Matata and Marioo Drop “Nyongi” – A Cross-Border East African Pop Anthem

Kenyan pop collective Matata has joined forces with Tanzanian star Marioo to release a vibrant new single titled “Nyongi”, marking a major moment in East African music collaboration. The track offers the first preview of Matata’s upcoming EP, ERA (East Rise Again), set for release in June 2026.

Streamed widely across platforms, “Nyongi” is already positioning itself as a standout East African pop and Bongo Flava fusion record, blending infectious rhythm, cultural identity, and modern production.

A Kenya–Tanzania Sound Fusion

Produced by Kenyan hitmaker Wodomolo, “Nyongi” brings together Matata’s energetic Kenyan pop sound with Marioo’s smooth Bongo Flava style. The result is a polished, dance-driven track built on layered percussion, melodic hooks, and unmistakable East African rhythm.

The collaboration reflects a growing trend of cross-border African music collaborations, especially between Kenya and Tanzania’s fast-evolving pop scenes.

“Sheng Meets Bongo Flava”

Matata describe the collaboration as a natural creative connection:

“It’s Sheng meeting Bongo Flava, Nairobi meeting Dar es Salaam — different places, but the same energy.”

The group emphasizes that “Nyongi” is more than just a song—it represents a shared cultural and musical identity across East Africa, blending languages, styles, and sonic influences into one unified sound.

Marioo on the Collaboration

Tanzanian artist Marioo highlighted the creative chemistry behind the track:

“Working on ‘Nyongi’ with Matata was an incredible experience… This song celebrates rhythm, movement and the powerful East African connection in music.”

Known for his melodic, emotionally rich style, Marioo brings a distinct Bongo Flava influence that elevates the track’s appeal across regional and global audiences.

The Rise of Matata and the ERA Project

“Nyongi” is the first release from Matata’s upcoming six-track EP ERA (East Rise Again), a project designed to showcase the evolution of East African pop music.

The EP will also include the single “Kanairo”, set for release in May 2026, before the full project drops later in the year. The body of work is expected to feature collaborations with artists from across the region, reinforcing Matata’s vision of a unified East African music movement.

A Growing Force in African Pop Music

Over the past year, Matata has rapidly grown into one of East Africa’s most promising music collectives. Their achievements include:

•  Over 45 million streams globally
•  More than 1 million listeners across 182 countries
•  A rapidly expanding international fanbase 

Their success highlights the increasing global appetite for East African pop music, Afrofusion, and contemporary African sounds.

“Nyongi” as a Cultural Moment

Born from a spontaneous studio session in Nairobi, “Nyongi” captures the energy of creative experimentation and regional collaboration. It reflects a wider movement of African artists breaking borders and building a shared sonic identity.

As East African music continues to evolve, collaborations like this signal a powerful shift: local sounds are becoming global narratives.

With “Nyongi,” Matata and Marioo deliver more than a hit single—they deliver a statement about unity, creativity, and the future of East African music.

The track sets the tone for Matata’s upcoming ERA (East Rise Again) EP, positioning them firmly as one of the most exciting acts shaping the region’s sound today. WATCH LYRIC VIDEO HERE