Singer and songwriter Maureen Kunga, a founding member of the celebrated Afro-pop trio Elani, has released her first solo single titled Majaliwa.
The track, unveiled this week, marks the beginning of her journey as an independent artist while raising questions about the future of the award-winning group.
Majaliwa, which translates to “destiny” or “God’s will,” was officially released on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Boomplay, and YouTube.
According to Kunga, the song is dedicated to her mother and reflects themes of gratitude, faith, and destiny.
“This song is my heart. It’s about acknowledging where I come from and the guidance I’ve received,” she said during the launch. “I wanted to honour my mother in a way that lives forever, and music was the only way I knew how.”
The single departs from Elani’s signature three-part harmonies and places Kunga’s vocals at the centre. It carries a stripped-down production style, with soft instrumentation that allows her voice to dominate.
The approach is intended to showcase her individuality and highlight her creative direction outside of the group.
Kunga has described the move as “a homecoming” to herself. She explained that while her years with Elani shaped her career, there were personal stories she wanted to tell in her own voice.
“Being in Elani has been a blessing, but there are stories that are uniquely mine,” she said. “Going solo allows me to tell them in my own way. It feels bold, it feels vulnerable, but it also feels right.”
She acknowledged that stepping into a solo career comes with challenges, including self-doubt and public scrutiny. “There will always be voices that ask, ‘Can you really do this? Will people listen to you on your own?’ But I had to quiet those voices and begin,” she said.
Elani, formed by Kunga, Brian Chweya, and Wambui Ngugi, rose to prominence in the early 2010s with hits such as Koo Koo, Milele, and Jana Usiku. Their music earned them several awards and cemented their status as one of Kenya’s most successful music groups.
In recent years, however, the group has released fewer projects, fuelling speculation about internal changes. Kunga has emphasized that her solo project does not mean Elani has disbanded.
“We are family, and that doesn’t change,” she said. “This is simply another path for me, a parallel journey. Elani is still Elani.”
Kunga has not confirmed whether she will release a full album or extended play (EP) following Majaliwa. She has, however, hinted that more solo material is in development.
“I have so many stories I want to tell, and this is just the first one,” she said. “Fans can expect more music that comes directly from my experiences and emotions.”
For now, her focus is on promoting Majaliwa and establishing herself as a solo artist, while assuring fans that Elani remains intact.