Kenyan artist and songwriter Sofiya Nzau has etched her name in history with her chart-topping global hit, ‘Mwaki,’ which has become the most streamed Kenyan song on Spotify, amassing over 18.8 million streams as of January 14, 2024.
Nzau has also claimed the title of having the highest number of monthly listeners among East African artists on Spotify, boasting an impressive 1.8 million listeners.
In the rhythmic heart of Kenya, amidst the echoing beats of dreams across the plains, Sophia Wanjiku Nzau has emerged as a musical phenomenon, transcending continents with her name.
Her story is one of triumph, sparked by the wildfire success of her Electronic Dance Music (EDM)-infused track, ‘Mwaki,’ a song that has not only crossed borders but also defied genre boundaries.
Sofiya Nzau’s recent achievements include a collaboration with renowned South African producer Major Lazer for the ‘Mwaki’ remix, released on January 13.
Sofiya, a versatile artist, composer, and storyteller, is more than just a singer; she is the architect of narratives that resonate with the soul.
Her journey, reminiscent of a melody climbing from the depths of Murang’a County, begins with the tale of a woman who once hawked and served as a house help to make ends meet.
“I was a house help and a hawker before this. After the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I took a house help job before quitting in December 2020, then I started songwriting full-time,” Nzau shared in an interview with a local station.
Her transformation from mundane jobs to a global sensation is a testament to her unwavering determination. It was her husband, both a life partner and producer, who recognized her potential and set a condition for her musical journey – to compose in the Kikuyu language.
“My husband said I would sound better if I sang in Kikuyu, and since he is my producer, I had to do it,” Sofiya revealed. Her husband also played a pivotal role in introducing her to songwriting, guiding her in navigating the industry and making money with music.
The journey to fame was not without its challenges, as controversies arose on social media questioning the credit given to Brazilian music producer Zerb for ‘Mwaki.’ Sofiya clarified that Zerb acquired her vocals from websites where artists and songwriters share their work, ultimately creating the hit song.
Sofiya defended Zerb against social media backlash, explaining the dynamics of the music business, where vocalists are not always credited. She expressed gratitude to Zerb for ensuring she benefits financially from the song’s success.
As the world dances to the infectious beats of ‘Mwaki,’ Sofiya Nzau and Zerb have created a track that merges Kikuyu heritage with Brazilian EDM prowess, defying boundaries and embracing the global spirit of music.
Released in early November 2023, ‘Mwaki’ quickly became the first Kenyan song to surpass 8 million streams on Spotify, marking a historic milestone. Sofiya continued her triumphant journey, performing at a Blankets and Wine concert in Nairobi in December 2023.
The song’s popularity has reached viral status on social media platforms, with enthusiasts worldwide creating their renditions and sharing joyous dance beats.
In a heartening display of appreciation, Zerb and Nzau collaborated on the ‘Mwaki’ music video in Kenya, set to be released soon. This collaboration not only highlights their shared creative spirit but also emphasizes the global significance of the track.
