Polycarp Otieno, widely known as Fancy Fingers, has recently embarked on an exciting new chapter in his musical career with the release of his debut solo album, Jawaya Jathum. After nearly two decades as a prominent member of the globally acclaimed Afro-pop group Sauti Sol, this marks his first full-length project as a solo artist.
For Polycarp, the transition from being part of a band to taking on the spotlight as a solo artist has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. The decorated guitarist and Grammy Award-winning songwriter expressed his enthusiasm for the solo journey, embracing the challenge with the passion and energy he’s known for. This fresh direction has given him a sense of rebirth and has rekindled his love for music in ways he hadn’t anticipated. Despite the success he achieved with Sauti Sol, he’s always had a deep desire to explore his personal musical expression, which Jawaya Jathum represents.
The album, released in March 2025, is a 13-track masterpiece that blends Polycarp’s signature style with a deep reverence for his Kenyan cultural roots. The majority of the songs are written in Luo, with elements of Swahili woven throughout, bringing together a fusion of languages that reflect his heritage. One of the key collaborations on the album was with renowned benga musician Winyo Shiphton, who helped bring the project to life with a perfect marriage of African rhythms, compelling lyrics, and captivating melodies.
In addition to Winyo, the album features contributions from other notable Kenyan artists like The Only Rosa and Lisa Oduor-Noah. These collaborations create a diverse mix of modern Afro-soul and traditional Kenyan sounds, adding layers of depth and vibrancy to the project. Polycarp’s dedication to blending traditional and contemporary music is evident in the album’s rich sound, which pays homage to the diverse musical landscape of Kenya.
Polycarp shared that his creative process was fueled by a desire to push boundaries while remaining true to his cultural heritage. He is passionate about the power of instrumentation in music and believes that every arrangement tells a story. For him, each track on the album is an invitation for listeners to experience a journey, with the hope that they will discover something new each time they listen. His goal was to modernize and celebrate Kenya’s traditional instruments, breathing new life into instruments like the nyatiti, orutu, and drums. By adding a contemporary rhythm to these sounds, Polycarp showcases the richness of Kenyan music to the world.
Throughout the album, Polycarp’s message is clear: music is a universal language that transcends borders and connects people across the globe. With Jawaya Jathum, he has not only created an album that resonates with Kenyan culture but has also set out to inspire the world by presenting a fresh, modern perspective on African music. The project represents both an artistic and personal evolution, marking the beginning of an exciting new phase in his musical career.
