Kenyan-British riser mau from nowhere returns with his latest offering, Soft Steps, a seven-track EP that showcases a unique blend of Afro-fusion, R&B, and electronics to create a rich and authentic sound.
Raised in Nairobi, the UK, and the Netherlands, mau’s multicultural upbringing informs his genre-blending style, which seamlessly fuses local African influences with global sounds. mau’s music effortlessly spans hip-hop, R&B, and electronic landscapes to create a sound which is at once infectiously danceable but also considered and emotive. A four-track EP and various singles, laid the groundwork for his debut album, which was hailed for its originality and introspection. In May 2023, Apple Music recognised mau’s talent, naming him their East African Up Next artist, a testament to his growing influence and ability to transcend genres.
With the new EP Soft Steps, mau from nowhere showcases a distinct shift in his musical direction, moving from the raw, rap-centric introspection and at times sonically rash approach of his early work to a more sophisticated, melodic and considered approach to storytelling and soundscaping. The EP explores themes of growth, patience, and self-forgiveness, as mau reflects on the universality of love, life, and the process of becoming. His serene and airy sound, characterised by its careful balance of melodic flow, melancholic moods and heartfelt lyricism.
“Putting one foot in front of the other in a gentle way,” mau explains of the EP’s concept. “Soft Steps is an ode to patience, navigating growth and the trials that come with it with the grace to forgive myself and the calm endurance to forget onward into the unknown.”
Listen below:
