Kenyan music duo Watendawili have released a new six-track EP titled ‘Hekaya’, an EP they say is an ode to lyricism and layered storytelling.
The project, which features the tracks “Tumia Pesa”, “Lavender”, “Naogelea”, “Ngai Enda”, “Ex Wangu” and “Mafrrrmbanya”, places narrative at the centre of its sound.
The two, Ywaya Tajiri and Onyanch Pala, who were once part of the group Kaskazini, are known for weaving contemporary Kenyan experiences into melody. In this EP, they lean into emotionally driven writing, drawing from everyday stories shared by their fans.
Speaking about the EP, the duo said it was about love, grief and loss.
“Hekaya was birthed from stories told to us by our fans; love, loss, celebration and grief, so we compiled those stories into short narratives that we all go through, and we hope it leaves a mark.”
Staying true to its title, “Hekaya” means story in Kiswahili, the EP draws inspiration from local folklore while blending widely spoken Kenyan languages, including Kiswahili, Kikuyu, Luo and Sheng. Through this creative choice, the two say they’re able to bridge generational gaps, reconnecting younger audiences to cultural traditions through modern production.
“Culture is the one thing that will never fade. It’s our duty to help our generation connect with it.”
Above all, Watendawili say that vulnerability is what makes it work.
“Emotional honesty is central to our songwriting because music literally saves lives. We never take a songwriting session lightly, because we understand the power of melody and lyric.”
