Kenyan singer-songwriter Matt Ngesa has revealed how his parents’ battle with COVID-19 inspired some of the most personal songs on his debut album, For the Road.
The nine-track project draws from four years of songwriting and reflection, exploring family, friendship, personal growth and the relationships that shape people’s lives.
Ngesa’s journey towards the album began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when both his parents contracted the virus, leaving him worried about their well-being.
The difficult period inspired four songs: Muse, August, Kintsugi and Bright. What started as an emotional response to uncertainty eventually became the foundation of his first full-length album.
Speaking about his songwriting, Ngesa explained that his experiences growing up in different countries had influenced how he understood people, relationships and personal growth.
“My songwriting reflects a life lived across several places — born in Kenya, I grew up spending time in Uganda and the United States, and those shifting environments have fed directly into my perspective and music,” he said.
Matt Ngesa’s album celebrates family and friendship.
Unlike projects centred primarily on romantic relationships, For the Road explores the broader connections that influence people’s lives.
Its focus track, August, captures the project’s central message through the line: “Do what you love, with who you love, for who you love.”
The song reflects the importance of spending time with loved ones and appreciating the people who provide support through difficult moments.
The album features nine tracks: Enough, Bright, When She Calls, August, Muse, Tea, 2 am, Hearts on the Ceiling and Kintsugi, featuring Joy Ocholla.
Through the project, Ngesa revisits experiences that have shaped his identity while reflecting on the value of the relationships people sometimes take for granted.
From band member to solo musician
Ngesa first developed his musical identity through Soul Mind Scars, a band he formed with his sister before pursuing a solo career.
He later released his debut extended play, Rem Me, featuring the songs Problems and Twende Kazi.
His subsequent releases included Oh Shoot, River and Muse. The latter earned him an opportunity to perform on COLORS, an international music platform known for showcasing artists from different parts of the world.
He also collaborated with Itha and Clark Keeng on the EP Let’s Draw and featured on Muthaka’s song masala tea.
The release of For the Road marks another milestone in his career, bringing together years of songwriting and personal experiences in one project.
