African contemporary singer Liboi and Kenyan Afro House Music Producer and DJ Kayrop have released “Nani Alisema” (loosely translated as “Who Said?”), an experimental project that sees the artists immerse themselves in a body of work that challenges their traditional creative and sonic direction, often using their lived experiences in their creation process.
The release of this EP comes a week after the release of their first single off the EP “Twende Sote”.
‘Nani Alisema’ is a frenzied, socially conscious body of work that celebrates the themes of love, forgiveness and unity.
Rooted in Afro-fusion, the EP is an intimate sonic experience that balances personal introspection with communal healing. It is also grounded in the warmth and wisdom of African storytelling.
The EP features four tracks: Nyumbani, Nani Alisema, Twende Sote, and Tupendane. Its unique sound weaves Afro-fusion with electronic undertones, bringing together both artists’ distinct yet complementary musical styles, hence creating a sonic experience that speaks to the soul while getting listeners onto their feet.
“Nyumbani” is a tender call for a loved one to return home, while “Nani Alisema” delves into the resilience needed in love and relationships. Meanwhile, “Twende Sote & Tupendane” offer a message of peace, unity, and compassion.
Liboi said of the EP: “What really grounded this project was our shared intention to speak on themes that matter; love, home, unity, and healing, but through a sound that gets people moving. It’s music you can dance to, but also reflect with.”
For Kayrop, this EP marks a bold step into uncharted territory.
“‘Nani Alisema’ is more than music, it’s a feeling. We blend Afro-rooted sounds with modern energy to remind us of who we are: united, loved, and home wherever we dance,” Kayrop says.
Kayrop brings a unique perspective to the collaboration, particularly with his fresh take on instrumentation, including the fusion of Lingala-inspired melodies and electronic beats in “Nyumbani”.
“What if an electronic artist made a Lingala-inspired track? That’s the question that sparked “Nyumbani,” a fusion of Lingala-inspired melodies and percussion with electronic energy,” he adds.
This EP marks a departure from Kayrop’s typical sound.
“This project is quite different from what I usually do. It’s rich with live instrumentation, especially layered African percussion and guitar rhythms across different songs,” he says. “What drew me to work with Liboi is her unique musicality. She approaches every song with intention and heart, singing about deep themes like love, unity, and togetherness but with melodies and lyrics that feel effortless.”
As with any great collaboration, the contribution of other artists adds immeasurable depth. Liboi highlighted the valuable input of Nairobi’s sought-after percussionists Moses Akhonya and Eric Mwangangi, guitarist Henry Ngugi, and the Ugandan based UK producer-cum-sound engineer, Dominic Clare.
“Each person’s craft brought depth and flavour, adding layers that made the EP not only cohesive but rich with emotion and energy,” Liboi said.
For Kayrop, even in moments of doubt, the collaborators effortlessly affirmed him.
“Seeing how each artist interpreted our ideas and added their own creativity elevated the entire project. In moments where I felt something was missing, they brought their A-game filling the gaps and making me love the music even more,” Kayrop added.
