Du Malai is a rising genre-bending alternative artist who blends elements of Afrobeats, hip-hop, R&B and Punk rock in his own unique way. His latest release titled Heart Bus Despair is a 6 track body of work that explores the dynamics of human emotions in dire times and the process of finding the strength to push on regardless of the seemingly insurmountable odds present.
The project opens up with the anthemic horn-driven track titled “Wayo” which sets the tone with its reflective lyrics and distinct melodic runs. Du Malai looks deep within and implores us all to leave the squabbling behind and face the more important things that can take us further. The production here is quite engaging and gives off a natural fusion of world music with contemporary pop and R&B aesthetics while Du Malai’s soft and somewhat whispered cadence takes precedence as it progresses into a deep African percussion-driven section towards the tail end. This is followed by the vibrant flute-driven “Insecurities” which dives into delicate topics like the facade of social media, and its effects on individuals who lack strong self-esteem and hate. Fellow artist L-Dizzy makes an appearance and sets the stage with his candid and unapologetic raps over the upbeat trap drum grooves. The duo share their thoughts respectively and top it up with the following lines “Why you gotta front like that/What is it that you wanna prove?/You don’t really love yourself, hate that we doing good, ah!” that help clear any doubts about their motives. “Another Star” is as eclectic as they come and starts off with atmospheric and moody textures underpinned by Hausa vocals. Du Malai is in contemplative mode as he reflects on different characters who are going through hard times and finding it difficult to live up to their potential. The way he approaches it is quite engaging and he doesn’t attempt to go over our heads with stratospheric lyrics but he keeps it down to Earth and simple with statements like “Another star is gone tonight/Another star is gone”. This is followed by the bouncy “Yum” with its afrobeats bounce and electronic instrumentation reminiscent of the early days of world music. It’s a blend of the old and new and Du Malai knows the assignment and he brings us closer to his African roots as he pays homage to his favorite Hausa dishes.
The project closes out with the title track and “Amygdala” which showcase Du Malai’s genre fusion to the fullest. The former is a solemn and somewhat melancholic track that uses trap drum grooves and we see the artist coming to terms with his situation but it’s far from him wallowing in it but rather pushing through with every fibre of his being. The latter continues in the same vein but this time the production is stripped down into an emotionally drenched tune ripe with ethereal pads, lush keys and sparse grooves all underpinned by Du Malai’s falsetto vocals and heartwarming lyrics that detail hurt and pain and finding closure in any way that he can.
In a total of 17 minutes, Heart Bus Despair runs through the gamut of the human experience and swirling emotions that occur over time as we endure hate, hurt love and despair and finally the strength to push on.
Heart Bus Despair serves as the first entry in his Heart Bus music series.
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