Njerae, Universal Music Group East Africa’s (UMG EA) latest signee, has released her first project under the label: the “Aki Sioni Remix.” The remix, which dropped two years after the original track from her 2022 album Unintentional, marks a significant step forward for the Kenyan singer-songwriter. Not only does this release showcase Njerae’s musical evolution, but it also positions her as a key player in elevating East African music to global heights.
The remix of “Aki Sioni” is a collaboration with WonderMajik, a celebrated Nigerian producer, songwriter, and sound engineer. This project merges Njerae’s soulful essence with WonderMajik’s flair, resulting in a version that Njerae describes as “bringing more of a summer vibe”—a track destined to dominate party playlists and summer soundtracks alike.
The Genesis of “Aki Sioni” and Its Impact
The original Aki Sioni was a standout track from Njerae’s 2022 debut album Unintentional. The album, which established her as one of East Africa’s most promising indie artists, was a deeply personal project that highlighted her unique blend of soul, R&B, and Afro-pop. Despite being relatively new to the scene, Njerae’s work on Unintentional quickly caught the attention of critics and fans alike. Aki Sioni, in particular, resonated with audiences for its smooth melodies and thoughtful lyrics about longing and self-discovery.
Since its release, Aki Sioni has experienced a consistent climb on the charts, indicating its enduring appeal. At the time of the remix’s release, the song was sitting at number 24 on Kenya’s Top 200 Shazam chart and had surpassed 10,000 all-time Shazams, showcasing its widespread popularity. Even two years after Unintentional dropped, the original track still holds a place at number 66 on Apple Music’s Top Songs chart in Kenya, while the full album has maintained a position within the Top 100 on Apple Music Kenya.
Reflecting on the remix, Njerae explained, “Remixes breathe new life into an existing track, giving it a fresh perspective. I wanted to experiment with my sound and see how I could transform something familiar into something amazing.” The decision to remix Aki Sioni was inspired not just by the track’s popularity, but also by a desire to connect with fans on a deeper level by offering a new interpretation of a song they already loved.
Njerae’s Journey from Indie Artist to UMG EA Signee
Njerae’s transition from an independent artist to signing with Universal Music Group East Africa in August 2024 marks a pivotal moment in her career. Since the beginning of her journey as an indie artist, she has been carving out her own space in the competitive East African music scene. Her signing with UMG EA signals a new era, not just for Njerae, but also for East African music as a whole.
In her own words, Njerae described UMG as “the missing piece of the puzzle” she didn’t realize she needed. “They have been the missing piece of the puzzle that I didn’t realize I needed,” she said, speaking about the impact the label has had on her artistic growth and international ambitions. The resources, networks, and global reach provided by UMG are already making a difference in Njerae’s career, allowing her to tap into new markets and audiences beyond the East African borders.
UMG East Africa’s official statement about the signing emphasized their belief in Njerae’s potential to elevate the region’s music scene on a global stage. “UMG’s belief is that Njerae is a special artist that will elevate East Africa’s budding music scene to the international stage,” the label wrote, underscoring the important role they see her playing in bringing East African music into the global spotlight.
As an independent artist, Njerae laid the groundwork for her career through relentless hard work, building a loyal fan base with her authenticity and versatile sound. Her partnership with UMG EA is poised to elevate her career to the next level, opening doors to collaborations, international tours, and a wider distribution network. With UMG’s support, Njerae now has the tools she needs to reach global audiences, and the remix of Aki Sioni is just the beginning.
A Seamless Collaboration with WonderMajik
For her first project under UMG, Njerae teamed up with Nigerian music producer WonderMajik, whose expertise spans across multiple facets of the industry as a record producer, songwriter, and sound engineer. The collaboration between Njerae and WonderMajik for the Aki Sioni Remix was a harmonious one, with Njerae describing their partnership as effortless. “He just gets me and my sound in a way that feels effortless,” she said.
WonderMajik’s influence on the track can be felt in its fresh, summery vibe, adding an upbeat twist to the original. Known for his ability to craft versatile beats that blend Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary global sounds, WonderMajik has worked with several major artists across Africa. His collaboration with Njerae is a testament to the potential of cross-border collaborations, showcasing the richness of African music when different styles and influences come together.
The remix introduces a brighter, more vibrant energy to Aki Sioni, giving fans a version that is tailor-made for sunny days and festive settings. It’s a fitting follow-up to the original track, and Njerae’s decision to remix it serves as a way of both celebrating her past success and looking forward to her future under UMG.
The Power of Remixes: A Fresh Take on Familiar Tracks
Remixing has long been a powerful tool in the music industry, allowing artists to revisit their earlier work and introduce new elements or perspectives. For Njerae, the Aki Sioni Remix is not just a reworking of a previous hit, but a statement about her artistic evolution. “This version brings more of a summer vibe and is the perfect addition to your party playlist,” she said, capturing the essence of what she hoped to achieve with the remix.
The original Aki Sioni was a song rooted in emotion and introspection, but the remix flips the script by injecting a more celebratory energy into the track. It’s a song that feels fresh and new while still retaining the core elements that made it a fan favorite. In many ways, the remix symbolizes Njerae’s journey as an artist—taking something familiar and comfortable and pushing it in new and exciting directions.
In today’s music landscape, remixes have become an essential part of keeping a song relevant long after its initial release. As trends shift and new sounds emerge, remixes offer artists a way to stay connected to their audience and breathe new life into their catalog. For Njerae, the Aki Sioni Remix is both a nod to her past and a glimpse of what’s to come.
Njerae’s Bright Future with UMG EA
With the release of the Aki Sioni Remix, Njerae has officially begun her next chapter in music, one that promises to bring even more exciting projects in the future. She hinted at more releases to come, saying she is “beyond excited for the amazing projects we’re about to release.”
As UMG EA continues to expand its roster of talented East African artists, Njerae is poised to be one of the label’s breakout stars. Her unique sound, combined with the support of the world’s leading music company, puts her in a prime position to achieve even greater success on the international stage.
In a short time, Njerae has already felt the impact of the support she’s getting from UMG. The “Aki Sioni Remix” is just a taste of what’s to come, and with her talent and drive, the sky’s the limit for what she can achieve. For Njerae, this remix is not just a project—it’s the beginning of something much bigger, a journey that will see her transform from a rising star in East Africa to a global sensation.
As she continues to explore new sounds and collaborations, Njerae’s music will undoubtedly continue to evolve, drawing from both her East African roots and the global influences she’s now exposed to. Fans can expect to see more innovative projects from Njerae as she solidifies her place in the music industry, both at home and abroad.
