8th March 2024 saw the beginning of a new era as East African music pioneer Fully Focus, dares to embark on a journey of a thousand miles with the release of his new EP titled Kikuyu House featuring Kenyan sensation Sofiya Nzau.
Fully Focus, known for his pivotal role in popularizing African music on mainstream platforms and Sofiya Nzau whose music transcends cultural and language barriers with her enchanting melodies that embody the soul of Africa, create unique renditions that pay respects to the original songs while injecting a modern twist.
Going by the moniker Passport Music Group (PMG), which is also the name of their indie record label, the two are creating infinite memories.
Focus and Sofiya are unique souls with one heart and the mission is simple, they want to take East African music to the world.
Together they are unstoppable as they have discovered a unique sound called Kikuyu House, a term they have coined which is inspired by the Kikuyu tribe in Kenya.
The four track EP is a first of its kind in the world with the inimitable sound.
Their music has already garnered much attention throughout Europe and beyond, owing it to Nzau’s vocal packs which have led to various releases by some of the worlds best electronic dance music producers.
The EP’s leading title track ‘Mwanake’ is a new rendition of the classical Kenyan tune which is an important love story in Kenya.
“Mwanake” tells a story of finding love in the most unexpected places and packages, echoing the timeless theme of legendary Kikuyu singer JB Maina’s earlier hit“ Tiga Kumute”. The single transcends beyond mere entertainment, delving into the nuances of love and surprise, making it relatable to a global audience.
The sound of the project can be described as an enticing, ethnic groove that encompasses descending melodies, dramatic sound effects and synth elements to perfectly underpin the outstanding vocal performance provided by Sofiya.
The rest of the five track EP has soul captivating songs such as Geithia Mundu, E Muoyo, Mwanake as well as Mucie Riddim.
Kikuyu EP will be available everywhere from 8 March 2024 via Passport Music Group.
TRACKLIST
- Intro Cucu
- Geithia Mundu ft Sofiya Nzau
- E Muoyo ft Sofiya Nzau
- Mwanake ft Sofiya Nzau
- Mucie Riddim w/Nzau
ABOUT FULLY FOCUS
Fully Focus is a global DJ, producer, promoter, presenter, & entrepreneur from Kenya, based in Atlanta. Over the past two decades, he’s played a significant role in breaking African music on mainstream platforms. He pioneered the promotion of Afrobeats before it gained acceptance on American radio by launching his own show “Midweek Motivation” on SoundCloud in 2011, reaching 1 million plays & listeners in 50 countries. This success led to world tours & guest spots on Atlanta’s V103 radio station, where he broke Afrobeats artists like P-Square, D’Banj, Davido, Wizkid & Timaya whom he later connected with the legendary Sean Paul for one of the first Afrobeats + Dancehall collabs, “Bum Bum” Remix. Focus later secured two shows on Sirius XM through his work of curating and producing the Major Lazer mixtape series “Africa Is The Future.” He also founded Atlanta’s first multicultural music festival, Passport Experience (PXP Fest) and later formed a joint venture with music legend Akon & music exec Chaka Zulu. PXP Fest has been successfully showcased in various continents worldwide including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe & North America with performers including R&B icon Usher & Reggae legend Shaggy. Focus became the first Afrobeats DJ with a Las Vegas Strip residency & performed at prestigious venues alongside renowned artists such as Diplo & Steve Aoki. Beyond his DJ career, Focus organized music events & halftime shows for USA Sevens, the largest rugby tournament in North America. In 2019, he launched PXP Con, a music, film, and tech conference in Nairobi aimed at educating young African creatives on the business side of these industries. Fully Focus’s contributions in the entertainment industry extend to collaborations and partnerships with major brands such as Coca Cola, Jack Daniels, Marriott, and Live Nation. He’s worked with renowned African artists like Wizkid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Maphorisa among others. In 2020, he won the Best African DJ Award at AFRIMMA, a prominent entertainment awards show. In 2022, Focus released his debut compilation album, “African Ambassador,” showcasing the diversity of sounds from different countries. The album has since surpassed 20 Million streams with the lead single becoming the longest charting Kenyan song of 2022 on Apple’s Top 100. Fully Focus’s commitment to African music has earned him recognition and relationships globally. Through his independent label, Passport Music Group (PMG), which is also home to Kenyan sensation Sofiya Nzau, he now aims to further elevate the conversation about the continent’s music & culture.
ABOUT SOFIYA NZAU
Hailing from the captivating landscapes of Murang’a, Kenya, Sofiya Nzau emerges as more than a musician; she is an African storyteller whose distinctive sound enchants and captivates from the first note. Her musical journey, nurtured in the embrace of her local church, has blossomed into a compelling narrative of collaboration and global recognition.
Sofiya’s passion for music was ignited at a young age, where her soulful voice resonated with in the walls of her local church. As the years unfolded, she evolved into a sought – after singer and songwriter, establishing herself as a cornerstone for numerous house DJs and producers around the world. In her latest triumph, Sofiya partnered with Zerb from Brazil to birth “Mwaki,” a collaboration that stands as the most viral song globally gaining over 6 million views on Spotify within the first month of release. This musical masterpiece has garnered colossal support from some of the biggest people in the music industry and found a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide. Notable playlists on Spotify have embraced “Mwaki,” solidifying Sofiya’s status as a rising international sensation. Sofiya’s musical footprint extends beyond this latest success. She has seamlessly collaborated with esteemed artists and DJs such as Space Motion, PLS&TY, Zexzy, and Blaq Jerzee, each collaboration a testament to her versatility and ability to navigate diverse musical landscapes.
Undoubtedly, Sofiya Nzau is a voice that transcends borders and represents the soulful sound of Africa. Her calm yet commanding voice, coupled with her exceptional storytelling skills, creates an immersive experience that transports listeners to the heart of her cultural roots. As her star continues to rise, Sofiya Nzau remains an artist to watch. Her melodies are not just songs; they are chapters in a larger story, a narrative that beautifully blends the traditions of Africa with the global language of music. With every release, Sofiya re-affirms her place as a beacon of cultural expression, inviting the world to listen, learn, and dance to the rhythm of her compelling tales.
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