How COVID-19 inspired Kenyan singer Matt Ngesa’s debut album ‘For the Road’

Kenyan singer-songwriter Matt Ngesa has released his debut album, “For the Road,” a nine-track project shaped by personal experiences, family, friendship and four years of writing and reflection.

The album, which features a collaboration with Joy Ocholla, explores how relationships with the people closest to us influence personal growth, identity and an appreciation of life.

Its origins date back to the COVID-19 pandemic, when Ngesa’s parents contracted the virus, a period he describes as one marked by worry and uncertainty.

During that time, he wrote four songs - “Muse,” “August,” “Kintsugi” and “Bright” - which would later form the foundation of an album centred on love, gratitude and human connection.

The project’s focus track, “August,” captures its central message: “Do what you love, with who you love, for who you love.”

Through the album, Ngesa reflects on the importance of nurturing relationships and recognising the people who give life meaning. What began as a response to a difficult period has since evolved into a tribute to the family and friends who accompany people through life.

The tracklist includes “Enough,” “Bright,” “When She Calls,” “August,” “Muse,” “Tea,” “2am,” “Hearts on the Ceiling” and “Kintsugi,” featuring Joy Ocholla.

Born and based in Kenya, Ngesa grew up between Uganda and the United States, experiences that have influenced both his music and songwriting.

He describes his work as music for the road; a reflection of the journeys people take in discovering themselves and the places and relationships that shape them.

“Movement is both the subject and style of my music: it’s taught me to observe, remember, and translate experience,” he says.

His sound blends elements of indie pop, rock and soul, combining expansive melodies and bold instrumentation with personal storytelling.

Ngesa first developed his musical identity through Soul Mind Scars, a band he formed with his sister, before embarking on a solo career with his debut EP, “Rem Me.” The project featured “Problems” and “Twende Kazi.”

He subsequently released the singles “Oh Shoot,” “River” and “Muse,” with the latter earning him a performance on COLORS, the international music platform known for showcasing emerging artists.

His subsequent projects included the collaborative EP “Let’s Draw,” with Itha and Clark Keeng, as well as a feature on Muthaka’s “masala tea.”

These releases helped establish the foundation for “For the Road,” his first full-length album and a reflection of the experiences, relationships and personal growth that have shaped his journey as an artist.