Swiss rapper and producer Shmu and Kenyan artist Ziller Bas have released “Mino Nawe,” the first single from their forthcoming collaborative album “Safari ya Bamba.”
Meaning “Me and You” in Swahili, “Mino Nawe” centres on trust, connection and the beginning of a shared journey. The song reflects the idea that some paths into the unknown become possible when they are taken with another person.
The track was born from an unplanned creative encounter on the Kenyan coast. While Shmu was working on the instrumental, Kenyan singer Idza spontaneously began singing what would become the chorus. The following morning, Shmu wrote his verse on the beach in Kilifi, turning the improvised moment into the starting point for the wider “Safari ya Bamba” project.
Musically, “Mino Nawe” brings contemporary hip-hop together with influences from the East African coast. Rather than positioning the track strictly within either Swiss or Kenyan musical traditions, Shmu and Ziller Bas use the collaboration to explore what can emerge from the meeting of two cultures.
Shmu is a rapper, producer and communication strategist from Winterthur, Switzerland. His work combines personal storytelling, social reflection and documentary-inspired songwriting. His creative exchange with Kenya developed into a long-term partnership with Ziller Bas.
Ziller Bas is a rapper, songwriter and producer from Kilifi on Kenya’s coast. His music incorporates contemporary hip-hop alongside influences from Giriama culture and the Swahili coast.
The two artists previously collaborated on the independent album “Mekatilili,” which reached No. 11 on the Swiss Album Charts. “Safari ya Bamba” continues their creative dialogue around friendship, identity, culture and the traces left by travel.
“Mino Nawe” is available now on major streaming platforms.