Sarafina: A Fresh Amapiano Sound from Art.mos.phere and ZikiNero
By Presta, 2 August 2024
Kenyan-US based artist Art.mos.phere, in collaboration with his younger brother and producer ZikiNero, has released an exciting new track titled “Sarafina.”
The song, which draws inspiration from the iconic South African movie “Sarafina” starring Whoopi Goldberg, showcases a fresh Amapiano sound that Art.mos.phere was eager to explore.
He explains that the beat, crafted by ZikiNero, immediately resonated with him, and it took him less than 15 minutes to write the entire song. Art.mos.phere, intrigued by the potential of this South African genre, decided to bring a Kenyan touch to it, aiming to expand the horizons for Kenyan music.
Art.mos.phere ’s musical journey began in his childhood, heavily influenced by his father, Emoro, who took him to studio sessions and introduced him to the world of music. Growing up, Art.mos.phere started writing gospel songs and recording at his father’s studio in Kayole.
Moving to the US necessitated an evolution in his style to appeal to a new demographic while maintaining authenticity. This blend of influences is evident in “Sarafina,” a track that he believes has the potential to elevate their music to the next level.
The collaboration between Art.mos.phere and ZikiNero has always been a source of creativity and success. Their deep understanding of each other’s musical vision allows them to produce hits consistently.
With “Sarafina,” they aspired to create something special that would resonate both locally and internationally. Both artists share a dream of putting Kenyan music on a global platform, inspired by their admiration for the Kenyan group Camp Mulla.
Art.mos.phere encourages aspiring musicians to persistently chase their dreams, reflecting on how his perseverance led to significant milestones, including the opportunity to meet one of his favorite West African artists, Tekno. “Sarafina” is not just a song; it’s a testament to their dedication and passion for music.