malkia Katee’s sultry voice makes this version of the song very catchy. The beat does compliment her vocals. Malkia Katee is on the steady rise courtesy of her creative song covers.
Hayawani Cover – Keam Kym & Melifla
This is one of the most popular covers in Kenya. It is a reggae version of Nyashinki’s Hayawani. The beat has a slight tempo than the original version and blends well with Keam Kym’s voice. This is the perfect track to uplift your spirit. Keam adds a fresh Reggae flavor to every cover that he touches.
Brown Skin Girl – Ivlyn Mutua
This is an upbeat raga version of Beyonce, Blue Ivy, Saint Jhn and Wizkid’s Brown Skin Girl. Ivlyn takes it away with her impressive vocal range and creative lyrical input. The irresistible beat will take you straight to the dance floor.
You Are The Reason – Nikita Kering’ Ft Raphael Nganga
This is a duet version of Calum Scott’s You Are The Reason. Nikita and Raphael’s voices blend well over the piano melody. Their vocals are so divine making this one of the most beautiful covers of this track ever done.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apScK9SJM9w
Zaidi – Ivyln Mutua
What is a power playlist without a gospel song? This is a Swahili version of Excess Love by Mercy Chinwo. Ivlyn Mutua’s lungs must be made of steel as she delivers a show-stopping performance of this song with her impeccable vocal range.
El Shaddai – Bensoul
This is another gospel song that will spruce up the cover playlist. It is an acoustic version of H_Art The Band and Cedo’s El Shaddai. Bensoul’s guitar and vocal ability on this cover will calm you down in a special way.
Hello – Dela
Produced by Fancy Fingers, Webi and Andrew Wanjohi this is arguably one of the most classic covers ever done by Kenyan. It is a Swahili version of Adelle’s popular song Hello. Dela does a stupendous job as far as the vocals on this cover are concerned. Her precise translation of the lyrics is also very impressive.
Chuki – Phy
This is a cover of Wyre’s Chuki. Even though the beat is noticeably different from the original version, Phy sprays nothing but pure awesomeness on all the vocal aspects of this cover. The message and emotion of the song is still strong in her cover. Definitely a special cover.
Enjoy your spruced up playlist.
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