Originally from Kenya but born in Uganda and a member of the Nyege Nyege collective, MC Yallah radiates pure energy which she channels through underground sounds and a swirling flow of words in several languages (Luo, Swahili, Luganda, and English). Her lyrics address her day-to-day experiences and shed light on a range of issues, from the fight against sexual violence and homophobia to poverty and the emancipation and empowerment of women. Working with a number of beatmakers, including Frenchman Debmaster, she’s always seeking to push her limits and adapt her flow to new beats.

Behind the enigmatic H31R moniker (pronounced heir/hair) lies a duo formed in Brooklyn by composer and producer JWords and avant-garde rapper Maassai. Inspired by jazz, electro, and soul, the two artists use an original, old-school flow to convey their message, giving their art a new, ethereal atmosphere at a time when music is tending towards homogenisation. You could call it “machine rap”, but there’s nothing rigid or robotic about their music: it’s vibrant, energetic, and free-spirited. Just listen to their latest album on Ninja Tune HeadSpace for proof.