Multi nominated rap protagonist Big Yasa will share his sophomore studio LP, ‘Wapoa SZN’, on Friday, Feb 23.
Having carved out a name for himself as one of the leading poster childs for Drill Music in Kenya, Biggs as he is known to his cultic fan base has solidified his spot in the rap echelons.
His contributions spawn internet hit records such as ‘Wasp‘, ‘Cold‘, ‘ULALAA,’ featuring Davaji, ‘Bad Boyz Club,’ alongside frequent collaborators Buruklyn Boyz and Double Trouble.
In 2022, Yasa released his debut studio LP dubbed ‘BIGGS’ that was a fusion of rattling Drill offerings, Old school Boom Bap beats, and more – as he etched out his intention of not being boxed into a Drill sound singularly.
His significant features in the same year included “Bae” assisted by femcee Silverstone Barz and AJAY from Buruklyn Boyz. Others were “Last Air Bender”, a popular cut that appeared on Buruklyn Boyz larger-than-life debut album ‘East Mpaka London’. This era for Yasa was symbolic of the dominance of Drill in Kenyan Hip Hop’s soundscape, and Yasa emerged as one of the main characters that catapulted the sound to mass popularity.
In the same year, he also co-headlined Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music Studios: Nairobi – that reflected his grit, ethic, and doggedness to be among the rap elite.
Fast forward to 2024, his second studio LP ‘WAPOA SZN’, a project that sees his ominous and baleful stance get dimmed for a more vulnerable and intimate Yasa. The EP caresses parts of Yasa’s relationships with women, family, music, upbringing, and more effectively. Singles including the croony rhumba-leaning “After Hours” tapping Mangaa Fella, the Jersey-sound bopping “Use Me” with emoter Silas Piper, the dire “Over 18”, and the latest radio-friendly, breeze-ready “Don’t Leave Me Alone” that takes on a more nimble and unguarded Yasa persona.
“Wapoa is me exploring another side of my sound and personality. There will be more melody and emotion, and it’s only right that we share this labor of love during the season of love, because I’m dedicating this piece of art to the ladies” Big Yasa mentions.
‘WAPOA SZN’ explores more melody, emotions, and further expands Yasa’s tapestry as a recording and performing artist, as well as a songwriter. Capturing sensuality, courtship, intimacy, Yasa’s duality and range as an artist are prevalent as he seeks to establish himself as a mainstay artist in the contemporary music scene.
