Kenyan singer, songwriter and producer M. Rumbi has shared ‘Another Mess I Make’, the first single from his upcoming EP Mambo ni Machungu.
‘Another Mess I Make’ is an introspective and emotionally charged song that delves into themes of regret, self-discovery, and the cyclical nature of mistakes in relationships.
The track showcases M. Rumbi’s ability to craft narratives that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.
With its dreamy quality and reflective tone, ‘Another Mess I Make’ offers an immersive listening experience that captures both vulnerability and resilience in equal measure.
The mood is predominantly romantic yet tinged with sadness, creating an emotional landscape that feels both intimate and haunting.
Musically, ‘Another Mess I Make’ is characterised by its folk-rock influences, featuring acoustic guitars as the primary instrument alongside subtle percussion elements.
The composition creates a melancholic atmosphere that complements the song’s introspective mood perfectly.
Lyrically, the song explores the idea of recognising patterns in one’s life – particularly those related to love and heartache – and grappling with why these patterns persist despite knowing better.
It touches on feelings of longing mixed with regret over past choices that have led to similar outcomes time after time.
The inspiration for Mambo ni Machungu, the EP from which ‘Another Mess I Make’ is taken, stems from a deep-seated need for introspection and self-reflection.
The project was conceived during conversations with friends in October/November, initially considered under the title Countdown to Nowhere. “However, it wasn’t until the period between Christmas and New Year that M. Rumbi found himself compelled to write due to personal constraints and a recent injury.
“I remember feeling forced to sit with myself during that time,” M. Rumbi reflects. “I was tired, alone, and sad – emotions that are reflected across different tracks in the EP.”
While much of the EP explores themes of loneliness and melancholy, ‘Another Mess I Make’ stands out as it delves into accountability – acknowledging not just being hurt but also being part of causing pain.
The writing process for this track involved several rewrites as M. Rumbi navigated his emotions through music.
“I wrote what I was feeling at the time,” he explains about capturing his emotions in song. “This introspective approach allowed me to explore complex feelings like regret and longing while taking responsibility for past actions.”
Initially recorded at home using his electric guitar, M. Rumbi later re-recorded it at a friend’s place over the last few days of 2023 and New Year’s Eve alongside other tracks for Mambo ni Machungu.
Notably, he used his father’s acoustic guitar – a significant instrument as it was what he first learned to play on – for these final recordings.
Produced under his beatmaker moniker theNairobiNomad, this track highlights M. Rumbi’s versatility as both a musician and producer. Collaborations played a crucial role in shaping the final product, with Nkatha Muthoni adding depth with her background vocals, harmonies, and ad-libs.
The use of acoustic guitar, meanwhile, brings warmth while percussionists add depth without overpowering the intimate setting created by these instruments.
M. Rumbi is known for weaving stories through music that resonates deeply with listeners seeking authenticity in contemporary artistry.
“As someone who has navigated different cultures between South Africa and Kenya, I find my songs often reflect those transitions – both geographically and emotionally,” he notes.
Back in Nairobi after recently relocating from South Africa, M. Rumbi blends indie vibes with jazz influences across various projects under different monikers such as City (for rap) or simply producing under theNairobiNomad.
