Kenyan R&B sensation Maya Amolo returns with her latest EP, What A Feeling, a five-track homage to the vibrant city of Nairobi, her birthplace and the pulse behind her artistic journey. Released on August 29th, this project explores the emotional highs and lows of personal and spiritual growth, inviting listeners to embrace the beauty of surrender and to immerse themselves in the depth of feeling.
With her roots firmly planted in the smooth rhythms of R&B, Maya ventures into new sonic landscapes, blending dancehall, pop, and house influences to create a soundscape that feels both familiar and daringly fresh. Each track exudes the raw energy of late-night studio sessions, all but one co-produced with the acclaimed Cap under Nairobi’s starry skies. The opening song, “The Moment,” is a collaboration with rising Kenyan producer Hawi Okello, setting the stage for a journey that is both introspective and uplifting.
A storyteller at heart, Maya Amolo’s music is a delicate tapestry of life’s intricate emotions, woven through the lens of alternative R&B and Afro-pop. Her signature sugary vocals and lush harmonies have resonated across the globe, earning her a devoted fan base and a beloved spot in East Africa’s creative community.
Her debut project, Leave Me At The Pregame (2020), explored themes of self-acceptance and healing, while her 2022 album Asali took listeners deeper into the realm of infatuation and love’s unpredictable nature. Collaborating with Nairobi’s Lukorito and Nigerian artist SirBastien, she crafted an album that felt both intimate and expansive. The deluxe version, Asali (Sweeter), added layers of sensuality and emotional intimacy, featuring renowned artists like Xenia Manasseh, Bensoul, and Zowie Kengocha.
Maya’s artistry has captured the attention of platforms like NPR, Okay Africa, and The Native Mag. In 2022, she became Spotify Africa’s inaugural Fresh Finds artist, a testament to her rising influence. In 2023, she participated in the first-ever writing camp by Spotify and COLORSxSTUDIOS in Africa, further solidifying her position as an artist to watch. Recognized as Apple Music’s East Africa Up Next artist in 2023, Maya Amolo continues to be a beacon of innovation and emotional honesty in the music scene.
With What A Feeling, Maya invites listeners into a space of reflection, movement, and connection. It’s not just a project—it’s an ode to the city, the process, and the feeling that lies at the heart of it all.
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