Kenyan singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Bensoul has unveiled his latest album, 'Flight 420', comprising 13 tracks that showcase his growth and creative freedom. The album's release follows a listening party held in Nairobi on 27 October, marking a new chapter in Bensoul's musical journey. 'Flight 420' seamlessly blends reggae-inspired sounds with Afrosoul and Afropop influences, reflecting Bensoul's eclectic style and musical identity.
For Bensoul, 'Flight 420' is an exercise in documenting life as it happens, drawing from personal experiences, relationships, and changing emotions that have shaped his journey. The album explores themes of growth, joy, and pursuing meaningful life experiences. Bensoul approaches the project as a reflection of his current state, acknowledging that growth is about appreciating the present and working towards the future. He emphasizes the importance of embracing life's simple pleasures and finding joy in everyday moments.
Reggae provides a central influence on 'Flight 420', but Bensoul's approach is not about recreating existing sounds. Instead, he fuses his style with inspirations from various genres and cultures, reflecting his curiosity about music and its diverse influences. Bensoul notes that Kenyan music has a unique way of blending global sounds with local flavors, making it distinctly its own. This philosophy is evident in 'Flight 420', which contributes to the evolution of contemporary Kenyan music.
The album is built around three interconnected themes: life, joy, and passion. These themes form a framework for Bensoul to examine the complexities of human experience, from personal growth and uncertainty to love, friendship, and pursuing meaningful goals. Life, represented by the color green, explores the idea that growth is rarely linear, using the metaphor of a tree's growth to illustrate this concept. Songs like 'NYR', 'Robin Hood', and 'Cassanova' reflect on the importance of embracing difficult experiences and imperfections.
Bensoul's approach to joy is not as a reward for overcoming challenges, but as something to be experienced along the way. He encourages listeners to make room for enjoyment amidst life's responsibilities and uncertainties. The song 'NaEnjoy' embodies this perspective, promoting a balanced approach to life. Passion, the third theme, explores the intensity that comes with pursuing what matters, often requiring stepping beyond familiar boundaries.
The creation of 'Flight 420' reflects Bensoul's belief in collaborative music development. He brought together a team of trusted collaborators for a writing camp in February, translating his ideas and experiences into a cohesive musical project. Producers Hendrick Sam, Wuodomollo, and Jaz Beatz shaped the production, while Trevor Magak recorded instrumental elements. Backing vocalists Lisa Odour, Jojo Ocholla, and Lexxie Waweru add depth to the arrangements, particularly on 'Cassanova' and 'Thank You'.
Bensoul's career has been marked by a willingness to evolve, from his early work with H_art the Band to his signing with Sol Generation in 2019. He has also made contributions to international projects, co-writing 'Time Flies' for Burna Boy's Grammy-winning album 'Twice as Tall'. With 'Flight 420', Bensoul continues to push boundaries, embracing creative freedom and independence while valuing the contributions of his collaborators.
Key points
- Bensoul's new album 'Flight 420' blends reggae, Afrosoul, and Afropop influences to create a unique sound.
- The album explores themes of life, joy, and passion, reflecting Bensoul's personal growth and creative freedom.
- 'Flight 420' is a collaborative effort, featuring a team of producers, vocalists, and musicians who contributed to the album's creation.
