Soft Steps
Kenyan-British artist mau from nowhere has released, Soft Steps, an EP that beautifully blends alternative afro-fusion and R&B, offering a glimpse into his artistic evolution. With seven tracks, mau expands on the raw introspection of his earlier work while embracing a smoother, more melodic approach to storytelling. Known for his fusion of African sounds with global genres like hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music, mau creates a unique soundscape that feels at once intimate and expansive. The EP immediately draws the listener in with its serene and intricate opening, setting the stage for a reflective and soothing listening experience that showcases mau’s ability to navigate between melodic rap and heartfelt lyricism.
The standout tracks “Crooked” and “By Your Side” are notable for their deep introspection and emotional resonance. In “Crooked,” mau explores the tension between ambition and self-acceptance, using his smooth vocal delivery and poignant lyrics to create a sense of calm in the face of life’s challenges. “By Your Side” continues this introspective theme, delving into personal growth and transformation. Both tracks highlight mau’s skill as a storyteller, seamlessly blending his personal journey with universal themes of resilience and self-reflection. His gentle yet impactful vocal tone creates an almost meditative listening experience, inviting the audience to reflect on their own journeys alongside him.
At the heart of, Soft Steps, is the track “don't pick up,” which encapsulates the EP’s central theme of navigating life’s difficulties with patience and grace. The song's lush yet understated production allows mau’s serene vocals and thoughtful lyricism to take centre stage. There’s a delicate balance between the personal and the universal in mau’s work, as he reflects on his own experiences while creating space for listeners to connect with their own feelings of growth and acceptance. This duality is what makes, Soft Steps, such a compelling listen—it’s a deeply personal project that manages to resonate on a broader, more universal level.
Mau’s unique fusion of afro-fusion and R&B is another standout feature of, Soft Steps. The EP is defined by its genre-defying production, blending traditional African rhythms with more contemporary elements of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. The result is a fresh and innovative sound that feels both grounded in local influences and globally relevant. The smooth, melodic production complements mau’s introspective lyrics, creating an immersive atmosphere that invites listeners to lose themselves in the music. His fluid blending of genres creates a sound that feels wholly original and undeniably fresh, cementing his place as a boundary-pushing artist in the alternative R&B scene.
What makes, Soft Steps, especially compelling is mau’s ability to balance personal introspection with broader, more universal themes. He describes the EP as “an ode to patience,” a reflection on the importance of navigating life’s challenges with calm resilience and the grace to forgive oneself. This message is beautifully conveyed in each track, as mau’s serene vocal delivery and gentle production work in tandem to create a soothing yet impactful listening experience. The EP’s title, 'Soft Steps', is a fitting metaphor for the project’s central themes of growth and endurance, capturing the essence of moving forward through life’s trials with quiet strength.
In, Soft Steps, mau from nowhere showcases his artistic growth and evolution, delivering an EP that is as emotionally resonant as it is musically innovative. His ability to fuse afro-fusion, R&B, and a range of other genres into a cohesive and introspective project is impressive, marking him as a standout voice in contemporary music. With its lush production, serene vocal delivery, and reflective lyricism, Soft Steps, offers a soothing yet thought-provoking listening experience that will leave a lasting impact on listeners. This EP is a testament to mau’s artistry and his ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and creativity.
by Danielle Holian (@danielleholian_)