Review: "Tuna" by MaMan

A nostalgic soundscape of yearning and a hopeful promise of one's return home.

One of the most remarkable things about sound is that it transcends any and all limitation. The fusion of Afrowave and rap has permeated the scene, exemplified by artists like J Hus, Yxng Bane and P Salieu.

The genre found its way into nooks and crannies across the world, effortlessly integrating into different cultures and languages and creating a new playground for a sonic expression. MaMan’s latest release is a great re-imagination of that. 

When I first listened to “Tuna” I had no preconceived notions or expectations—I would argue that this is the best way to experience music. And although MaMan is no stranger to the world of Afrobeats, given his previous offerings such as “Ghanja” or “Zolly”, I was pleasantly surprised by the log drums and synths that greeted me.

But my favorite part is the interpolation of the nostalgic Sudanese song "Ezzayakom" by the late, great musician and composer Sayed Khalifa. MaMan begins with familiar lyrics and a reminiscent melody: ياخي وحشتونا.. كيفنكم؟ انا لي زمان ما شفتكم (Oh, how I’ve missed you all, how have you been?) instantly taking me back in memory lane.

For many of us in the Sudanese community, “Ezzayakom” evokes a sense of yearning, capturing a feeling of warmth, a longing for home, and the joy of being reunited with loved ones after a time apart. A piercing emotion and a collective heaviness shared by Sudanese people everywhere today. 

Coincidentally, it is also to the last song MaMan recorded in Sudan before his move to Egypt. However, despite the depth of the subject matter, “Tuna” is a happy and hopeful song. Throughout the entire track, MaMan’s tone remains one of joy. Whilst dealing with the current uncertainties, he seems confident that a homecoming is inevitable. That feeling rings true with lyrics like:

أعفوا لي الغيبة جرت شوية

عاكسة بي الدنيا دي الجّية 

(Forgive me, I’ve been gone for way too long, life’s been taking a toll) 

And 

أنا راكب راس يا أنا يا البلد دي

ماشين ِقَّدام

قَّدام ِقَّدام

(But still, I’m certain, forward forward, moving forward) 

Before the song concludes, the second half gives listeners an exciting beat switch, as the drums intensify so does MaMan’s flow switching from a more relaxed and laid back vocals to faster cadence and word play. “Tuna”might be a 2-minute track but it is a mini dose of hope and up lifting energy.

You can listen to “Tuna” below.