In the challenging landscape of mid-2020, as the world adjusted to the pandemic-induced lockdown, Maya Amolo made her delicate introduction to a jaded and hemmed-in audience with ‘Leave Me At The Pregame,’ a 7-track EP that exuded a striking poignancy and melancholy that was fit for the times. The project was immediately well received, shooting up the No. 1 spot on Kenya’s Apple Music R&B charts shortly after its release. 

In the years that followed, Amolo continued to establish herself as one of Kenya’s most promising rising stars, releasing her impressive debut album ‘Asali,’ and an equally sturdy deluxe version, which highlighted her clever songwriting skills and minimalist take on R&B. It wasn’t, however, until 2024’s ‘What A Feeling,’ that she truly began to show some dynamism, exploring a few Dance subgenres that gave her music a more effervescent edge. 

In an interview from earlier in the year, Amolo revealed how her home city, Nairobi, inspired much of ‘What A Feeling.’ ‘So much of how I’ve been experiencing Nairobi has been through nightlife, and with What a Feeling, I wanted to make an album that shows that.’ Cuts like the House-inspired “Let It Flow” and the self-produced title track, both of which bubble with hedonistic fervour, capture the vibrancy of a city that comes alive after sundown while also highlighting Amolo’s desire to explore sonically. 

On her latest album, ‘The Sweetest Time,’ she dedicates a few more numbers to this exploration, showcasing versatility and, perhaps more importantly, a desire to grow artistically. The album’s highlight, “Hocus Pocus,” comes as a result of this exploration, taking inspiration from Brazil’s Baile Funk to create something refreshing and infectious. 

At just under two minutes, Amolo manages to make “Hocus Pocus” the album’s most seductive offering, as she sings of herself like a dangerous enchantress. ‘Look at me like you want all the smoke,’ she bellows softly on the track’s opening lines, setting the tone for a sexy and hypnotic cut that manages to be both subtle and bold at the same time. 

Along with Amolo’s slightly muted sonic exploration, another one of her latest album’s highlights is her assertive tone, which is evidenced across several tracks, especially on “Hocus Pocus.” While the Kenyan singer may project an image of sweetness and charm, her latest batch of songs reveals she’s as clear-eyed and astute as she’s ever been. ‘Angel face, but please don’t be deceived,’ she warns over CAP’s percussion and moody synths. 

Pre-released singles like the title track, “Guidance,” and new cuts like “Hollon” and the AYLØ-assisted “I Like It” appear to be early favourites on the album, further consolidating the singer’s reputation as one of the most promising R&B voices on the face of the continent. “Hocus Pocus,” however, gives a hint at where the Kenyan star could be headed sonically in the future, even as she continues to evolve and showcase different sides to her artistry. 

Listen to ‘The Sweetest Time‘ here.