Kenyan singer-songwriter Njerae has opened up about her approach to music collaborations, revealing the intentional strategies and personal boundaries that define her successful career. Known for her distinctive sound and authenticity, Njerae emphasizes artistic integrity and audience trust when considering partnerships.
Prioritizing Creative Synergy
When selecting collaborators, Njerae prioritizes creative synergy over popularity, carefully evaluating potential partners’ style, values, and vision. “I think first of all I listen to the sound, what sound am I looking for? and who best can fit in that space?” she explained. For Njerae, collaborations are endorsements of professionalism, respect, and mutual trust, with fair compensation and alignment in creative goals being essential.
Understanding Her Audience
Njerae highlighted that a large portion of her audience is male, which influences her musical themes. “A huge chunk of my audience is male… I make music for lovers,” she said. She strategically integrates demographic insights into her content while staying true to her core message and maintaining authenticity.
Incorporating Local Culture
Her dedication to local culture is reflected in incorporating more Swahili lyrics, fostering a stronger connection with her East African fanbase. This choice honors her roots while creating music that resonates within the cultural context that shaped her.
Maintaining Professional Boundaries
Addressing her reputation for occasionally “ghosting” contacts, Njerae explained it as a protective measure to maintain professional boundaries and prioritize mental health. By disengaging from unprofessional or low-value interactions, she ensures focus on her craft and career growth.
Personal Life and Upcoming Projects
On the personal front, Njerae confirmed her relationship status is private: “I am in a relationship… I’m locked,” emphasizing her choice to protect her personal life. Looking ahead, she hinted at an exciting upcoming EP that will be more genre-fluid and deeply personal than previous work. She also plans to expand her digital content across international platforms.
Shaping the Kenyan Music Scene
Through strategic collaborations, audience awareness, and unwavering authenticity, Njerae continues to solidify her position as one of Kenya’s most influential singer-songwriters, shaping both her music and the broader creative landscape.
