Nairobi-based singer-songwriter Llumi releases her highly anticipated debut self-titled EP, Llumi, marking a significant new chapter in her journey as an independent artist. The project will be available across major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Tidal, and Deezer.
The upcoming Afro R&B and AfroPop EP is led by Llumi’s single “Work It Out,” which was released on August 21 and quickly began gaining attention after landing on multiple Spotify playlists within its first week.
For Llumi, however, Llumi represents much more than the arrival of a debut project. It is a statement of creative ownership and a return to telling her story on her own terms.
The EP marks her first fully independent project since 2019, following three years as a signed artist. During that time, Llumi wrote and recorded extensively, but only a portion of her work was eventually released. When the contract came to an end, she ultimately lost the masters to those recordings.
Now, with Llumi, the Nairobi singer-songwriter is reclaiming her voice, her creativity, and her story.
“I like writing about how moments make us feel, even when the feelings are not considered popular,” Llumi says, offering insight into the emotional honesty that sits at the heart of her music.
Llumi Steps Into Her Independent Era
Produced by August IV, the self-titled EP brings together Llumi’s warm and intimate songwriting with contemporary African R&B and pop influences. The project also features fellow Kenyan artist Shad Mziki, adding another dimension to the soundscape.
At its core, Llumi explores emotion, vulnerability, and the experiences that often remain unspoken. Rather than chasing conventional ideas of what feelings should sound like, Llumi approaches songwriting from a deeply personal perspective, turning everyday moments and complicated emotions into music.
The result is a project that reflects an artist comfortable with vulnerability while still maintaining the groove and warmth associated with her sound.
The visual identity of the EP has also been carefully developed to complement its musical world. Photographer Michelle Gatheca, stylist Nicole Wendo, and graphic designer Victor Munga, who created the EP’s cover artwork, helped shape the visual direction surrounding the project.
“Work It Out” Leads the Way
Released on August 21, “Work It Out” serves as the introduction to Llumi’s new era. The single has already begun building momentum, earning placements on multiple Spotify playlists during its first week.
The early response provides a glimpse into what listeners can expect from the full EP: a blend of Afro R&B, AfroPop, soulful songwriting and contemporary Kenyan sounds, delivered through Llumi’s intimate perspective.
Rather than simply marking her return, the single sets the tone for a body of work that is deeply connected to Llumi’s evolution as an artist.
From “Moyoni” to a New Chapter
Llumi’s independent comeback began in 2025 with the release of “Moyoni” and “Bila Mimi,” both produced by Saint P. The releases marked her return to the music scene and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become her self-titled debut EP.
Over the years, Llumi has also worked with established Kenyan acts including Bensoul and Elani, experiences that have contributed to her development as a songwriter and performer.
Her music occupies a space where warmth, vulnerability, and groove meet, creating an intimate sound that allows listeners to connect with the emotions behind each song.
Even her name carries that philosophy. Llumi is a deliberate nod to “illuminate” and “lumière,” reflecting the glowing quality of both her music and visual identity. It speaks to her desire to shine a light on the feelings people often keep hidden.
Nairobi Comes Alive for the Llumi Listening Party
To celebrate the release of Llumi, the singer-songwriter hosted an intimate listening party in Nairobi on September 11, 2026. The event brought together fans, collaborators, and members of the press for the EP’s first live audience experience.
For an artist whose latest chapter is so closely tied to reclaiming creative ownership, the listening party offers an opportunity to experience the project in the company of the people who have supported her journey.
With Llumi, the Nairobi-based artist is not simply introducing listeners to a collection of songs. She is opening the door to a new era—one where she controls the narrative, embraces the complexity of her emotions, and creates without compromising her voice.
