Wambura Mitaru – “Shoulder Brother”

SXSW 2020 – OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Natalie Cole, Miriam Makeba, Erykah Badu 

Talent and eclecticism are what shine in Wambura Mitaru’s still limited catalogue. Not surprising, given that Mitaru has the distinction of being the first African female to win a full scholarship at the Berklee College of Music after a childhood of training in classical music. Her music fuses traditional Kenyan sounds with funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and hip hop, often switching back and forth within songs.  She has a powerful emotive voice which she uses to strong effect on her several Whitney Houston-esque torch songs. To this reviewer’s ear, however, her more unique contributions are her soul numbers that meld a Diana Ross throwback sound with her Kenyan roots, such as the standout “Shoulder Brother,” and one or two songs that mix in some hip hop vocals such as “Enda Kwenda.”  Although Mitaru is still experimenting with how to deploy her ample talents and creativity, she is an artist to watch as she continues to refine her signature sound(s). (David Zlotnick)