VICTORIA KIMANI “SPIRIT ANIMAL”
On her fourth – and notably, her most creative, studio album, the talented Nairobi-based singer/songwriter effortlessly fuses AfroPop, R&B and Afrobeats to create another Pan-African body of work featuring artists and producers from every corner of the African continent.
As illustrated in the accompanying artwork and official press photos, Victoria’s spirit animal is the Zebra. Though not the king of the jungle, the Zebra is exceptional. Its key attributes include Balance, Freedom, Individuality, Community, Stamina, Uniqueness, and Endurance, precisely the energy Kimani pulled from to complete every aspect of this album.
The story behind the intense journey to create a Pan-Afric/Global sounding album could only have been guided through the spirit and empowered to persevere and push through the day to day African struggles, the global pandemic and life-changing lessons, all while dancing through it all.
‘SPIRIT ANIMAL’ features a host of exciting collaborators. Amongst some key established names, it also includes contributions from buzzing newcomers such as Ghana’s Kidi, who has been topping the charts across the continent with hits such as “Say Cheese” and the tik-toc fan fave, “Touch It”, their collaboration “Long Distance” is already a playlist must-have.
Nigeria’s Bella Shmurda is easily the top 5 most exciting new artists in Nigeria, and he shuts it down on club banger “Gimme Money”. One of Africa’s most prominent female artists, Yemi Alade, also features shaking “Spider” on the dancefloor. The fun concept of the spider dance came when Yemi Alade was supporting Kimani’s Countrywide Kenyan tour in 2018. Elsewhere Davido’s DMW signed artist Peruzzi features on “I Called” – a nostalgic Afropop classic, fusing Swahili, English and Pidgin. One of Kenya’s most popular boybands, H_Art The Band, sweetly serenade in Swahili on “Champion Lover” whilst “Diamonds” features South African rap star Priddy Ugly who offers his untouchable wordplay to the confidence-boosting record. South Africa’s undeniable Amapiano wave is also present in “Pole Pole” – where Kimani encourages her fans to take it one day at a time when working towards success. “Roses” features the powerful vocals of renowned Amapiano super-star Lady Du and Bittersoul on the production.
Victoria Kimani soars solo on the sexually healing “Remedy” – be sure to check the link further below to watch the music video for the projects’ lead single, which showcases her Kikuyu culture through fashion. “Most Wanted” and “Fire Dancer” are also both stand out genre-defining records with massive crossover appeal Kimani’s signature R&B and Afro-Pop vibes genuinely shine here. Throughout the project, you hear how she has allowed her Kenyan heritage to influence the sound direction of this album. The accompanying artwork and visuals further cement this intentional direction.
Victoria Kimani indeed continues to put Kenya on the global map with yet another classic body of work.
SPIRIT ANIMAL IS OUT NOW AND AVAILABLE ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE.
“Spirit Animal” is distributed by Benin City Entertainment in partnership with AWAL, a Sony Music Entertainment company.
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VICTORIA KIMANI “SPIRIT ANIMAL”
