Kenyan singer-songwriter Njerae is making waves in the music industry by blending her R&B influences with her Kenyan identity. In a recent interview, she opened up about her creative journey, inspirations, and the risks she has taken to shape her career.
Njerae recently released her single “Decide” from her latest EP Four Letter Word, showcasing her unique sound that merges Western R&B with Kenyan musical elements. Reflecting on her musical influences, she highlighted how artists like Tori Kelly and Sauti Sol helped shape her style.
“Growing up, I was mostly influenced by R&B music. I used to listen to a lot of Tori Kelly, but at the same time, Sauti Sol was coming up. They had a huge influence on my journey,” she shared.
She noticed a gap in the Kenyan music industry, where artists leaned heavily toward either traditional genres like rhumba or the more contemporary Gengetone sound. Determined to forge her own path, she sought inspiration from pioneers who blended contemporary and local influences.
“I knew that just by being Kenyan, I had to find that Kenyanness in me. At that time, I feel like there wasn’t anyone doing that kind of blend. So I tried to pick pieces from artists making it, like Sauti Sol. And as a woman, I also wanted to find female artists to look up to,” she explained.
One of her biggest aspirations is to collaborate with Bien of Sauti Sol, whom she admires for breaking boundaries in the industry. “I think Bien is a huge motivation and pillar of strength for many Kenyans. He’s doing something that most of us thought was impossible,” she noted, hinting at a potential collaboration.
Njerae credits her growth as a musician to her time at Sauti Academy, a platform that provided her with essential skills in songwriting and performance. While many artists pursued formal music education abroad, she chose to stay in Kenya, learning how the local industry operates. “Sauti Academy was it for me, and I think that’s where I shaped my career,” she said.
Beyond music, her studies in psychology have influenced her songwriting. Initially using music as an emotional outlet, she later became intrigued by music therapy. “Psychology was my way of learning about music therapy, but I also fell in love with human interaction,” she revealed, expressing her desire to explore the field further.
Her 2021 hit “Aki Sioni” has experienced a resurgence three years after its release, an evolution she welcomes. “I have to expect growth. These surprises prepare me for bigger stages,” she said.
Njerae’s latest 2024 EP, Out With The Old, reflects her willingness to take risks. The project forced her out of her comfort zone, particularly in collaborating with other artists. “I usually don’t like being in a comfortable space. Change is necessary for growth,” she emphasized.
With a packed schedule of performances in Nairobi and an anticipated international tour in South Africa, Njerae is poised for greater success. Her journey is proof that staying true to oneself while embracing evolution is key to longevity in the music industry.
