Sofiya Nzau

Sofiya Nzau is a Kenyan singer and songwriter best known for her collaboration with Brazilian DJ Zerb on the global hit 'Mwaki'. Her rise from modest beginnings to international recognition has made her one of the most notable new voices in African electronic music.

Nzau worked as a street vendor and domestic helper in Thika, Kenya, between 2015 and 2020. Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, she left her jobs in December 2020 to pursue a career in music. With the support of her husband, who is a music producer, she began writing and recording songs in Kikuyu, her native language. She uploaded her vocals and compositions to online platforms, making them available as sound and language packs for producers around the world.

In 2023, Brazilian DJ and producer Zerb discovered Nzau’s track 'Mwaki'—meaning “fire” in Kikuyu—and remixed it into a house music version. The song gained immense popularity on TikTok before spreading to international streaming platforms, where it became a viral hit.

As Mwaki grew in global recognition, discussions arose over cultural appropriation and ownership. Nzau publicly clarified that she had willingly collaborated with Zerb and had a formal agreement ensuring her financial participation and songwriting credit. She emphasised that the partnership had been mutually respectful and beneficial.

Nzau received full recognition as a co-credited artist on Mwaki, which went on to chart internationally. In December 2023, she performed the song live in Nairobi to widespread acclaim. The music video for 'Mwaki' was filmed in January 2024 at Kenya’s Hell’s Gate National Park, showcasing the country’s striking natural scenery to an international audience.

Since her breakthrough, Nzau has continued to release music that blends African vocal traditions with global electronic sounds. Her lyrics, often in Kikuyu and Swahili, draw inspiration from her cultural heritage while addressing themes of resilience, identity and hope.

Her growing international collaborations reflect her expanding influence within the electronic and world music scenes. She has worked with a range of producers and DJs from across Africa, Europe and Latin America, contributing to a growing movement of cross-cultural musical exchange.

Photo: Sofiya Nzau/Instagram