Nabalayo

She is a music maker, folk music and ethnomusicology enthusiast and illustrator based in Nairobi. She is also the pioneer of the Changanya genre.

Changanya is a modernised folk music form that is built on the aesthetics of local folk music in Kenya. It is characterised by emphasis on intricate percussive rhythms built in layers inspired by idioms from various parts of the country, minimalism in ensemble arrangement, flowing melodies and story like lyrics. There is also major rhythmic emphasis within the melodic instrument parts. The music relies on the bass to set the mood and the percussion section to drive it.

She has performed at music festivals such as Women in music, Paragasha, For the Love of Music and has had music featured in Operation Legacy film by Book Bunk (March 2020).