Ten years of sweat and tears: H_art the Band's journey through time

H_art the Band has weathered the test of time in the music industry. The three-man crew has for a whole decade given its listeners amazing tunes, back-to-back

From the days of ‘Uliza Kiatu’ and ‘Nikikutazama’ in 2004, the trio has proven itself a force to reckon with and stars to watch.

The band - made up of Mordecai Mwini, Wachira Gatama and Kenneth Muya - celebrated its 10-year journey at Kilimani on November 16, with an official album launch of their latest 10-track album, ‘Time: Love H_art Emojis,’ to mark the milestone.

Their music is known for its unique blend of Afro-fusion, soul, and pop, often accompanied by powerful and meaningful lyrics.

From the performance at the event, and the craze of the fans as they sang along, it was evident that the band could connect with their audience through relatable themes. I mean, who does not love love and a good love story told in lyrics?

It was a decade's worth of melodies, emotions, and stories. The occasion, named ‘A Timeless Affair,’ was meant to mark the release of their fifth album, ‘Time: Love H_art Emojis.’

The latest album, ‘Time,’ speaks in the language of the heart.

Each track was a balm to a heartbroken soul, and hope to those seeking to find love in the current dramatic dating scene.

The first song, ‘There is Time for Everything’ is a lyrical masterpiece. A true biblical allusion to the Ecclesiastical verses that tell of time and season. As you listen to the lyrics, you can indeed tell that they were deliberate and had a punch to them .

‘Time’ is not merely an album; it is life wrapped in rhythmic notes, a symphony of relationships and experiences packaged into ten tracks.

The journey back in time with H_art the Band began with their earliest hits, notably ‘Uliza Kiatu’ in 2004.

In the days when deprivation was the backdrop of many lives, the song resonated deeply.

It wasn't just a catchy tune; it was a reflection of the struggles men faced to afford a simple dinner in Nairobi.

“Masaibu ninayoyapitia, kukupeleka dinner...” and the crowd will always remember to chat back in unison ’Uliza kiatu.’

 The song became a timeless anthem, and anyone navigating dating in this era will tell you that money is indeed a big factor.

 Made in the Streets

Then came the ‘Made In The Streets’ album in 2019; a testament that it is possible to sing about love without sexually objectifying women.

One of the tunes in the album, 'Mystic’ has a line that will break any heart that can understand it; “When I leave, I will be the best heartbreak you ever had. I will break your heart into tiny pieces, you will wish you never met me."

The boy band transformed the city's gritty streets into a canvas of inspiration. In the past few years, H_art the Band has amassed a legion of young fans who are drawn to the group's wistful lyrics and ghetto roots.

The album was a narrative, an ode to the struggles, triumphs, and vibrant spirit that defined life in Nairobi.

With each beat, H_art the Band painted a vivid picture of the streets that shaped them and the dreams that fuelled their journey.

As the musical voyage continued, ‘Simple Man’ emerged as a testament to the band's growth and maturity in 2021.

‘My Jaber‘ gets any party going , and one would argue of the stark contrast between their first song 'Uliza kiatu' and in this one.

There were jokes at the time, that when men have money, they do not complain, they just say ”Utakunywa nini? Wallet nimeleta.”

 The album explored themes of simplicity in a complex world, capturing the raw and unfiltered aspects of life. It was a raw exploration of love, loss, and personal evolution, a reflection of the band's evolving artistry.

‘Party’, the fourth album released in 2022, was a celebration in itself. It echoed the joy of life, the pulse of the party, and the infectious energy that radiated from the band's performances.

With upbeat tempos and danceable rhythms, H_art the Band proved they knew how to throw a party, turning each track into a celebration of existence.

‘It is party time for us, a reminder of how far we have come, a reminder to always find time to celebrate yourself and your wins, no matter how small,’ they said in the interlude.

This album was a story of the band as they celebrated each other in life.

And now, with ‘Time: Love H_art Emojis,’ the band has come full circle.

The album launch was a testament to the band's endurance. They are not just musicians but storytellers, and if you have been hurt or you have known love, this is the Kenyan boy band to soothe your soul.