Born in Nairobi and currently based in Berlin, KMRU is a sound artist and producer whose methods include field recording, improvisation, noise, machine learning, radio art and drones. On the edges of ambient and African music, KMRU explores sounds and awakens intense emotions for the listener. His music has earned praise from NPR, Pitchfork, Resident Advisor, DJ Mag and Bandcamp. KMRU is a SHAPE 2021 artist. In 2020, he released three albums that showed the depth and range of his sound: Peel, an LP of hypnotic drones on the avant-garde institution Editions Mego; Opaquer, a collection of vivid and dreamlike sound sculptures; and Jar, a dreamlike cassette of found sounds and analog ambience. These records, along with his compilation appearances and self-released EPs, turned heads around the entire world.
In addition to his work as a musician, KMRU is a core member of Black Bandcamp, a DIY effort to promote music from Black artists and labels. He presents a monthly show on Internet Public Radio, guests on NTS and Rinse FM and organizes workshops for Nairobi Ableton User Group. He also manages reissues of music by his grandfather, the celebrated activist and Benga musician Joseph Kamaru. He is currently a master’s student at Universität der Künste Berlin for Sound Studies and Sonic Arts.
KMRU is presented with the support of SHAPE platform, co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union
