SAINT SINNER
Elsy Wameyo’s Journey through Darkness and Light
Released in the 2nd half of 2024, Elsy Wameyo’s debut album ‘Saint Sinner,’ is an introspective exploration of duality, identity and spirituality. Created in Kenya after her return following the stress, disillusion and exhaustion that came with juggling three tours, the project was made during a two-week camp at a two-story Airbnb in Naivasha. The album’s conceptualization begun with a document where Elsy categorized her emotions into ‘Saints’ and ‘Sinners,’ with another section for emotions that defied those labels. Created alongside collaborators Wuod Omollo, Ywaya Tajiri and Polycarp Otieno, Saint Sinner is an exploration of Elsy Wameyo’s complex inner world, shaped by her experiences and spiritual reflections.
The opening track ‘Repercussions’ is a bold assertion and acknowledgment of deviation from the ‘Right Path.’ It starts off deceptively soft, with her delicate vocals floating over gentle piano, lulling listeners into a state of calm. But just as one settles into the serenity of it all, the song takes a hard left, erupting with heavy, thumping beats and bold, aggressive rap. This shift feels deliberate, a sonic representation of Elsy’s divergence from the pure and unblemished.
In ‘Quagmire,’ Elsy Wameyo offers a haunting and ominous warning as she teeters on the edge of darkness. The song unfolds with an eerie sense of tension, amplified by haunting stings that bring a sense of unease to the song. Lyrically, Elsy speaks of feeling pushed closer and closer to a breaking point, with people and circumstances oblivious to the precipice she rests on. Her warning is clear, she is close to unleashing the sinner within.
In the third track ‘Sinner,’ we see Elsy fully surrendering to the darkness, embodying the very forces she’s been resisting. The song carries a haunting, almost apocalyptic energy, with the delivery reflecting a soul deeply entrenched in devastation and anxiety. Thee background vocals reminiscent of a chorus of demons, only further amplify the sense of doom. She and her demons are one, and she welcomes us to witness their embrace.
‘Umva,’ which served as the third single off the album follows. The track’s title translates to ‘listen,’ setting the tone for a track that demands attention. Elsy’s confidence shines as she reflects on her journey towards mastery, acknowledging the liberation that came with daring to follow her calling. Her delivery is bold, driven by the sense of self-assurance that makes listeners not only hear, but feel her command. On ‘Umva,’ she is a master of her craft and you WILL listen to her.
‘Ler’ featuring Okello Max is a transformative track, speaking of Elsy’s desire to return to the light. The title, Luo for ‘Light,’ highlights the track’s theme of spiritual and personal awakening. It begins with Okello Max’s stirring chant and rhythmic clapping that draws from the Legio Maria religious movement in Luo Nyanza, evoking a sense of ritual and reverence. In this track, Elsy confronts her past struggles with newfound clarity, framing them as tests rather than setbacks. Her verses express a heartfelt plea for divine guidance, seeking to be restored to a state of purity and grace. ‘Ler’ serves as a pivotal moment in this record as Elsy steps out of the shadows of her previous experiences and embraces a new sense of self.
‘Selah’ continues the journey. Rendered as the Lord’s Prayer in Luo, the track feels very hymn-like, drawing listeners into a sacred space of reflection and supplication. This is a significant step further into the light. Elsy’s spoken word performance after the prayer underscores the trials of navigating this path, articulating a heartfelt request for deliverance from evil. As a spiritual and emotional anchor within the album, Selah is a step forward in embracing the bottle-necks that come with enlightenment, with a tone of reverent hope.
‘Slowly Slipping’ follows. As one of the tracks Elsy struggled most to write, it brims with a palpable sense of hopelessness and defeat. Here, she departs from her usual rap style, embracing singing to convey the depth of her emotional struggle. The track’s raw lyrics and somber melody reflect a breaking point where Elsy contemplates her survival. In articulation of her most personal and difficult moments, ‘Slowly Slipping’ offers listeners a window into her experience grappling with overwhelming despair.
‘Wonder Horns’ the 8th track on ‘Saint Sinner’ is a moment of self-emancipation. It is a freedom anthem where Elsy sheds everything that no longer serves her. There is a duality to the song- a sense of release as well as a guarded protectiveness over her energy. By creating boundaries and safeguarding her space, she consciously lowers the chances of misaligning with her true self.
‘Piny Lara’ follows, a depiction of struggle and resistance highlighting her feelings of being rejected by the world, almost as if it’s trying to vomit her. The push and pull throughout the track is palpable, contrasted by Elsy’s smooth, yet defiant R&B leaning delivery. Okello Max’s chanting alongside her vocals brings to the track the feel of wrestling with forces beyond her control while standing firm.
‘Conquer’ featuring Ywaya Tajiri is a triumphant afrobeat anthem. It carries a buoyant uplifting energy that marks Elsy’s full return to herself after a journey through darkness, confusion and spiritual struggle. She acknowledges that having made it through her trials, anything is possible, and she extends this realization to the listener. Ywaya Tajiri’s feature adds another layer to the song’s dynamism, with his smooth delivery weaving seamlessly throughout the track. This is a song that is sure to inspire listeners who relate to facing their challenges head on.
‘Journey’ is a continuation of the themes of resilience and triumph. While ‘Conquer’ celebrates reaching a place of self-belief, ‘Journey’ acknowledges that the path to overcoming challenges is ongoing. The track reassures listeners that no matter how difficult things may seem, they will eventually pass. ‘Journey’ urges us to keep pushing forward and trust the process, after all, struggle can be a stepping stone to something greater.
‘Saint,’ the penultimate track On ‘Saint Sinner’ is a moving gospel offering that solidifies Elsy’s return to the light. Having navigated the darkness and trials of life, she finds solace and strength in her faith, affirming her place in God’s light as a prayer warrior. The male stacked vocals create the feel of a celestial choir, making this track feel like a hymn. Elsy’s declaration of unwavering faith is at the heart of ‘Saint.’ No matter what challenge may come, she is steadfast in her role as a prayer warrior.
‘Thank You,’ the closing track serves as a fitting and serene conclusion to her spiritual journey as she expresses deep gratitude for being carried through her trials and tribulations. Her vocals are imbued with sincerity and peace. The sonic direction once more leans into gospel, with the choir adding a layer of warmth and unity. This closing track serves as a spiritual offering that invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, and the moments that have seen them through.
In ‘Saint Sinner’, Elsy Wameyo masterfully captures the dualities in life, navigating darkness and light, sin and redemption, all while remaining grounded in her faith. This album is not only a testament to her artistic growth, but also an inspiring reminder that with faith and perseverance, one can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Out on all streaming platforms