Winyo Releases New Single 'Mapenzi Sumu' Ahead of Forthcoming Album

Winyo is back with new music. Mapenzi Sumu, the first single from his forthcoming album, is out now on all platforms.

Sung in Swahili, the title translates roughly as "love is poison". 

Winyo says “This song is about my love, my heartbreak, my lessons, my regrets, and my journey to forgiveness. 

For 10 years, I was in a relationship that meant everything to me. It was real, it was deep, it was spiritual. And when I sat down to write this song, I struggled… do I tell the absolute truth, or do I hide behind metaphors like I usually do?

But when the words came, they were simply honest. Raw. Sometimes too real… to the point where I couldn’t sing certain lines without tearing up.”

The song was created and produced through collaboration across continents. Live elements were recorded at Ketebul Studios in Nairobi, with Fiston Lusambo - producer, music curator and member of the Afriquoi band - on bass, guitar and arrangement. 

Then the track travelled to the UK, where Abubilla’s Elliot Wenman added keys, piano, synths and drums, bringing a whole new dimension to it. Mackinlay Mutsembi added the trumpet that you hear woven into the emotion of the song.

This is the first taste of a new album from one of Kenya's most cherished contemporary artists, following 2025's Jawaya Jathum, his acclaimed collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer Fancy Fingers. Blending the Benga tradition with Afro jazz, country, R&B and blues, Winyo continues to build on a remarkable few years — from scoring Tribeca-premiered documentary Widow Champion to bringing his music to new audiences across Europe.

There's much more to come from Winyo this year - stay tuned.