Juogi’s ‘Idhi Nerdy’ Hip Hop EP that speaks discerning Luo

In just under a minute, Kisumu City-based artist Juogi Wuoyo evoked childhood memories of my father’s tale about the hare and the elephant—an oral traditional story explaining why the elephant has flat hooves, in a tale of trickery where the hare burns the elephant’s hooves in a false promise of making him new shoes.

For some reason, I found myself starting with the second song, which is also the title track, “Idhi Nerdy,” on this EP. Although brief, it is brimming with humor and wordplay. Juogi hilariously mimics the elephant’s screams “Apuoyo awang!” as the hare shouts back, “eka wouche thedhore!” to the burning elephant.

Luonization of Kenyan music

The urban music scene is fast embracing Luo music with its deep Benga history that grew from the winding, mournful sound of the violin-like orutu and the nyatiti, an eight-stringed traditional lyre and fragments of Congolese music.

Juogi’s latest masterpiece, the 8-track EP titled “Idhi Nerdy” is a contribution to the Luo zeitgeist borrowing from oral literature, paying homage to the old masters and laying claim to a contentious crown-the Luo-rap King.

Clocking in at 25 minutes, “Idhi Nerdy” is a lyrical marvel where Juogi Wuoyo and his featured artists showcase their mastery of wordplay, storytelling, social consciousness, and a deep appreciation for African literature and Luo folklore that permeates the entire body of work. 

The EP predominantly features Luo slang, sprinkled with a bit of Kiswahili, and notably, a touch of medical jargon, perhaps influenced by Juogi Wuoyo’s profession in the health sector.

Banjo

The EP begins with the introductory track “Banjo,” featuring Janabi Puth Rambaka, offering a lucid description of a beautiful woman he courted, complemented by a melodic chorus from Addah. Juogi Wuoyo’s verse comes in the second minute, with captivating syllables, vocabulary, and solid rhyme scheme. 

“Nyar Kingi,” the third track and one of my favorites, once again features Janabi in a love song that cleverly references Paulina, the protagonist in Marjorie Macgoye’s award-winning novel, “Coming to Birth.”

The fourth track, “Nyiri Makwar,” featuring Kisumu’s celebrated Apesi Mnyama Mkali, humorously observes the materialistic approach of females to relationships, with a satirical touch on the stereotype of light-skinned girls.

The fifth track, “Ting Bado Malo,” stands out for its versatility in production, blending the sounds of the Luo instrument nyatiti with modern hip-hop elements. The title in my view pays homage to the iconic Luo rap duo Gidi Gidi Maji Maji, who had  a song with a similar title adding a nostalgic touch to the body of work.

“Juogi Wuoyo,” the sixth track named after the artist, begins with a prayer song associated with the Luo religious sect Legion Maria, transitioning into a feel-good song with melodious strings reminiscent of the ’70s zilizopendwa and witty wordplay.

The seventh track, “Kojeche,” is another feel-good anthem with a danceable beat, referencing the common culture and love shared by various Luo clans and other towns and tribes in the larger West Kenya.

Mother in law who listens to Mozart

Closing the EP is a soulful track featuring the sound of the cow horn, delving into the modern mother-in-law who holds a PhD, listens to Mozart, and owns iPhones and sophisticated electronics.

The strength of the EP lies in its production, Kwame (Logical Truth) the producer, seamlessly blends authentic African and Luo sounds with contemporary hip-hop elements, a departure from Juogi Wuoyo’s previous album, “Lord ViQus ,” which heavily sampled other beats and music. Lord ViQus  a poetic masterpiece, was never hosted on popular streaming sites though can be bought at Mookh.com  

In summary, “Idhi Nerdy” is a feel-good work of art rooted in hip-hop fundamentals, showcasing Juogi’s contribution and solidifying his place in the Lakeside and Kenya’s hip-hop culture. It’s a must-listen for those who appreciate the beauty and depth of the Luo language.

Juogi Wuoyo, born David Omondi Weda, also known as Dawe Dawe in the poetry scene, has been a key player Kisumu city’s art culture. He is an award-winning actor in the movie “Bangarang” and a nurse-midwife in his other life. 

You can stream his music from Spotify, Youtube and other music sites under the title Idhi Nerdy.

Emmanuel Oyier

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