Charbiel

South Sudanese artist Kuoth Obi delivers a smooth fusion sound on “Charbiel,” a slow, laid-back Nuer-language track built around an instantly memorable hook. His relaxed delivery carries into the verses, where he flows comfortably and works rhyme into his Nuer lyrics, giving the track an effortless feel.

The hook is where “Charbiel” really sticks. One of its standout lines sees Kuoth Obi sing “Nyan Nuer, you looking good” — “Nuer girl, you’re looking good” — a simple phrase that makes the chorus easy to pick up and sing along to, even for listeners who don’t understand the rest of the Nuer lyrics.

The music video sees Kuoth Obi serenading a woman, with an interesting contrast between the lyrics and the visual. While the hook specifically refers to a Nuer girl, his love interest in the video is a white woman.

With its laid-back verses, catchy hook and smooth fusion sound, “Charbiel” has an easy appeal that doesn’t depend on understanding every word. Kuoth Obi’s relaxed delivery and ability to make the Nuer lyrics flow and rhyme are a big part of what makes the track memorable.