Made in Kenya, based in Manchester, Macharia is an artist whose work bridges cultures, bringing Kenyan stories and musical traditions together on her six song EP.

LETTERS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE

A musician we first encountered in the Copper Bar at Band On The Wall in the first of two successive appearances at the Manchester Folk Festival. It was a performance to remember as she blended rich vocal textures with intimate, reflective storytelling in Swahili and English. What she’s called the creation of a space for healing, connection and self-discovery.

Her current music is motivated by seeking the answer to one question: “Why did I have to leave my country to love it?” Funded by a DYCP grant in 2025, she returned to her homeland of Kenya to explore her roots; a trip that led to her debut EP, which is a beautiful reflection on the lessons with which she returned.

“The album is a series of letters to different people,” says Macharia. “As my debut EP, the body of work is so special to me because it is a culmination of research I had been doing in Kenya, but also a letter to the world.” Letters to her parents, her ex, herself, and to her friends. Plus a letter from her ancestors.

A PERCEPTIVE INSIGHT

The differing viewpoints offer a fascinating perspective and an perceptive insight. The title track is carried on a cool and soulful vibe with the message to listen to the wind, pay attention to the rain and continue living their wildest dreams. Dreamy indeed as washes of texture accompany the message while providing the evidence ofMacharaia’s ancestral aura.

Stranger To Me sees gentle acoustic notes accompany a lyric that considers how pain can change us in a way that is irreversible (“I cannot recognise who I’ve become” – “my reflection has become a stranger to me“). The hope arrives as the conversation between the two versions of Macharia takes a positive slant. An insightful piece of self reflection.

From a letter to her parents – a fragile arrangement and a tender love letter of thanks maybe? – to Moto where the realisation that a fated relationship has no future. The latter given a soulful groove and a definite hint of sadness and melancholy. As she sings, like rain in the ocean, emotions and ties becoming diluted.

The closing thoughts of Days Go By are ones we can always appreciate. How estrangement can be viewed – out of sight doesn’t always mean out of mind. More – yes, more – thoughtful contemplation and understanding where the tweaks into her native language remind us of the coming together of cultures. Again, a delicate guitar revels in the simplicity.

Here’s You’ll See, live for Fresh Juice:

Macharia: Website