Vallerie Muthoni’s ‘Vision 2020’ Is A Sonic Catalogue Of Creative Freedom
When Vallerie Muthoni’s team had her super fans sitting on the floor of Supersonic Studios for an exclusive listening party, you could tell her team had put much thought and effort into it. Adorned in a black dress and gold jewellery, she sat across Joy Achieng who was the moderator of the night as Vallerie Muthoni explained the concept and execution of her latest project ‘Vision 2020.’ As an independent artist, it’s often hard to release projects as frequently as you would want. You have to think of the budget in terms of studio fees, PR, studio and video shoots and a whole lotta things you wouldn’t stress over if you are signed under a record label. Perhaps that’s why it took this multi-talented creative three years to release her third body of work.
“I have been ready to drop this project since 2021, but I am a visionary and I didn’t wanna release a half ass project. The universe has a reason for everything and I needed to learn new things to make the album more personal and intimate.”
Vallerie's music combines modern production techniques with African rhythms, creating a fresh sound that resonates with a diverse audience. Her catchy melodies and relatable lyrics often explore themes of love, empowerment, and cultural identity. Her presence in the creative scene has been beyond creating music. From her podcast dubbed “the PROOF OF CONCEPT,” where she features various creatives to being a choreographer in her “Vitu Kwa Ground Ni Different” video, her multidisciplinary work has been part of her visionary conscience. The Kenyan-American artist who also goes under the moniker Brown Suga, first came into nationwide limelight in 2018 with the titular song “Brown Suga” which eventually earned a remix from Steph Kapela. Fast forward her career has been on an upward course with hit songs such as “Spicy Szn” featuring TAIO (formerly of Camp Mulla) and Le Ru. With two EPs to her name: ‘The Wavey Soul’ and ‘Spicy Szn,’ Vallerie Muthoni continues perfecting her art as seen in her latest release.
Stating that ‘Vision 2020’ has been in the oven for over three years, it’s a no brainer that there were a couple of pre-released songs. Lucky for us, the visionary only recycled “DOLLA SIGNS,” “SAY SOMETHING,” “CHECKLIST,” and “SEXY” featuring Njeri and Kxffy The Producer. It is safe to say the eight-track EP takes us through the various stages of life that draw intense emotions. Drawing her inspiration from the COVID/Post COVID-19 experiences, her expectations mainly dwelled on being able to share and empathise with memories and experiences.In short she wanted her audience to be felt and heard.
Before we delve into my full thoughts of the project, I find it cool how all songs are in uppercase letters. Perhaps emphasising that the vision is clear and must be seen, or maybe to catch the attention of listeners on different DSPs? My most favourite part of the EP was the intro dubbed “STILL MOVIN’ ” after years of listening to Vallerie’s music, it has always been clear that she puts effort into her intro songs. Setting the pace for the EP helps the audience get into the mood ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. Produced by a Fvzzkill whom Vallerie found off Soundcloud, the soul oriented production has Vallerie stating her affirmations which is relatable. “I’m feeling creative, I’m out of my feelings, I treat my body with love everyday.” A subtle reminder that when we do get into our feels, we don’t have to mop around but while it’s necessary to accept the outcomes we can still move forward.
The intro definitely gives Val’s new audience a chance to get into her little bubble and connect with her. Released in 2022, “DOLLA SIGNS,” is an anthem when you are in your manifestation era. The beat gets more upbeat as Vallerie raps across the Pesos and Dencho produced beat. Now she makes it clear the song was written way before the Diddy-saga as we laugh over her second verse “I’m Notorious like Biggie, Billionaire just like Diddy,” but hey it could be any Diddy.
“The first part of the EP is the manifestation chapter. The tongue does have the power to make or break you cause I was Money-festing being a Billionaire .”
By the time you get to the third track you understand that every song carries a different theme and what better way to get us in the mood than listening to “CHECKLIST.” You know we have a checklist for our partners? One of my favourite factors of ‘Vision 2020,’ is not only having Vallerie experiment on her singing skills but the heavy attention given to the production. I believe sound, mixing and mastering are important when it comes to music. I mean not to discredit but Sexy Redd has millions of fans despite being loud, and I am one of those fans. With Vallerie’s project you get to see the star quality in her choice of production and we get to understand why this project took years to produce. We do need to be an “uppity entitled African” who won’t bend for anyone or anything
Teaming up with Njeri and Kxffy with a strap, Vallerie Muthoni makes an anthem for all baddies and yes this is for both the hetero and homo sexual beings all over. The immediate bass drop when “SEXY,” kicks off is way too phenomenal. I love the choice of collaboration between Njeri as she sings the chorus and Vallerie Muthoni’s verse. The symbiotic relationship is even enhanced with Kxffy’s euphoric production that immediately reminds you who the hell you are. “Si me I am sexy, don’t stress me,Si me I am sexy don’t vex me…” In “SEXY,” we get to experience the fully confident Vallerie Mutthoni we have grown to love. I honestly love the inclusion of our drag queens in the video because purr we do love a good look.
As we enter the next half of ‘Vision 2020,’ you get to experience the beauty of friendship in the creative scene. Dubbed “HIRI’S INTERLUDE” we see a comedic aspect to the tape as Hiribae’s voice is laced over the “SEXY,” beat as he shouts “mimi ukiniita jina zangu za mtaani naitangwa mbwa kali yaani wouuf wouuf..” We get to experience a chaotic night in Nairobi with a couple of shots resulting to a fun night and,well, a perfect interlude. The art of sampling, interpolation and using voice overs in creation of a song usually has me on my knees, and immediately you tap into “RATED V,” you might get to understand why. Produced by a personal favourite Put2sleep, Vallerie Muthoni employs the voice of talented poet JoeFrancis as she taps into a sensual energy and saying fuck you to the carnal type of love we often experience. Once again I emphasise on the beat selection and you know what, you actually feel the intimacy yet aggressive sensual energy portrayed by an Alpha woman. For her second and last feature in the album Vallerie taps into Bien’s (Sauti Sol) realm. We once again get to experience a familiar Vallerie Muthoni with her verse on “SAY SOMETHING.” I am amazed by the fact that there is a balance of energies between Vallerie and her collaborator because let’s be honest in most cases the energy often leans on one side.
Throughout the EP Vallerie Muthoni, dabbles between testing her creativity and leaning into comfortability. Preaching self love in “IF I DO, IF I DON’T,” and playing around with an Afro/Alte inspired production in her last single “WE GON’ BE OKAY,” Vallerie Muthoni solidifies her talent as a genre-defying artist. While ‘Vision 2020,’ is a testament of relatability, it serves as a mirror of Vallerie Muthoni’s growth both sonically and lyrically.
“2020 had some really lowkey traumatic events, things that shaped how I interact with humans and social media. I was 18 at the time but I felt the whole world had cancelled me for some reason.Even when you speak your truth, people will always take and twist it into an evil thing. I am okay with not having to convince the world with who I am. I hope we can always have grace for each other.”
Stream ‘Vision 2020’
