Get to know the artists performing at the latest edition of The Jam.

Matt Ngesa

Matt Ngesa is a Nairobi-based singer-songwriter carving out his place in the alternative pop scene, while also nurturing his passions for film photography, movies, Kenyan chai, and reading manhwa.

What’s your earliest memory with music? 

The first thing I remember involving music is the day my dad showed me the very first guitar he bought me. I can't remember the age I was but I was pretty young. It was on an afternoon in Bunga (where we lived for some time in Uganda) and my dad was getting my brother and I away from the video game we had been binging that holiday.

He calls us into his room where we sit on the edge of the bed. And he reveals these triangular shaped boxes and places them behind us on the bed. We turn around and begin to shimmy the lids of these boxes as he tells us about these presents. Removing the lids unveiled these miniature classical guitars with nylon strings already laced and tuned. We weren't allowed to play the guitars then. Dad wanted us to have a respect for the instrument before just jumping right into it. But, that was the first time I came into contact with music at a level where it began to truly mean something to me. 

Who have been musical influences?

Bands like Fleetwood Mac and Queen, and acts like Elton John and Elvis Presly influence me sonically, fashionably and probably even culturally. I always liked the live sound that became this enormous ensemble of instruments and voices. I think that's why in my initial productions like Problems and songs like Quick Fix I always attempt to have these big dramatic endings. I feel like my songs with heavy emotions will have big instrumentation somewhere at some point because of their influences. As for writing I have not yet found an artist I would model it after but I do find I take influences from artists that I am listening to during the season. So if I have an artist I know I do not want to sound like for a project then I will avoid them for a while cause I know the effect they will have on my sound and my approach to writing. 

How would you describe your sound? 

It's a mix of a lot. We have rock, we have indie pop, we have rhythm and blues, we have acoustic...But I think overall, the sound is more of a feeling than it is a genre. It is warmth. It is made with love. Music for the road, made for on-the-go! It is a voice that hears you, seeks to understand you and even speaks for you if able. It is a friend. That is the Matt Ngesa sound. “Comfort and warmth for your life” music.

Who is your dream collab?   

Dream collaborations to name a few, Kenyan acts like Altair Said, Karun, Fena Gitu and Njoki Karu. A few dream collabs from abroad would be Morovia boy, The1975, Harry Styles and Kacey Musgraves.

What’s next for you?

To live life fully. I Think I give too much pressure to putting out music and putting out content that it really runs my life. But I think what is next is just to live life to the fullest. And in that the music I wanna make will come, and the stories I want to tell through content will come. And I will be able to enjoy that and so will the people that come along for the ride with me.

But don't be mistaken…there is a lot of cool stuff that we're working on in the Matty camp that we can't wait to share with you all.

mau from nowhere

Multidisciplinary artist mau from nowhere navigates the delicate balance between emotional vulnerability and playful silliness.

What’s your earliest memory with music? 

Either listening to Outkast’s “Speakerboxx/The Love Below” in my Dad’s car or watching MTV when I got to the UK in 2001 and hearing S Club 7 or Craig David. I also really vividly remember stealing my sister’s CD of “Elephunk” by the Black Eyed Peas and listening to it on repeat for 2 weeks straight. 

Who have been or are your musical influences?

Bloc Party, Saba, Little Simz and Noname when I first started out, have since become much more interested in how afro-fusion blends with alternative/indie so I’d say right now Obongjayar and Lady Donli are teaching me a lot right now. However I also love words and poetry so Mavi, Mustafa and Jamila Woods are always up there too. 

How would you describe your sound? 

Emotional, occasionally wordy and always danceable (if you’re in the mood). 

What your dream collab?     

Making a band with Lady Donli, Obongjayar & Little Simz.

What’s next for you?

I have the next two albums already recorded so I think it’s just about figuring out what their worlds look like and how to bring them to life. 

Lukorito

Lukorito is a versatile producer, sound engineer, rapper, DJ, and beatmaker whose sound draws from hip hop, dancehall, R&B, and Genge.

What’s your earliest memory with music? 

I have a lot of older brothers who loved and played a lot of music growing up. I remember trying to draw the Wu-Tang label way before I knew who they even were. I have memories of my bros playing The Dogg Pound, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, etc.

One day, one of them had a reggae compilation cassette that he'd left in this Philips music system we used to have. I was big on listening to music on the radio back then, and when E Sir's "Maisha" featuring Nameless came on, I pressed record and ended up recording over his songs. He was so mad, but it’s one of those memories that deepened my love for music.

Who have been or are your musical influences?

Calif Records played a pivotal role in defining my perspective on Kenyan hip hop. The innovative production styles of Knxwledge and The Alchemist have been crucial in shaping my own approach to creating music. 

Earl Sweatshirt has not only been a major rap influence but also introduced me to a range of artists who have inspired my work. Additionally, Solange has influenced my musical tastes and artistic vision.  

How would you describe your sets?

My sets are a dynamic experience through my influences highlighting art that has challenged me through its vibrance or level of innovation. Expect sounds ranging from dancehall, baile funk, afrobeats to R&B, Garage and Gqom.

To you, what makes a good set? 

I like to bring a fresh perspective to each performance. A good set to me tells a story that moves the crowd while pushing boundaries. Blending crowd favourites with the unknown.

What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

One of the most memorable moments in my career was performing with DJ Mura and Sam Mbugua at the Santuri Graduation Showcase. We had the opportunity to present our individual beats and seamlessly blend them into one set, integrating production, DJ-ing, and the piano. This performance was a powerful testament to my ethos of pushing the boundaries of music and self-expression.Lukorito