ATEMI (Artist Biography, Lyrics and Albums)

Atemi Oyungu is a singer frm Kenya.  She first made her mark in the music scene with the all-girl group, Intu. In 2003 Atemi joined Kenyan sensation, Eric Wanaina, as an assistant vocal harmony provider for his band. Together with Eric and the Mapinduzi band she performed in Zimbabwe, Ghana, Sauti Za Busara Festival in Zanzibar, Festival Mundial in Holland, The North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, Big Brother Africa in South Africa and at the Annual German Ambassadors Conference in Germany. She played a major role in Wainaina’s musical production, Luanda, and later in Kenya’s biggest theatre production yet, Mo Faya. Atemi has been also known as a successful TV host of an all-Africa TV show, Africa Rising.

The artist released her first single, “Happy”, in 2004; and in 2008 launched her debut album, “Hatimaye”. She collaborated with Nyatichi Nyasani and a Ugandan sensation, Kawesa, on “I need to Know”, a song for a UNFPA project supporting sex education for children in schools. Another collabo, “Earth Song”, was with Kenyan musician, Nikki, for a UNDP project to clean the Nairobi River.

A mix of neo-soul and Afro-fusion, Atemi’s sound has been described as that of “Miriam Makeba meeting Jill Scott.” She is currently working on her second studio album, to be released later this year.

Country

Kenya