Alternative R&B artist papa mbye released his new single, “SOME OTHER TIME,” last month, blending elements of his Senegalese roots with electronic flourishes and smooth vocals.
In “SOME OTHER TIME,” papa mbye confronts the cycle of being in an on-again, off-again relationship with relatable yet contradictory lines like “making mistakes / when you dawdle away” and “I promise to save you / I can’t keep fighting baby.” His smooth vocal delivery is complemented by subtle background harmonies and electronic effects, adding enough variety to the track without overshadowing the message.
What stands out most about the single, however, is the drums. The song’s undeniably catchy beat comes from sabar drums, which papa mbye uses to incorporate the sounds of mbalax — a popular type of dance music from Senegal and Gambia. The rest of the instrumentation is purposefully minimal, truly allowing this unique sound to shine.
The song may be minimalistic, but it’s never boring; the consistent drum beat draws you in while his buttery vocals and stylistic flourishes keep you wanting more. You’ll be singing along in no time.
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