Published on: December 06, 2024 01:25 (EAT)
Greek artist Stavros Zacharias has taken the global music scene by storm with his Kikuyu-inspired EDM tracks Ndikwenda and Karimu.
These songs, a fusion of traditional African sounds and modern synchronic music, have garnered over 130 million streams worldwide, proving that music truly transcends borders and languages. Zacharias credits his love for African culture and its melodic beauty as the driving force behind these hits.
Released earlier this year, Ndikwenda achieved an impressive 10 million streams in its first month, even earning a prime spot on a Times Square billboard in New York.
Meanwhile, Karimu quickly followed, dominating charts on platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Boomplay, and receiving massive airplay across multiple countries. Reflecting on the success, Zacharias said, “The combination of cultures in these songs attracts audiences globally, showcasing the universal language of music.”
Zacharias has strong ties to Kenya and has expressed his admiration for the country’s vibrant culture.
Supported by Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism, he plans to visit soon, deepening his connection with fans and collaborators. Notably, Kenyan artist Lano Msanii played a pivotal role in shaping these tracks, and Zacharias hinted at more collaborations with African and global artists, including Sauti Sol, Ayra Starr, and Tems.
Looking ahead, Zacharias has exciting plans for his musical journey. He is preparing to release a Kikuyu-inspired album in 2025 while continuing to explore diverse cultural influences in his music.
His previous works, such as the Kami and Ragnarok albums, showcase his ability to blend Japanese and Norwegian themes seamlessly with his sound.
The Greek artist also expressed his delight in seeing African culture gaining traction in the global EDM scene. “It’s wonderful to witness DJs and producers embracing African music,” he shared. Zacharias hopes to leave a legacy of timeless songs with meaningful stories, much like the tales embedded in Ndikwenda and Karimu.
As Stavros Zacharias continues to bridge cultures through music, his innovative approach and passion for storytelling are set
