- Renowned Kenyan musician Yusuf Kombo, also known as Susumila, has released a highly anticipated collaboration with Watu Wazim, a long-established music trio from the coast.
- Titled “Wanasubiri Remix,” the song is a classic hit from Susumila’s extensive catalog, originally produced over seven years ago.
- This is the latest installment in a series of intentional collaborations between artists from the “golden era” of the coastal music industry.
- Nostalgic fans identify this era as spanning the mid-2000s to the early 2010s, before the major rise of social media, content sharing, and online streaming services in Kenya.
- Susumila has been reigniting the spark of his past hits, including “Sianzi Leo,” for which he recently released a remix featuring the skilled singer Happy C.
- Other similar works that have captured the airwaves include “Nawaka” remix by Jacugaz and “Hapo” remix again featuring Susumila and Happy C.
Behind the Remix: Unpacking the Chemistry Between Susumila and Watu Wazim
The remix is yet another masterful display of the artists’ camaraderie, built over decades of close friendship.
It was overseen by prominent Kenyan producer JCrack, who runs the Crack Sound Music Studio in Kilifi town.
Crack is a talented producer widely credited with shaping Pwani’s “golden era,” thanks to his work with artists such as Escobar Babake, Jacugaz, and others.
Master Wazim, the lead singer of Watu Wazim, delivers the first verse, while the other two members, Mfalme Mooher and Nas-b, contribute additional lyrical depth to the track.
Susumila takes on the chorus, reviving the original vibe of the song as it was delivered eight years ago.
Receipts from the Fanbase
Barely a day after its release, the song has been well received by a section of listeners, who have described it as a breath of fresh air following Watu Wazim’s extended hiatus from the music scene.
While Master continued to release music sporadically, Mfalme Mooher had been working in Qatar. As for the more reserved Nas-b, little is known about his recent activities.
Others have, however, criticized the proliferation of remixing old songs, noting that it indicates dwindling levels of creativity by the artists.
Responding to a fan, Mooher wrote, “Remember, musicians compose music based on their feelings and perspectives; fans are an afterthought. It is up to the listener to relate to the music. If you don’t relate to the song, ignore it and mind your business!”
The song has been uploaded to streaming platforms including YouTube, Apple Music, Boomplay, and Spotify.
Getting to Know Yusuf Kombo (Susumila)
A standout star from the Kenyan coast, Susumila has successfully expanded his influence throughout the country.
He has built his career on a firm mastery of the Swahili and Mijikenda culture, a unique skill that has been key to his success in the music scene.
In a past media interview, Susumila recounted his journey starting as a part-time producer at an obscure studio in Mombasa’s Mtopanga neighborhood.
His utter curiosity about music guided him through the mechanics of music production, beat making, songwriting, and vocalizing.
During his brief early stint in the studio, a young Kombo recorded himself several times, switching between the recording booth and the console to refine his sound.
He successfully produced one song titled “Siasa Duni,” which was a deep reflective piece of Kenya’s political scene at the time.
According to Susumila, the song was released during the 2007/08 election campaign season, leading to invitations to perform at various political rallies.
At one of his performances, the Kenyan crooner was reportedly asked to perform the song five times in a row, as charged crowds couldn’t get enough of it.
He recalled arriving late to the political rally where he was scheduled to perform, just as the politicians were preparing to leave.
However, the energy and excitement he sparked with the song drew them back, prompting the politicians to return to the stage, eager not to miss the moment.
Associates of then-Kisauni parliamentary aspirant and future Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho recognized Susumila’s talent and offered him his first real break in Kenya’s unpredictable music industry.
Using his newfound political connection, Mr. Kombo fully embraced his talent, going on to produce timeless tracks such as “Ngangari Kinoma,” “Sonona,” “Ngoma Itambae,” “Haki Iko Wapi,” among others.
His working relationship with Mr. Joho would pay big dividends later, brokering collaborations with heavy-hitters from Tanzania, including Mbosso Khan and LavaLava from the Wasafi Record Label.
Today, Susumila is seen as a key power broker in Mombasa’s music scene, wielding significant influence through his close ties with Mining Cabinet Secretary A.H. Joho and other prominent coastal figures.