There are some simple ticks you have to cross off the list when marking out what makes good electronic music; transitions, bass drops, melody layers and how well the harmony of synths and poly-rhythms works. For Kah-lo the purpose of the electronics is subverted for something rather ingenious: a monotonous music style that allows her voice reign supreme on the droning instrumentals her nursery rhyme rap style is built around. When it comes together, Kah-Lo’s style falls somewhere between heavy dancefloor heater and funky elevator music, either way, the full affect could have you hitting the replay button for hours on end. This composition technique already been proven to work on “Rinse and Repeat”, her Grammy-nominated collaborative work with collaborator Riton — who is also credited for her new single “Fasta”.

“Fasta” as the name implies thrives on an inherently pacy arrangement. The description of how to go ‘Fasta’ is understandably suggestive but in Kah-Lo’s uber relaxed world, even eroticism requires just about the same amount of mid energy as the way the words ‘open close, fasta, fasta’ roll off her tongue. “Fasta” is subtly tinged with feel of a folk children stepping game involving claps and quick footwork. Though a vocal refrain on the bridge insists she takes ‘de dancing serious’ , “Fasta” leans mostly into this playful theme. Ultimately, this is music intended for mood setting, you’ll come to terms with this on your nth replay. Thank me later.

---

Toye is the Team lead at Native Nigeria. Tweet at him @ToyeSokunbi

---

ICYMI: 5 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Kah-Lo