Sauti Sol have kicked off 2018 with a bang, following the release of their second single off of their hotly anticipated album, ”Afrikan Sauce”. Their first single, “Melanin” ft Patornaking has been a huge hit receiving lots of love from fans and massive airplay. Sauti Sol’s second single, “Girl Next Door” was teased with a beautiful poster that announced the collaboration with Nigerian superstar, Tiwa Savage. I am a huge Tiwa fan and in case it wasn’t obvious by now, a huge Sauti Sol fan and I couldn’t wait to hear the combined magic the two would conjur up.

On first listen/watch, I was already jamming. The song is produced by Maleek Berry and written by Sauti Sol and Fena. It’s a laidback love song with a reggae vibe and memorable lyrics that grows on you. The boys, especially Bien, sound great and Tiwa comes through with her sultry sound. I love that the lyrics are in English and Swahili and Tiwa does not shy away from singing in Swahili.

The video was shot and directed by Unlimited LA and features a boy in love with the girl next door storyline starring Bien and Tiwa. It’s a cute storyline that features shots of Bien and Tiwa in their respective bedrooms thinking about their love for each other, and then meeting up outside to head out to a vibrant party. Although the video was shot in Nigeria, it has some quintessentially Kenyan elements.

The styling is gorgeous featuring Afro chic and punk elements. I love Chimano’s ‘Made in Kenya’ sweatshirt. Tiwa is rocking a blonde wig and camo jumpsuit and is ridiculously stunning. If this is a sign of what to expect off the ‘Afrikan Sauce’ album, I am even more excited. Sauti Sol are planning to release a collaboration with a different African artiste every month for the whole of 2018 and it’s a project to definitely look out for.

Fav lyrics: “On the down low, I’ve been loving eminado tangu enzi za maziwa ya Nyayo…”

Fav moment: Bien and Tiwa at the bottom of the stairs when they finally link up. Too cute.

Jam best for: Sending as a dedz to your crush. Shoot your shot 2018!

Rating: 4.5/5

Check out the ‘Girl Next Door’ video below.

mwendeJam of the WeekAfrikan Sauce,Bien,Fena,Girl Next Door,Maleek Berry,Melanin,Sauti Sol,Tiwa Savage
Sauti Sol have kicked off 2018 with a bang, following the release of their second single off of their hotly anticipated album, ''Afrikan Sauce'. Their first single, 'Melanin' ft Patornaking has been a huge hit receiving lots of love from fans and massive airplay. Sauti Sol's second single, 'Girl...