Nyokabi Kariuki is a master of understated atmosphere and expression, transposing seemingly intellect-led concepts into the reaches of heart and soul. The classically-trained, globetrotting experimental artist and composer attended prestigious courses at NYU and IRCAM in Paris but only entered the electronic music world in earnest after finding the joy of sound journaling and field recordings during lockdown. Her debut EP Peace Places: Kenyan Memories attempted to bottle the spirit of treasured locations in Kenya and was described, to great acclaim as “transcendent”. Her first full-length LP, Feeling Body, by contrast, brings things right back down to earth, to almost unsettling effect, exploring the emotional, physical and social contradictions of the experience of long COVID. An avid performer, she has performed Peace Places with orchestral ensembles across the world, and is currently working on taking Feeling Body to stages over the upcoming festival season.
Given that your new LP is so personal, how has it felt to take it out into the world?
“I was nervous about people not wanting to engage with the record due to what it’s about. People not wanting to talk about being sick after COVID. That’s something that happened before, last year. I’d made a sound journal about the pandemic and a gallery in London was interested in showing some of my work and I had proposed a sound art film. They said,‘I think we’re all a bit tired of hearing COVID-related stuff’. So I was nervous about the album. But I really appreciate people taking the time to sit with it even if it’s
