Maureen Kunga, the celebrated Kenyan vocalist, songwriter and Advocate of the High Court, has officially stepped into her solo era with the release of “Salama”.
Best known as one-third of the award-winning Afro-pop trio Elani, Kunga’s transition to a solo artist follows a period of intentional withdrawal from the spotlight. She describes this new chapter, which commenced in late 2025, as a profound “return to herself” and a fresh medium for her storytelling.
Featured on the Kito soundtrack, “Salama” is a composition rooted in the themes of reassurance and peace. The track showcases Kunga’s signature versatility, moving fluidly between Swahili and English to create an intimate dialogue of inner thought and external comfort.
The song serves as a gentle critique of the modern “hustle,” addressing the relentless pressure to chase fleeting goals, the vital necessity of pausing to breathe and the importance of maintaining human connection amidst the noise.
While the lyrics acknowledge the reality of personal struggle, the chorus transforms the word Salama (Peace) into a declaration of strength. Utilising evocative imagery of storms and survival, Kunga illustrates the growth that stems from adversity.
By the song’s conclusion, the tone shifts from inquiry to absolute certainty. “Salama” is a resonant reminder that one is allowed to pause without losing forward momentum.
