Kenyan artist and songwriter Sofiya Nzau has made history after her global hit song ‘Mwaki‘ became the most streamed Kenyan song on music streaming platform Spotify, surpassing over 87.4 million streams as of May 4, 2024.
Nzau further holds the record of the most monthly listeners among East African artists on the platform, boasting a staggering 9.5 million listeners.
In the rhythmic heart of Kenya, where the beats of dreams echo through the plains, Sophia Wanjiku Nzau emerges as a musical phenomenon, her name traversing across continents.
A story of triumph unfolds, sparked by the wildfire success of her Electronic Dance Music (EDM)-infused track, ‘Mwaki‘, a song that has since transcended borders and genres.
Her recent success includes collaborating with celebrated EDM group Major Lazer for the ‘Mwaki’ remix, released on January 13.
Sofiya Nzau
Sofiya, a versatile artist, composer, and storyteller, is not just a singer but also 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 confided in an interview with a local station.
Also Read: Spotify Announces Third Mass Layoff in 2023
Her metamorphosis 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 saw the spark within her, setting a condition for her musical journey which was 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.
She further noted that the husband later introduced her to songwriting, cultivating her in the industry through teaching her how to make money with music.
Thus, the hit song ‘Mwaki‘ was born, a TikTok sound that has since evolved into a global anthem.
How Mwaki Became a Hit Song
The magic happened when Brazilian music producer Zerb wove his expertise around Sofiya vocals, crafting an EDM masterpiece that transcended TikTok, landing in the playlists of DJs worldwide.
However, the journey to fame was not without its share of controversies as Kenyans took to social media, questioning why Zerb was credited for ‘Mwaki’ instead of Nzau.
In response to the controversies, the songstress stepped forward to clarify the intricacies of her unique approach to music creation.
“Over the last few years, I’ve been doing vocal packs and placing them on various websites where artists and songwriters get exposure and also get to pay their bills,” She explained.
It is from the websites where the Brazilian producer bought the vocals from, made the beat for the song, and made a hit.
Additionally, Nzau staunchly defended Zerb against the social media backlash, unraveling the dynamics of the music business.
Music Business
“Normally, producers are not expected to credit vocalists since the vocals are accessible to many.
So Zerb rightfully used the vocals from one of those platforms and made the song,” she clarified.
Sofiya further extended her gratitude to Zerb for ensuring she benefits financially from the song’s success.
“We have an agreement to make sure I benefit from the song and it’s a success financially, which I’m truly grateful to Zerb and his team,” she acknowledged.
Also Read: Dating Charlene Ruto Is like Paying Tax- Butita to Daddy Owen
As the globe gyrates to the infectious beats of ‘Mwaki‘, the song has achieved historic milestones on major streaming platforms.
Sofiya Nzau and Zerb, a collaboration that seamlessly merges Kikuyu heritage with Brazilian EDM prowess, have created a track that defies boundaries and embraces the global spirit of music.
“Mwaki”, which translates to “Fire” in Kikuyu, is indeed a hit that has set the music scene ablaze.
Mwaki Success
Released in early November 2023, ‘Mwaki‘ swiftly became the first Kenyan song to surpass 8 million streams on Spotify, a testament to its universal appeal.
The success didn’t stop there as Nzau continued her triumphant journey, her song becoming an earworm that resonated with audiences globally.
Also, her remarkable journey saw her reach a significant milestone when she graced the stage at a Blankets and Wine concert in December 2023, in Nairobi.
Also Read: Mixed Reactions as Eric Omondi Offers to Help Girl Captured Crossing Flooded River
The crowd, moved by the electrifying performance, witnessed the artist in her element, transcending the boundaries of language and culture through her music.
Furthermore, the song’s popularity has continued to surge, earning it viral status on social media platforms.
Enthusiasts from around the world have continued to join in the craze, creating their renditions and sharing the joyous dance beats.
In a heartening display of appreciation, Zerb and Nzau also collaborated in January, diligently working on the ‘Mwaki‘ music video in Kenya which was released in late January and has since amassed over 11 million views on You Tube.
The behind-the-scenes glimpse not only highlighted the collaborative spirit but also underscored the global significance of the track.
