Maureen Kunga reveals Elani is not dead despite silence
Maureen Kunga has clarified that the Kenyan music group Elani is still alive despite not releasing new music for years.
The award-winning trio, made up of Maureen, Brian Chweya, and Wambui Ngugi, dominated the Kenyan music scene in the mid-2010s with hits like Kookoo and Milele but later went quiet, sparking speculation about a possible split.
Return to solo project
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Speaking recently in an interview on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Maureen said that Elani is not dead and that the bond between the three members remains strong. She explained that her latest solo single featured Brian and Wambui on background vocals, showing their continued collaboration.
“Elani is not dead; it cannot die. It is the same people, we love each other, and that is why they were in this feature, and they were happy to support. Should we find ourselves in a space that we can create again? Why not?” she said.
Her statement has been taken as a reassurance that while the group has slowed down musically, the door remains open for future projects.
She said that there is no bad blood among them, only changing circumstances that have kept them from producing new material as a group.
Keeping the Elani identity
Maureen also addressed why she chose to keep her name as it is closely tied to Elani’s identity. She said it was important to maintain that connection because the group had built a strong brand during its peak years.
“I kept my name because it is something we built off of it. It was always Brian, Wambui, and Maureen from Elani. So the name was known. It was how people knew me. So I decided if Whitney Houston can do it, then you know what I mean?” she explained.
By retaining her name, Maureen continues to carry the Elani legacy forward, even as she explores solo projects. Her new single is seen as both a personal step and a reminder of the group’s enduring chemistry.
While the trio has not announced a formal comeback, Maureen’s comments keep hope alive that Elani could reunite musically. For now, her single with Brian and Wambui’s support signals that the spirit of Elani is very much intact.
