Kenya: M. Rumbi releases Chasing the Line EP

This four-track project takes listeners on an introspective journey through the realms of hip hop, neo-soul and indie jazz. It features collaborations with a diverse array of talented artists, including BasicCity, Zalali, Kui, and N’Jiru, each contributing their unique artistry to create a cohesive and compelling sound.

At its core, Chasing the Shine explores the intricate themes of love, longing, ambition, and resilience. M. Rumbi invites listeners to join him and his collaborators on a quest for authenticity and connection.

The EP is a reflection of the artists’ growth and exploration, capturing the essence of their musical journeys while resonating with the complexities of modern life. It’s a testament to their dedication to their craft and their unwavering pursuit of sound.

Each track invites listeners to immerse themselves in an enchanting soundscape, leaving them eager for what lies ahead in M. Rumbi’s musical journey.

The tracks in the project are: ‘Just Another Day’ featuring Jade Garisch, ‘Say What You Want’ featuring Kui, ‘Slave to the Rhythm’ featuring BoiBlacc and N’Jiru, and ‘Iro Ma Mwoch’, the EP’s first single featuring Zalali released on 26 July.

Michael Rumbi, known artistically as M. Rumbi, is a multi-talented musician from Nairobi, Kenya, currently based in Bloemfontein, South Africa. In 2023, he announced a year-long project that would see him release 28 songs – two more than initially planned.

Drawing inspiration from an eclectic range of artists such as The Roots, Jordan Rakei, Tom Misch, Uyama Hiroto, Tyler, the Creator, and Lianne la Havas, M. Rumbi’s unique sound is characterised by an indie vibe infused with jazz influences.

He is the recipient of the Standard Bank Ovation Award and has showcased his talents at the National Arts Festival 2022 in Makhanda, Grahamstown, as part of the duo BasicCity. His collaborative track ‘Days Go By’ featuring Wendy Kay was included in the soundtrack for Sincerely Daisy (2020), the first Kenyan film to premiere on Netflix.

[video:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nvBDRLn-o-FEmoAN7aB1AI72P_ugN1m_c width:744 height:446 autoplay:0]