The Belgian producer Nico P just released his latest EP under his new identity “Aytiwan”, a project created to produce afro house sounds only, unlike his usual melodic house productions. It’s a 5-track album with variations of the same single “Ilanga”, released on the artist’s new label Deep in Your Soul. Aside from being a producer, Nico is also the label manager of the Belgian label DHB.
“Ilanga” is a deep house track with an energized beat, dynamic sound, and hype like no other. Aytiwan chose to collaborate with Nes Mburu on vocals who helped him reach his musical vision and gave him the right emotional expressions needed for the song. The first 30 secs of the original mix introduce the beat and its base, letting it sink in and get in your head and body. Then the vocals start with the main lyrical and melodic theme that repeats throughout the song with the words: “nikupende, pende pende” which translates to “I love you; I love you” in Swahili, a language primarily found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, among others. The song has an overall colorful ambiance, that is highlighted through the percussive line, electronic sounds, and well-blended vocals.
Each of the remixes is different in duration, with the radio edit the shortest and lightest of them all. The 2nd remix is by Enoo Napa; a south African artist who released two variations and remixes of the same song. He intensifies the main beat and bass line, making it darker and more powerful. Later, he lightens the mood by adding softer synths, and piano chords. Whereas in the alternative remix, he chose to change the main rhythm and percussive line while keeping an element or two from the original mix.
The 4th and last remix is by the Belgian producer Klaudius. He chose to take a different approach; not only did he change the main beat, but also the entire bass line and electronic beat. He focused on the piano as the main percussive instrument, which is later followed by a lighter beat giving a more dance effect. He shifts the song into a more approachable, less intense version making it convenient for a beach party or a more chill ambiance.
The EP is like a fun riddle, you listen to each remix and you try to spot the differences between them, I’d recommend you listen to all of them well before you decide on your favorite version because there’s simply one for every taste.