Kenyan experimental artist M. Rumbi has released a new single titled ‘Goodbye Goldfish’.
The closing track of M. Rumbi’s deeply introspective EP Mambo ni Machungu, ‘Goodbye Goldfish’ is a hauntingly beautiful reflection on love, loss, and the lingering ghosts of past relationships.
It’s set in a dreamy, melancholic soundscape, the song captures the bittersweet tension between holding on and letting go, weaving a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The lyrics, raw and poetic, explore the artist’s struggle to move on from a love that once felt all-consuming: “I fall hard like most / I just don’t tend to show / And since Jane no one’s come close/ I need to quit chasing ghosts.”
These lines reveal a vulnerability that resonates with anyone who has ever clung to the memory of a love that has long since faded. The repeated refrain, “Her happy ever after’s lying dead,” underscores the painful acceptance that some dreams are not meant to be, no matter how deeply they are cherished.
Musically, ‘Goodbye Goldfish’ is a masterclass in emotional storytelling. The track’s ambient, downtempo production features delicate acoustic guitar plucks, ethereal strings, and haunting violin melodies that create a sense of longing and introspection. The M. Rumbi’s vocals are tender yet filled with quiet resolve, perfectly capturing the song’s themes of heartache and self-realisation.
The song maintains a steady, almost meditative pace, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in its emotional depth. The blend of indie, ambient, and dream pop influences creates a sound that is both intimate and expansive, mirroring the internal conflict of the lyrics, creating a sense of longing that lingers long after the final note fades.
As the final track on the EP, ‘Goodbye Goldfish’ serves as a poignant conclusion to M.Rumbi’s journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. It’s a song that lingers long after the final note fades, leaving listeners with a profound sense of catharsis and the bittersweet beauty of letting go.
Born Michael Rumbi, M. Rumbi is a multi-talented musician from Nairobi. His musical journey has taken significant strides, culminating in an ambitious year-long project in 2023 that features the release of 28 songs – two more than initially planned.
Back in Nairobi after recently relocating from South Africa, he blends indie vibes with jazz influences across various projects under different monikers such as City (for rap) or simply producing under theNairobiNomad.
In 2024, he launched his first EP, Whispers of the Soul, which includes four tracks and has already garnered over 65,000 streams.
Drawing inspiration from an eclectic range of artists such as The Roots, Jordan Rakei, Tom Misch, Uyama Hiroto, Tyler the Creator, and Lianne la Havas, M. Rumbi’s artistry reflects a rich tapestry of musical influences.
He is a recipient of the Standard Bank Ovation Award and showcased his talents at the National Arts Festival 2022 in Makhanda, Grahamstown, as part of the duo BasicCity. His collaborative track ‘Days Go By’ featuring Wendy Kay, was included in the soundtrack for Sincerely Daisy (2020), marking a milestone as the first Kenyan film to premiere on Netflix.
‘Another Mess I Make’ is the artist’s first release of the year.
