I got introduced to The Good Wine through a track on Eriife’s new album. I checked out their page and was intrigued by what I saw. Their music stood out, especially for a Christian band. It felt fresh, intentional, and a little different from what I’m used to hearing. So when they announced an event to celebrate one year of their Acts EP and unveil a new one, I signed up straight away.

After looping the tracks enough times to confidently nod at every line (because confusion during live shows is not my ministry), enduring cancelled trains, and missing the bus, I finally got to the event.

What hits you first is how intentional they were about the vibe. It felt cosy and personal, like one of those invite-only shows for people in the know. Like you’re in the inside circle right before they blow, and you’ll have stories to tell when they do. More than anything, they’re clearly building a community that’s safe and comfortable for themselves and their listeners. They kicked things off with a few warm-up activities, and you could tell they were intentional about making everyone feel comfortable.

When the band came out, they started performing songs from Acts but with new arrangements that gave the songs a fresh life. I already knew the tracks, but they still felt new. And vocally, they delivered.

Then came the transition moment, a kind of closing note for Acts, and an introduction to their new EP, Kaya. That’s when we really got a feel for who they are as individuals. Kachi is definitely the Shakespeare of the duo: poetic, deep, and deliberate. Aima, on the other hand, is the Dr. Seuss: still brilliant, but playful and animated. They complement each other really well.

We then transitioned into the listening session for Kaya, where we got to hear and discuss the new tracks. There was a clear sense of intentionality behind this new body of work. They explored new sounds without losing the essence that made Acts so good. Sonically, it’s more experimental and technically evolved.

One word that kept coming up during the playback? Bop. And honestly, that’s exactly what this project is. Kaya is a bop-filled EP, but with meaning. Each track carries weight. From themes of home (which inspired the EP’s name), to healing, to God’s love, to romantic love, The Good Wine have managed to pair bounce with depth. They’re weaving thoughtful lyricism into music that actually slaps.

All in all, I loved the whole setup. I genuinely can’t wait to see what this band becomes in the next year or two. Whatever it is, I’ll be able to say I was there before the blow.

Written by Pelumi Joshua