Coke Studio Africa’s objective is to reinvent the way music captures the imagination and heart of the African continent. While celebrating African music talent, the show is using unique music mash ups by artistes from Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique to create something special this season. Allow me to dissect this musical journey for the Kenyan artistes, as this is my home country and the recording HQ of Coke Studio Africa.

This season, two Kenyan music groups: Elani and Sauti Sol are on the show for the first time. We were first introduced to Sauti Sol when the fresh-faced boys broke out with the hit track Lazizi off their first album. Since then, times have changed and their style has definitely evolved as can be witnessed in their more recent releases like Nishike and Isabella.

Watch Sauti Sol talk about breaking bad with the song Nishike on Coke Studio Africa Coke Tales

The three-member band Elani has also been in the music industry for a few years. It was the release of the Sauti Sol produced song Jana Usiku that cemented their place in Kenya’s music industry.

Watch the Unknown DJ-Produced mash up of Elani’s Milele and Chidinma’s Africa

Avril is a woman of many talents. Starting off her career as a musician, in 2011 she ventured into acting. She has since appeared in a few local productions and also starred in MTV series Shuga. On her first Coke Studio Africa stint, she worked with Nigerian rapper M.I – one of Africa’s best emcees.

Jua Cali - the veteran of the lot has been in the music business since early 2000s and broke out with his first single Ruka. Strongly identified as a street-smart rapper, he always delivers in both Swahili and Sheng. On this season he has been paired with Nigerian diva and award-winning female singer Yemi Alade. Wangechi on the other hand is the youngest of all, born in 1994. However her skill level proves that age ain’t nothing but a number.

Watch Yemi Alade and Jua Cali in the performance of the Mash Up Durotimi/Baba Yao produced by Silvastone

Finally, we have the Chocolate City siren Victoria Kimani who grew up in the US and Nigeria before returning to Kenya. Victoria was paired with Tanzania’s King Kiba this time round in what promises to be one of the hottest mash ups this season.

Watch Victoria Kimani and Alikiba mash up of Loving You/Dushelele produced by Owuor Arunga.

These Kenyans, just like the selection of the rest of the artistes from Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Mozambique represent a diverse slice of African music and genres. Keep it here on the Coke Studio Africa blog for more reveals.