Celebrated Kenyan pop star, singer, songwriter, recording and performing artist Polaris is gearing to debut her solo EP ‘Tufanye?’ under PerForm Music Incubator.
Polaris is a seasoned hit-maker having got her breakthrough single “Umenitosha” in 2021 after featuring on award-winning and multi-platinum South African DJ/ Producer Prince Kaybee that has grossed over 5 million streams across all platforms. On the heels of the achievement, Prince Kaybee tapped her for another feature on his following 5th studio album ‘Gemini’ on the gratitude-filled cut “Nanikamawewe” solidifying Polaris as an international name brand.
The EP’s title stands for “What shall we do?” in English translation and comes in the wake of her December lead single “Tufanye?” and the hedonistic and summery cut, “RAHA” alongside frequent collaborators and Kenyan pop trailblazers Muthoni Drummer Queen and Mayonde.
“The EP is simply inspired by mine and others’ experiences. A lot of relationships and situationships. It was fueled by the fact that I just wanted someone whose listening to understand that whatever they’re going through, we’re all going through it and they can have some solace in that” Polaris says.
Produced by vets like Dillie, pop behemoths Wuod Omollo Beats and So Fresh who have continuously churned out countless hits in Kenya – the EP features starry R&B cuts like “Una Do” that explores the courting stage in a brewing romance, “Me And You” that showcases her stretchy vocal prowess and lustful themes, “Omera” an ode to Kenyan culture.
“The EP is just sexy” Polaris says. “I just want people to feel seen and have some comfort in that”.
Polaris is known for her astute songwriting and ability to capture emotions sonically, and this continues to unravel in her debut record where she describes the feelings and chronicles of a lady falling in love with how they are growing to be themselves more, how their partner is treating them and many nuanced storylines on the backdrop of dulcet vocal variations and bop-filled instrumentals.
“Polaris is one of the dopest artists in Kenya. Her songwriting, confidence and attitude really makes her standout and I can’t wait for you all to experience her greatness”
PerForm project Lead Keith ‘Jobe’ Mwangi says of Polaris.
Tapping renowned Kenyan beatsmith Dillie, Polaris recalls making the record “Unado” on a polite night studio session, terming it as one of her best.
“I was with Dillie and I mentioned to him; ‘I want to be an R&B babe in my own way’ and he began making the beat, helping me complete my thoughts. I wrote it in a couple hours. I laid down the verses and the hook came last, and it felt amazing.”
Polaris
Loosely translating to “Things that you do”, the track mulls over into intimate territory with Polaris infatuated and enamoured by the man’s ways. From vulnerability, emotion, and joy, “Una Do” serves the listener a palatable work of art that delves into what happens when two lovers are in a crescendo of emotions and lust.
Polaris has been building her discography with collaborations with artists such as celebrated South African DJ and music producer Prince Kaybee, Afro House pioneer and father of Ancestral Soul, Boddhi Satva, Mayonde, and Muthoni Drummer Queen. ‘Tufanye?’ shows her growth while allowing listeners to explore her artistic abilities as a solo act.
With the mission to amplify the voices of women and girls in Kenya and beyond, Polaris uses her melodies and everyday happenings to craft stories that uplift, challenge, and inspire.
