Kenyan singer Arrow Bwoy has opened up about the emotional pain behind his latest collaboration with former partner Nadia Mukami, admitting that the relationship struggles captured in their new song Yumba still hurt.
The singer shared the emotional message on Instagram on Friday, September 26, as he promoted the newly released track, which he recorded with Nadia months after the two ended their romantic relationship.
Arrow Bwoy encouraged fans who have experienced similar struggles in their relationships to connect with the song and participate in the #YumbaChallenge.
Arrow Bwoy: ‘It hurts’
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The singer appeared to get personal while explaining the emotions behind Yumba, suggesting that the song touches on experiences he has gone through himself.
“Sometimes I choose to keep quiet, but yoooh, it hurts. Ni uchungu sana. Kama ushaijipata kwa situation kama yangu, let’s make use of this sound,” Arrow Bwoy said.
The message has attracted attention because of the timing of the collaboration, coming after the musician and Nadia publicly went their separate ways.
What does ‘Yumba’ mean?
The title Yumba refers to instability or uncertainty, fitting the song’s storyline about a relationship that is struggling.
Nadia previously gave fans a glimpse of the music video, which features the former couple in an argument.
While introducing the song, she said their relationship had also gone through a period of instability before eventually ending.
“Relationships are not perfect! Mpaka sisi mapenzi ilianza kuyumba yumba, mwishowe tukaachana,” Nadia said.
The argument shown in the video, however, is part of the storyline and does not necessarily depict an actual confrontation between the two musicians.
Arrow Bwoy and Nadia continue working together.
Despite ending their relationship, Arrow Bwoy and Nadia have continued to collaborate professionally.
The two have previously worked together on songs including Dai and Radio Love, and have also shared the stage since their breakup.
In August, Arrow Bwoy made a surprise appearance at Nadia’s 10 Years of Nadia Mukami concert, where they performed together alongside their son Kai. He later surprised her with flowers during another performance.
The former couple share two children and have continued co-parenting following their separation.
A different chapter for the former couple
Nadia previously revealed that their relationship had been on and off for about one and a half years before they eventually separated. She said the period had been difficult as she balanced motherhood, work and public life.
With Yumba, the two have now turned some of the themes surrounding unstable love into music.
For Arrow Bwoy, however, his latest message suggests the song is more than just another collaboration. His admission that the situation “hurts” has given fans another glimpse into the emotions surrounding the end of his relationship with Nadia.
