Djib Stanford | Life And Music

DJIB Stanford | Life and Music By Susan Mutharia

If I could sum it up, Life and Music by Djib Stanford is about the roller coaster of life. There are several emotions when traveling through the tracks: ambition and determination while rising to the top, the struggle to forgive that’s a plunge to the spirit and sweet serenity while on treading on stable ground. The 14-track album is a fusion of hip-hop, soul, jazz and electronic music.

Stanford, a singer, writer and producer, started performing when he was only six years old. Like many artists, different bands influenced his vocals. For him, it was gospel bands from which he drew his influence. It was after a few performances and live sets that he decided to record his first album. Stanford wrote the songs and produced the album alongside other producers such as Woodini (author to Michael Jackson’s video tribute ABC Generation), the MC/producer Offmike, Mister Bilal and Fayze.

One of the outstanding tracks on the album is Thankful featuring Dutch rapper Ollie. In this track, he expresses the serenity and joy while delighting in some of life’s simplicities. The same sentiment is expressed in the hip-hop track Streetwalk. Life however, is not a bed of roses or violets. Through some darkness, we may struggle to feel understood and even struggle to forgive, something that he points out in the song Sum’times.

It’s a good start for Djib Stanford being his first album. Life being his canvas has many, some of which he is yet to experience or live through. We will probably be hearing more from this new voice as he continues to venture into his path. Buckle up next to him – you do not want to miss out as he takes an exciting inversion.

Susan Mutharia
The Urban Music Scene