Following the success of his charismatic release‘Ndutu O Mulema’and afro jazz track
‘Mbana Wema’, which has accumulated over 21,000 streams on Spotify alone, the
jazz artist and producer Bachot Muna is set to release his upcoming single
‘Mukonge the Frog’ Inspired by an African legend. Bachot Muna uses the art of
storytelling and tradition to connect with listeners.
“Mukonge the Frog’is all about an African legend, full of meaning, messages and
African wisdom.”explains Bachot Muna. The song tells the story of a frog, dressed
in a suit, who goes to court with his friend, the toad dressed in tie against the
woman. Proud of their appearance, money, power and confident demeanor, they’re
shocked to find the judge rule in favor of the woman. The moral of the song is to
avoid vanity and stay humble, because we all live and die the same. Power and
money will not protect you or keep you from death’s door.
Accompanying the African legend is the sonic fusion of jazz and dance music.
Building the foundation of the track is the electric organ and piano, underpinned by
a bass guitar and a buoyant rhythm throughout. Bachot Muna’s vocals ascend on
the track, weaving the folktale through jazz infused instrumentation. As ‘Mukonge
the Frog’ continues, it adopts a contemporary style rhythm section that uplifts the
song with further vibrancy and energy. Featuring two geniuses of African music:
Rene Calvin on the Bass, and Djubebe Kalume on the guitar.
Bachot Muna has always pushed boundaries and experimented with his creativity.
He grew up with music, learning to play the piano by innovatively drawing a
keyboard on to paper to teach himself. Through memorizing melodies, he was able
to develop his skills as a musician, when he would later join a band called Man-Walk.
Alongside this musicianship, he became a sound engineer and producer, which
enabled him to create his fourth album ‘Africa Sa.’
Whatever project Bachot Muna undertakes, he does so wholeheartedly, bringing his
listeners together through spirited songwriting and colorful compositions, and
‘Mukonge the Frog’ is certainly no exception.