Esabalu (Jenn Mundia) is an up-and-coming singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. Not too long ago, she released a lovely neo-soul tune, entitled, “Something,” with Cottage Sounds Unlimited and Charlie Rauh. The track was produced by Charles Newman and the drums were tracked by Butch Norton (Eels, Lucinda Williams, Rufus Wainwright).
Esabalu – “Something” single
“‘Something’ is a song that I wrote with my friends Charlie Rauh, and Charles Newman (of Cottage Sounds Unlimited) last year shortly after moving to LA after eight years in New York. I was trying to find my footing in this new city in the midst of the pandemic and decided to look for progress, rather than perfection. This song is all about rolling the windows down and letting time take time. I hope that anyone listening to this tune comes to realize that what is meant to be will be. So you better enjoy what you’ve got while you’ve got it.” – Esabalu explained
‘Something’ contains a thought-provoking narrative, ear-pleasing soul vocals, and tuneful melodies. The mellow tune possesses tasty guitar and bass-laden instrumentation flavored with neo-soul and contemporary R&B elements. Furthermore, “Something” was recently placed in the new Toni Braxton Lifetime movie, entitled, “Fallen Angels Murder Club: Heroes and Felons.” Also, the song serves as a tasty appetizer to what listeners can expect to hear on Esabalu’s upcoming album. The project will highlight her exuberance, bond to her roots, and ability to deliver a diverse range of sounds that listeners can connect to.
“You’ll see, just look. This life’s an open book. If something’s right, won’t happen overnight.”
Jenn Mundia’s father grew up in Esabalu, a remote western Kenyan village that sits directly on the equator. Jenn’s parents raised their young daughter on the US east coast, in a first-generation immigrant household. Proud of their Kenyan roots and spirituality, Jenn grew up singing hymns in church and found admiration for gospel music, contemporary pop music, and songwriting, all while keeping her African roots close by.
After releasing two full-length albums under her given name, the aspiring Brooklyn songstress performed for Sofar Sounds and B-Side, as well as performing as a backing vocalist with Kacey Musgraves, Bastille, and Wallows on primetime stages such as Saturday Night Live and Jimmy Fallon. But it was when Jenn traveled to Africa to visit her grandma in Esabalu that the Berklee grad was compelled to make a massive pivot in her own songwriting career.
Esabalu
When she arrived at the small village in western Kenya, the local Esabalu community welcomed Jenn and her brothers by singing and dancing as they entered the town. The music-centric homecoming sparked an overwhelming love that inspired Jenn to embrace her family’s homeland and don an entirely new artist project aptly named Esabalu. Esabalu’s music is an eclectic amalgamation of deep world music mixed with contemporary R&B/pop.
Esabalu – “Wildfire” music video
Esabalu’s debut track, “Wildfire,” is a vibey slow jam that wrestles with fiery and passionate emotions innate in modern relationships. The sultry tune contains similar feels to a deep lovestruck cut from the ‘80s. Her second single, “Where Our Dreams Begin,” taps into an entirely different energy, with Esabalu’s soaring vocals bringing a rush of positivity, hope, encouragement, and self-confidence. The sheer emotional and sonic difference between “Where Our Dreams Begin” and “Wildfire” are what make Esabalu so exciting.
“Something” single
“Something, is better than nothing. You better get your something if you don’t want to end up with nothing. Cool nights, warm dreams, you got to get your win. It’s yours you see if you know how to handle it right here for free. What you want is in your reach.” – lyrics
We recommend adding Esabalu’s “Something” single to your favorite neo-soul playlist. Also, let us know how you feel about it in the comment section below. Mel Blanc’s famous catchphrase, “That’s All Folks!” Thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment – the hot spot for new music. Always remember that (P) Positive, (E) Energy, (A) Always, (C) Creates, (E) Elevation (P.E.A.C.E). Contact us on social media via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, and let us know what’s going on. “Disclaimer: This post contains Apple TV and Apple Music affiliate links. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.