TRACK REVIEW: Rapassa Nyatrapasa Otieno – Unite

Rapassa Nyatrapasa Otieno’s new single is a rallying call to arms for unity, solidarity and collectivism. Developed through songwriting workshops in his native Kenya, Otieno takes an expansive approach incorporating elements of highlife and blues with joyous results. As with all of Otieno’s music, the virtuoso musician (he plays the nyatiti, a traditional eight-stringed lyre which originates from the shores of Nam Lolwe, Lake Victoria) finds inspiration in the traditional storytelling of the Lüo community.

At six minutes, Unite has a meditative groove that’s enough to get lost in, and Otieno’s message of collectivism and joy transcends language barriers. It’s a trip, and a very enjoyable one at that.