IN CONVERSATION WITH SOFIYA NZAU & MADISM
Interview by Samo Šajn
Sofiya Nzau is a Kenyan singer and songwriter known for blending Kikuyu vocals with modern electronic and Afro House sounds. She received global attention with the hit Mwaki and later became the first Kenyan artist to perform at Tomorrowland. Her music brings Kenyan culture to international stages in a fresh and powerful way.
How did you go from hawking and doing menial work to becoming a global artist?
Oh wow, that journey feels surreal every time I think about it! Yes, I used to hawk in Thika, and I did house help jobs, those were humble beginnings but full of lessons. My husband, who is also my producer, saw something in me. He encouraged me to write, encouraged me to sing in Kikuyu which felt bold at the time. After COVID 19, I made the decision to fully commit to music. There were days of doubt, days when I wondered, “Do people really care what I sing?” But then Mwaki happened. Seeing that song resonate with people all over TikTok, radio, clubs, and streaming platforms made me believe, “Yes, this is possible.” I am so grateful for every moment: the struggle, the small wins, and the big ones. They all made the magic real.
What has surprised you most about success?
So many surprises! First, how fast everything moves once people catch on. Sometimes it feels like I am riding a wave and I forget how steep it is. Also, how people outside of Kenya connect to Kikuyu lyrics. To them, it might be the melody and the vibe. To me, these are deep stories, memories, culture. When someone in Europe or Asia messages me saying a line touched them, I am like, really? That means we are beyond boundaries, and that is magical. And yes, I did not expect the business side, things like royalties, credits, contracts, to take up so much attention. I am learning as I go. I am very grateful though, because each surprise is a lesson.
Your music has strong cultural roots. How do you balance staying true to those roots while experimenting with new sounds?
Balance is the word! I do not believe in losing who I am to gain new listeners. I believe in bringing who I am into new ideas. Using Kikuyu language, drawing from Kenyan rhythms, from the sounds of tea plantations or evening church hymns or voices raised in work, that gives me the foundation. Then I am free to play with Afro House, EDM, collaborations with producers from other countries, different instruments, different production styles. If something does not feel authentic, if I cannot hear Kenya or feel my heart in it, I send it back or reshape it. It is like cooking. You have your staple ingredients, then you try new spices and new techniques, but you taste and adjust until it still feels like yours.
What has been the most difficult hurdle you have had to overcome?
Probably the combination of visibility and recognition, not just making good music but making sure people know who made it. Mwaki, for example, had moments of confusion over credits. I made vocal packs that producers can use, and that created some complex conversations. Also, visa denials and missed performance opportunities were tough. You plan so much, you dream so big, then bureaucracy or logistics puts up walls. But even during those tougher times, gratitude has kept me going. I am grateful for the fans, for the moments I do get to perform, for people who believe in me even before I believe in myself sometimes.
When all the lights fade and the crowds are gone, what brings you peace?
I love that question. Simple things bring me peace. Cooking something with my family, sitting outside when the morning air is cool, hearing the sounds of the countryside like birds, wind, and leaves. Those remind me where I come from and give me grounding. Sometimes just laughing with friends, or hearing a child sing, or sipping tea with quiet music playing. I also love writing lyrics in a notebook, just me, a pen, and some thoughts. Those are the spaces where I refill, where inspiration and rest meet.
Madism is a Dutch producer and DJ known for his warm, melodic style and emotional electronic sound. With over a billion streams and remixes for major artists like Lewis Capaldi and Sam Smith, he has become one of the most in demand names in dance music.
“Hutia” brings together your production, Sofiya’s vocals, and Robert Miles’ melody. How did this collaboration come together?
I received the demo for Hutia and instantly connected with the emotion in Sofiya’s performance. While producing the song, I was playing around with some melodies on the piano and created something similar to the Children melody by Robert Miles. I decided to try his melody on the song, and it blended in perfectly. The piano melody and Sofiya’s emotion felt like a great combination.
You have worked with many big names. What made “Hutia” and Sofiya’s voice stand out to you?
Sofiya’s voice is very recognizable, even though I cannot understand the lyrics. The emotion can be felt, and that is what matters most to me. She tends to come up with very catchy hooks that you will sing along to even if they are in her own language. Emotion and melodies are the most important things for me when deciding to work on a song, and Hutia had both.
“Children” is a dance music classic. How did you keep the spirit of the original while giving it a fresh Afro House twist?
I think the most important thing to me in Children is the emotion that the melody carries. Since Hutia and the production I was building already had a similar vibe, it all just clicked.
You are from the Netherlands and Sofiya brings a strong Kenyan influence. What was it like blending these two different musical worlds?
It was a completely new but exciting experience. Being able to work with different cultures through music is amazing. We all have our different ways of working, but the love for music is the same.
You have already achieved so much in music. What kind of projects or collaborations do you hope to explore next?
I am currently focusing a bit more on the live side of music, releasing more songs that can be played live and releasing them with other DJs. I am also planning to do more DJ shows. I have been touring Asia lately, and I cannot wait to head back in November and December to do more shows.
