Spindle Radar: Elsy Wameyo Is Force To Be Reckoned With On Debut Album, Saint Sinner

If you’re looking for a dynamic and immersive artist, then Elsy Wameyo needs to be on your radar. Hailing from Kenya, the Adelaide-based singer-songwriter first fell in love with music at a young age, exploring various genres and artists like the culture-shifting music collective YMCMB (Young Money Cash Money Billionaires). As she got older, Elsy went from solely consuming music to becoming an artist in her own right.

While Elsy’s early material featured a gospel-infused contemporary R&B sound, the emerging talent didn’t stay in that box for long – with her embracing the grime, hip hop and alternative R&B genres in her follow-up releases. On 26 July, Elsy peeled back another layer of her boundless artistry when she released her debut album, Saint Sinner. Described as “an album of reclamation and self-empowerment,” the 13-track record shines an unfiltered light on her journey with identity and spirituality. We were able to chat with Elsy about all things Saint Sinner, including her creative process for the album, her upcoming tour, and so much more. Read her full interview below.

Heya Elsy! Thanks for sitting down with Spindle! How has 2024 been treating you so far?

2024 has been busy but I can’t complain and thank God for his hand through it all.

You have been pretty busy, releasing your fantastic singles like ‘Sinner,’ ‘Piny Lara’ and ‘Umva.’ How would you describe your new era of music?

This new chapter is transparent. Not for the people but for myself. I’m being brutally honest with how I’m feeling and what I want to say. Elsy Wameyo blossoms from the tears her inner child shed. I had to return back to her and be reminded of why we began. You’re experiencing stories that she spoke of many years ago. This is I, in the light.

You have released your debut album, Saint Sinner. How does it feel to reach this huge milestone in your career?

I am at peace. I’m writing this thousands of miles up in the air en route to Switzerland. I’m almost weeping as I stare outside and reminisce on my journey. The album is a blessing but it’s so much deeper than this album. Little Elsy is joyful and proud. We’ve accomplished all that she dreamt of and more. I am at peace.

What was your creative process like while creating the record? What message or themes did you want this album to explore?

I travelled to Kenya and locked up for a two week camp in Naivasha. In the middle of nowhere surrounded by nature. We shut out the noise of Nairobi to hear God’s still sound voice. I worked alongside Wuod Omollo, Ywaya Tajiri & Polycarp Otieno to write and produce the album. We stuck to a strict routine: wake up > work out > eat > pray > create with all your heart > repeat. I was very intentional with how we created the works because it translates to what is felt and how it’s received. Saint Sinner is the duality of life. good vs bad. inner child vs current mind. dark vs light. saint vs sinner. Whatever it may be, it’s always a constant fight. Saint Sinner is the journey to deciding which one will prevail.

Each track on the record has such a rich production that blends elements of alt-R&B, hip hop, Grime and some gospel. How would you personally describe Saint Sinner’s sound?

‘Saint Sinner’ doesn’t have a sound. It’s a feeling. It’s vibrations. From the tears dropped as your heart wraps around ‘Slowly Slipping.’ The stank face you’ll make as you bop to ‘Umva’s’ rhythm. The sense of freedom felt as the ‘Wonder Horns’ are sounded. These moments are far from a sound. These are deeply felt experiences.

Which track on the record did you find the most difficult to bring to life and why? Which song came to you the fastest?

I had a lot of trouble writing ‘Sinner’ because I couldn’t come to terms with how I felt. My words felt too harsh when I said them out loud and I’d always run away. Almost like shutting the door to a messy bedroom that you claim you’ll come back to tidy. I had to confront myself to finish and I remember the exact morning. I woke up, said enough is enough. Immediately I opened the notes page and after an hour or so, I had Sinner in its full form. The delivery in the song was also very different to what I’m used to. Recording was quite challenging. It really beat me up for months. Slowly Slipping was the fastest song to write. I was broken. I am broken. My heart wrote this song. The words easily fell off my tongue and the melodies just sung themselves. I was so present in the pain I didn’t think twice about what I was writing. I also thank Wuod so much because he created room in production for me to record this masterpiece and remember my friend Kuol Tiir Kuol.

On Saint Sinner, you’ve teamed up with Ywaya Tajiri, Fancy Fingers and Wuod Omollo. How did those collaborations come to be?

During the COVID lockdown in 2020, I joined Fancy’s online fitness program. I grew quite close with Fancy during this time and he quickly became a brother. When I decided to travel to Kenya for music, he was my first point of contact. He helped align meetings with the artists I later came to work with. Poly knew my heart outside of the music and everyone he suggested was a perfect fit. Only the best of the best.

Let’s take a break from your Saint Sinner era for a second. When did you first fall in love with hip-hop and the idea of creating your music?

In 2020, during lockdown, I bought a small studio set up at home. At the time, I wasn’t able to leave the house for the studio, so I had to work out another way to make music. I remember the initial idea was to record vocals and send it to my producer, but my God had greater plans. My debut EP ‘Nilotic’ was the byproduct of this new season. Nilotic was my first project and the first time I produced music for myself. Creative freedom at its finest. At this point, Hip-hop wasn’t new to me. I grew up listening to YMCMB at the age of 7, so the influences were stored subconsciously. I only sharpened what was already there and simply put down what I loved most.

Is there a specific artist or album you consistently look toward for inspiration?

Kendrick Lamar and Little Simz are the artists I’ve studied for inspiration. I gravitate to their work so much so you’ll hear the influences in my music.

How have you evolved and changed as an artist since releasing your debut single in 2018?

I now sit in the driver’s seat. I coordinate my every move artistically and have no fear of saying no. The reason I write will always be the same. My values shall never change. As I grow to know God and understand His desire for my life, I understand how unique my anointing is. With this must come greater confidence, honesty and strength. My work is not only for myself but for the people. This isn’t just a game, it’s not just a hobby. I can’t let anyone tamper with my calling. I have become stern and even more careful with who I allow to play part in my journey.

Who’s your dream collaboration?

Kendrick Lamar.

Will you be touring Saint Sinner after its release?

Of course, we’re taking Saint Sinner across the globe. I’m so excited to be playing across Europe this year and of course we’ll have to take it back to Australia! It’s only right that we bring it all to life.

Looking ahead, what are five goals you want to achieve as a music artist?

Sing better
Rap better
Write better
Do better
Be better

Make sure to check out Elsy Wameyo’s debut album Saint Sinner here or below.