Kenyan-born rapper Elsy Wameyo’s career is a compelling study in hard work culminating into a confident and purposeful ascent. From the moment her critically acclaimed debut EP Nilotic arrived in 2022 she drew strong comparisons to artists like Little Simz and Lady Leshurr. Since then she has carved her own path in the music industry. That journey was solidified with the release of her debut album Saint Sinner in July of 2024, a release that affirmed her commercial appeal and critical respect while cementing her artistic self-possession. She has always been confident about her artistic path, declaring “Most underrated, never hated, still, am I not the GOAT” on Umva, the absolutely banging lead single from her debut album. Saint Sinner created a cultural bridge between her Kenyan roots and Australian upbringing while firmly imprinting her identity into the mind of the audience. This unwavering sense of self beautifully sets the stage for the release of her highly anticipated six-track EP, WAMEYO.
WAMEYO presents itself as a potent, focused statement of intent. It focuses on the core themes of identity and cultural duality that define the Kenyan-Australian artist’s work, offering a sharper extension of the spiritual guidance and deep introspection that was prevalent on Saint Sinner and the incisive social commentary she initiated on 2022’s Nilotic. Its brevity compared to her previous project could be seen as a constraint but it helps to elevate the quality of the EP, it is “all killer no filler”, six tracks that do not let up from the jump. It is a concentrated burst of artistic vision, keeping the listener engaged throughout the whole experience. Seemingly building on the strengths of her debut LP, there are no lulls on here, no stops to let your mind wander, the project engages the listener from the beginning and doesn’t let up until the final stop.
The EP unfolds with sublime efficiency, moving from the gritty Kenyan hip-hop sensibility of “On Me” which features a vintage Khaligraph Jones verse to the deep and somber reflection of growth of “Northside Kid” all the way to the alternative rap and Afro-R&B blends on “Jungle” which features Femi One (I love the Super Mario Bros sample here). This decisive and sharpened approach ensures every part of the project is impactful, presenting a cohesive portrait of Wameyo’s constantly evolving world.
Crucially, the project’s power is definitely rooted in the authentic traditional undercurrent and influences. Wameyo masterfully weaves melodic patterns, traditional sounds, and lyrical nods reflective of her Nilotic heritage and her experiences of Nairobi and Adelaide into a contemporary soundscape. This is far beyond light brushes over already established productions, instead she builds soundscapes with her cultural heritage in mind. Ululations, traditional instrumentation, and nods to Dholuo culture run through the EP, grounding Elsy’s assertion that she is the Nilot G. This foundational layer of her identity, provides the rich texture and profound cultural resonance that distinguishes her from her contemporaries. It frames her personal narrative within a greater context of community and tradition, adding depth and nuance to every bar.
Prolific Talent
A key factor in her rise is her proven, award-winning skill in the studio. Her technical mastery, evidenced by winning five South Australian Music (SAM) awards for Nilotic, including Best Studio Engineer and Producer. This mastery grants her total creative control on how she wants her music to sound. The hands-on expertise allows her unique fusion of hiphop, grime, drill, and traditional influences to feel organic and deliberate, not curated. This combination of artistic vision and technical execution is partnered with her deep introspection to create the shining moments that are generously sprayed in this project. Elsy’s introspective strength is best exemplified on the standout track “Northside Kid”. The song paints a vivid, bittersweet portrait of growing up in Adelaide, capturing the specific textures of time and memory. With sentimental clarity, Wameyo details the universal yet deeply personal challenge of outgrowing your environment and the friends you came up with, mapping the emotional journey of ambition and change onto her hometown:
“Straight back to the ends that made me great, northside got me here/ Tryna link with the bro’s but Lord knows it will never be the same”
It’s this ability to convey complex personal evolution with precision and poise that forms the foundation of her lyrical appeal and deepens the resonance of her projects and WAMEYO in particular. This fusion, which has been honed across the music scenes of Adelaide and Nairobi, has become her signature. While Hip Hop, Grime, and R&B form the modern architecture of her sound, it is the seamless integration of traditional African influences that gives it a unique, culturally grounded soul.
Collaborations
On WAMEYO, she leans fully into a hard-hitting, atmospheric direction, amplified by resonant East African collaborations. Features from Nairobi heavyweights Khaligraph Jones, Mr. Right and Femi One inject a palpable Kenyan energy and elevate the project into a space where any track can be considered a standout. No one comes out soft on the project, each bringing their A-game to offer an exhibition of some of Kenya’s more talented wordsmiths. Tracks like “On Me” and “Jungle” stand out as immediate highlights, they are polished, anthemic, and ready to become radio hits. It is only a matter of time before Wameyo is on heavy rotation on the airwaves.
Ultimately, WAMEYO is a vivid and thrilling albeit short listen. It flows with the confidence of an artist in full command of her story, offering up a collection of compelling beats and sharp, radio-worthy singles. While it leaves fans eagerly anticipating the next full chapter in the rapper’s career, it succeeds on its own terms. It is a concentrated and forceful affirmation of Elsy Wameyo’s unique position as an artist. It chronicles her journey, highlights her collaborative spirit, and delivers a refreshing and unique experience that both shines in the moment and promises even more exciting evolution ahead.
