Elani is a Kenyan African pop group from Nairobi, consisting of Wambui Ngugi, Maureen Kunga, and Brian Chweya. Known for their fusion of African pop, R&B, soul, and neo-soul, the trio rose to prominence in 2013 with their debut single “Jana Usiku” and later achieved success with hits such as “Milele” and “Kookoo.” Their first studio album, Barua ya Dunia (2013), established them among East Africa’s leading contemporary music acts.
Formation and Early Years (2008–2012)
Elani was formed in January 2008 at Alliance Française in Nairobi. Initially a quartet, the founding members were Wambui Ngugi, Maureen Kunga, Brian Chweya, and Daniel Kimani. Kimani’s departure, for reasons never publicly explained, left the group as a trio.
Between 2010 and 2011, the band decided to pursue their careers seriously, blending their distinct musical backgrounds into a cohesive Afro-pop sound.
Breakthrough and Barua ya Dunia (2013–2014)
The band’s debut single, “Jana Usiku” (2013), received widespread acclaim and set the stage for their debut album. In March 2014, they followed with “Milele,” a love song about a forbidden passion. The video was co-produced by Sauti Sol’s Savara Mudigi and directed by Enos Olik.
Later that year, Elani released “Kookoo,” which became their most commercially successful track. Shot on the streets of Nairobi, the song topped download charts and ranked second nationally by July 2014, trailing only Bahati’s Barua.
Their debut album, Barua ya Dunia (December 2013), included popular singles such as:
- Jana Usiku
- Milele
- Kookoo
- Hatua
- Zuzu
- Barua ya Dunia
- Mahindi
The album’s sound merged African harmonies with contemporary pop production, helping them win over both Kenyan and regional audiences.
Later Releases and Collaborations (2015–2018)
Following their debut album, Elani continued to release singles including “Nikupende” (2015) and “My Darling” (2016), the latter featuring Ugandan superstar Chameleone. In 2018, they released “Heartbeat,” produced by Ogopa Videos.
Controversy with MCSK (2016)
On 12 January 2016, Elani made headlines after accusing the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) of corruption and royalty mismanagement. The band revealed they had received only KES 31,000 in royalties despite widespread airplay. After intervention, they were later paid KES 300,000 as compensation, but the discrepancy sparked public debate about transparency in Kenya’s music industry.
MCSK admitted errors in royalty monitoring and confirmed that Elani’s music had been underreported between July 2013 and June 2014. The case brought national attention to the struggles faced by Kenyan artists in the royalty system.
Band Members
- Wambui Ngugi – Vocals (2008–present); graduate in Actuarial Science, University of Nairobi
- Maureen Kunga – Vocals (2008–present); law graduate, University of Nairobi
- Brian Chweya – Vocals, guitar (2008–present); law graduate and Advocate of the High Court of Kenya
Former Member:
- Daniel Kimani – Founding member (2008–2010)
Awards and Recognition
- 2014: Nominated – Channel O Music Video Awards (Kookoo, Most Gifted East African Video)
- 2014: Won – All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Best African Pop
Legacy
Elani remains one of Kenya’s most beloved pop-soul groups, celebrated for their tight harmonies, relatable storytelling, and unique sound that bridges traditional African influences with modern R&B. Their music, particularly Kookoo and Barua ya Dunia, continues to resonate with audiences across East Africa.
