‘The hardest hustling DJ,’ according to Okay Africa, Coco Em is a force to be reckoned with. Her new single Kwa Raha Zangu has a unique story of its own, like many of her songs. Initially aiming for a club anthem, Coco EM took a different direction mid-creation. Driven by a need to lift her own spirits, she let her bruised heart steer the song, giving rise to a song that turned out somber and reflective. Influenced by the rich, expansive qualities of Lingala music, the track captures the power of music as a balm for the soul.
Written after a night at Nairobi’s underground club Mist, Coco Em channels the bittersweet blend of joy and sorrow through her layered production and vocal work. “When the 4 a.m. breeze hit, it reminded us that morning was coming and sleep was slipping away. The music had such a powerful, almost spiritual energy that I lost myself in it. After all the dancing and human connection, I thought, ‘niko hapa kwa raha zangu’ – I’m here, for better or worse, by choice,” she wrote.
The EP also includes a remix by Emile Papandréou, injecting a mutant techno energy with broken beats, morphing bass lines, and ethereal waves that push the track deeper into dystopian territory. With Kwa Raha Zangu, her first release since her 2022 debut Kilumi, Coco Em makes a singular return, crafting a sound where uncharted musical territories intersect with themes of self-liberation and responsibility. This release offers just a glimpse of her evolving sound, leaving listeners eager to explore the rich musical world she continues to shape.