Sofiya Nzau Prepares Debut Album Nano After Global Rise

Sofiya Nzau is done being the voice behind someone else’s hit.

The Sofiya Nzau debut album is on the way, and it is called Nano. The Kenyan singer says it tells her own story. She has worked on it from 2023 until now.

Sofiya Nzau Debut Album: What Nano Means

In Kikuyu, Nano loosely means a form of narration. She says the album narrates her different seasons. Moreover, she kept some songs free of guest features.

She wants more creative control this time. Previously, collaborators reshaped her vocals into their own songs. Now she even asks producers to rework tracks until they match her vision.

About 18 tracks are in the works. However, she is holding out for a label that truly believes in the project. She does not want to release it just because she has to.

How Sofiya Nzau Reached This Moment

Her 2023 hit Mwaki, with Brazilian producer Zerb, took Kikuyu vocals to dance floors worldwide. The song has passed 400 million Spotify streams. Furthermore, she has since worked with Bob Sinclar, Topic, and PLS&TY.

In May 2024, she became the first East African artist to pass 10 million monthly Spotify listeners. Then in July 2025, she became the first Kenyan to perform at Tomorrowland. She shared the stage with Steve Aoki.

Her Wacuka collaboration with German producer AVAION also built a big following in Germany. Meanwhile, recent features show her range. She joined Yemi Alade and Njerae on Earth Song and teamed up with Tanzania’s Harmonize on Loser.

Her schedule is packed. Over the next few months, she tours Africa, Australia, and Asia. She writes in Kikuyu, while European songwriters help with melodies.

Are you ready for Nano? Tell us your favorite Sofiya Nzau song in the comments. Share this with a friend who loves Mwaki. Follow AfrobeatsGlobal for more East African music news.

Check out our previous blog post on Mr. Eazi Explains Why He Chose 8,000 Fans Over Jay-Z.

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