Kenyan musician Matt Ngesa has released his debut album, For the Road, a nine-track project exploring family, friendship, personal growth and the relationships that shape identity.
The album draws from four years of songwriting and reflection, with its origins tracing back to the Covid-19 pandemic, when Ngesa’s parents contracted the virus.
The period of uncertainty inspired four songs — “Muse”, “August”, “Kintsugi” and “Bright” — which later formed the foundation of the album.
“August”, the project’s focus track, centres on the message of doing what one loves alongside and for the people who matter most. The song reflects the album’s broader themes of gratitude, connection and the importance of nurturing relationships.
The album features nine tracks: “Enough”, “Bright”, “When She Calls”, “August”, “Muse”, “Tea”, “2am”, “Hearts on the Ceiling” and “Kintsugi”, which features Joy Ocholla.
Born and based in Kenya, Ngesa grew up between Uganda and the United States, experiences that have influenced his music and songwriting.
His sound blends indie pop, rock and soul, with an emphasis on personal storytelling, expansive melodies and live-performance instrumentation.
Ngesa began his musical journey with Soul Mind Scars, a band he formed with his sister, before pursuing a solo career. He later released his debut EP, Rem Me, featuring the songs “Problems” and “Twende Kazi”.
His subsequent releases include “Oh Shoot”, “River” and “Muse”, the latter earning him a performance on COLORS, a music platform known for showcasing artists from around the world.
He also collaborated with Itha and Clark Keeng on the EP Let’s Draw and featured on Muthaka’s song “masala tea”.
Hi release comes at a time Kenya’s music landscape is shifting as a new generation of artists embraces independent releases, digital streaming and diverse sounds beyond mainstream gengetone and genge. Musicians are blending Afro-pop, alternative rock, soul and traditional influences, while platforms such as YouTube and Spotify offer new routes to audiences, collaborations and international recognition.
