When Bensoul and Elijah Kitaka come together on a track, it’s more than a musical collaboration; it’s a spiritual conversation. Their work on Pray, the opening track of the Cartel Bizness EP, reflects the depth of their artistry and the honesty of their intentions. Guided by the creative direction of executive producer Troy Elimu and the production genius of Axon, this song sets the tone for the entire project.
At the Cartel Bizness EP Listening Party held at Silo 15, Bugolobi, both artists opened up about what Pray means to them. Bensoul spoke candidly about the inspiration behind the song. He admitted that many artists, himself included, often remember to pray only when facing hardship. That realisation became the starting point for this reflective and moving piece.
Elijah Kitaka echoed the sentiment with a deep sense of conviction. He credited his church upbringing for instilling in him a habit of prayer and gratitude. For him, the song was not just about asking for help but acknowledging the presence of God in every moment of success. He encouraged the audience to take a moment to reflect and to truly listen to the message behind the music.
The chemistry between the two artists was evident. Bensoul’s rich, soulful voice blended seamlessly with Elijah’s mellow yet powerful tone. The result was a track that felt both intimate and universal, a reminder that even in the hustle of creative life, grounding oneself spiritually remains essential.
Executive producer Troy Elimu described Pray as the foundation of the EP’s story arc. He credited Axon for his visionary approach in bringing the right voices together to begin the project on such a thoughtful note. The goal was to launch the EP not just with energy, but with meaning and Pray delivered exactly that.
Fellow artist A Pass, who features on the EP, praised the track as “a beautiful song.” His words reflected the mood in the room. The revellers had come expecting an entertaining night, but Pray gave them something more: a moment of introspection wrapped in melody.
As the first track of the six-song EP, Pray does more than introduce a sound. It introduces a purpose. Through vulnerability and harmony, Bensoul and Elijah Kitaka invite listeners to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. The EP features some of the finest East African artists like Mike Kayihura, Bensoul, A Pass and Big Tril. Similarly, budding artists like Soundlykbb, Tai Dai, Tungi and Jokwiz were featured.
