Kenyan singer Maureen Kunga has opened up on the status of the popular music group Elani and her return to the music scene after years away.
In a radio interview, the 36-year-old clarified that Elani had not broken up, saying each member simply pursued solo projects.
“Elani is not dead and cannot die. It’s the same people; we love each other to death. That is why they were happy to feature in this and happy to support me,” she said, referring to her new single Majaliwa, which features her bandmates Brian Chweya and Wambui Ngugi.
Kunga stressed that the door is still open for a full group comeback. “Should we find ourselves in a space where we will release another together, wonderful and great,” she added.
Unlike many artistes who reinvent themselves with new monikers, Kunga chose to retain her real name, explaining that fans already knew her as “Maureen from Elani” and that her surname carried a unique identity.
“I kept my name because it’s what we built off of. We were always Brian, Wambui, and Maureen from Elani. It’s what people know me for and have resonated with,” she said.
“I’m lucky enough that Kunga is as rare a last name as they come. I decided if Whitney Houston and Celine Dion can do it, then why not,” she noted.
Reflecting on her journey, Kunga described herself as a compassionate spirit who has rediscovered herself beyond music.
“I feel like it’s just time, the season has come,” she said.
Elani, formed in Nairobi, rose to fame with hits like Milele, Zuzu, Joto, Jana Usiku, Nikupende and Sirudi.
News of Kunga’s comeback stirred excitement online, with one fan writing, “Elani has always been fire,” while another added, “I’m so glad she’s back. I used to listen to Elani way back.”