Bomani Ray Barton has created one of Austin’s most underrated projects of the last few years in my opinion. Any project that reflects an array of genres and emotions is always top tier. From songwriting to rapping and singing, instrumentation, and composition skills, Bomani’s created a cultured melting pot of sounds with Sacajawea. His songwriting puts me in the mind of Craig David, Childish Gambino, and Masego, with production elements that remind me of Pharrell, Kanye, and even Ryan Leslie. As someone who relates to having a childhood in Austin, Sacajawea is the social commentary of a young native Austinite. It’s playful and young, it’s hippie and sophisticated. Bomani plays soulful blues and rock-like guitar solos with bridges and hooks that are reflective of some of our favorite 80s and 90s Funk and R&B artists. Whimsical whilst still covering heavy topics like police brutality and the rapid growth that disproportionately affects Austin’s Black and Brown communities, Bomani’s just getting started. I’m excited to see what he’s up to next.
-keyheira keys