Universal Music Group East Africa’s latest signee, Njerae, is set to drop the “Aki Sioni remix” two years after the track was first released. Njerae joined UMG EA in August 2024 after working as an indie artist since the genesis of her music career. For her first project, she pairs up with Nigerian music and record producer, songwriter, and sound engineer WonderMajik to create “Aki Sioni Remix.”
The remix is a rendition of “Aki Sioni,” a track from her 2022 successful album, Unintentional. Since its release, ‘Aki Sioni’ has gained traction, sitting at number 24 on Kenya’s Top 200 Shazam chart. The track surpassed 10,000 all-time Shazams this week. Additionally, Njerae’s first album, Unintentional, is at number 85 on Apple’s Music Kenya’s Top 100 chart two years after its release. Notably, “Aki Sioni” also maintains its position on Apple Music’s Top Songs chart at number 66, showcasing its enduring popularity.
“Remixes breathe new life into an existing track, giving it a fresh perspective,” said Njerae. “I wanted to experiment with my sound and see how I could transform something familiar into something amazing.” She added.
Njerae shared that she was inspired by how positively her fans received ‘Aki Sioni,’ whether on social media, the streets, or on the stages she performed on. She wanted to give her fans a fresh take of the song as a way of giving back. “This version brings more of a summer vibe and is the perfect addition to your party playlist,” she said.
Previously produced by Njerae and Kobby Worldwide, who also produced “Out with the Old” EP, “Aki Sioni” has found another beatmaker who brought years of experience as a sound engineer to the remix. Njerae’s interaction with WonderMajik was seamless despite it being her first international collaboration with a producer. “He just effortlessly gets me and my sound,” Njerae shared.
Working with UMG EA is offering Njerae international contacts and resources, slowly building her global portfolio. In an official communication of the same signing of Njerae, UMG EA wrote, “UMG believes that Njerae is a special artist that will elevate East Africa’s budding music scene to the international stage.” In a short time, Njerae has already felt the impact of the support she’s getting from the world’s leading music company. “They have been the missing piece of the puzzle that I didn’t realize I needed,” she said. “I am beyond excited for the amazing projects we’re about to release,” she added.
“Aki Sioni remix” is a taste of Njerae’s new chapter in music. Her future is colorful as she promises her fans exciting partnerships with producers, visual artists, fashion designers, and filmmakers.
About Njerae
Njerae is a singer, songwriter, and producer from Kenya. Her music is Afro-Indie with a touch of R&B and soul. She has played at Folk Fusion, Jamhuri Jam Sessions, Gig Dynamics Open House, and several curated events.
Njerae has obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology and hopes to one day open a counseling center where music will be used as a form of therapy. She has equipped herself with skills in live music performance and being a music entrepreneur as a graduate of the perform music incubator.
Her 2022 album unintentionally allowed her fans to interpret it as a girl’s handbook when going through a breakup, which allowed more female fans to relate with her. The album allowed her to be featured in several radio and TV shows.
Taking a more significant step toward modern R&B and contemporary Afro-pop sounds, Njerae released her singles “OTD” and “Valhalla” in 2023, opening huge doors for her in the music business.
In 2024, Njerae released her EP, ‘Out with the Old,’ on which she collaborated with artists like Watendawili, Lisa Odour, Mbithi, and Maali.
In August 2024, she headlined her show and launched the Out With The Old EP, featuring Maali, Mbithi, Hilda Watiri, Analo Kanga, Lisa Oduor-Noah, and The Unit Band. This was a major milestone and a stepping stone to advance her career. It is only up to her from now on.
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