Kikuyu EDM ‘Mwaki’ was an instant hit in Kenya and is still gaining global traction.
During a midweek Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspurs and Brentford, the song was played ahead of kick-off as players warmed up.
Safe to assume none of the players understood the meaning but the song’s captivating beat uplifted the entire stadium.
‘Mwaki’ which means ‘fire’ is the work of Kenyan singer Sofiya Nzau and Brazilian producer DJ Zerb.
The remix was an instant hit on TikTok and soon after became a club banger.
The song explores the intricate dynamics between a young woman and her stern father, who had warned her against marrying a specific man—a caution she chose to ignore.
Translated from Kikuyu, 'Mwaki' signifies 'Fire,' often describing a person's tough and no-nonsense traits.
Sofiya, with her melodic voice, narrates a poignant story through lyrics like, "Na niguo Muthee akoragwo Muaki, na nianjirite ndigakuhikie, Anyona mucii niekurakara, Nake arakara dahorekaga…. Nuuuu nuuu… No uthamire…," translated to English as, "My father is very strict, he warned me about marrying you. If he sees me at home, he will get angry. And when he gets angry, he’s uncontrollable… You will have to relocate!"
Despite being in Kikuyu, 'Mwaki' has transcended language barriers, captivating tens of thousands on TikTok, including those unfamiliar with Kikuyu.
The song’s official video was released earlier this week and has already hit 678k views.
