"Mwaki" is a song by Brazilian DJ and producer Zerb from his third extended play (EP), Surrender (2023). It features Kenyan singer Sofiya Nzau.

Speaking to Kikuyu YouTuber Jeff Kuria, Sofiya talked about the inspiration for her voice, her look, and more.

Sophia Wanjiku Maina is from Muranga County, Githumo, and gets her inspiration from Africa, who always wanted to become a singer. 

Her beginnings were in 2021 into 2022 when she began songwriting with her husband Nzau.

The couple would sell their songs on various Apps. this proved to be a good decision.

"Then we realized that producers and DJs preferred when I sang in Kikuyu compared to English. So we decided to pay attention to AfroHouse and learn how it was done. "

Adding; 

"Afrohouse is easy because it is like freestyling, most of it. So, we released some samples on those apps, which allows interested parties to determine if they would be willing to purchase the full version. "

The couple then moved on to another style called vocal packs. "In English songs, you hear in the background vocals, you can sell this "

She did 200 of them, Then increased to 600. "That is where Zerb sampled Mwaki from the 200 vocals. Producers, songwriters, anybody can get those vocals."

She sold the first set for 700 dollars. So, it was a try and error and learning, and knowing about royalties, and failing and trying again"

"I didnt even know there was such a song trending. Im not on social media alot. So I started seeing alot of messages from people with tiktok videos but I ignored them"

Zerb eventually reached out "So then we now had to meet coz of curiosity from Kenyans about the song." This was an online meeting first. "But he came in December.

They shot a video and performed on the Coast.

She also spoke about financial gain from Mwaki. "It's his song because he is the producer. I am just a feature, I earn my percentage but there are many people in between. Everyone is getting their deserved percentage"

"For the entertainment industry, to go out is very hard. That is one challenge that needs discussion because something like getting a visa is hard. They don't see you as an artist, so I've lost so many opportunities, because of not being granted a visa. That is what doesn't make sense because I'm an artiste with gigs next Saturday but you can't get a visa. It's just hard."

She acknowledged Kenyans' support, which led her to earn royalties.

"When you sell vocal packs, the producer has the right to use your vocals without giving you anything. But because of the noise online, that really helped me."

She now has a collabo with Nigerian singer FireBoy DNL, and Nocebo (Of the Jerusalema hit) from South Africa. "There are alot more songs coming out." she shared.