A tale of healing and love: Watendawili’s Ywaya Tajiri serves ‘Chai ya Saa Kumi’
By William Muthama, April 12, 2026Ywaya Tajiri, best known as one half of the acclaimed duo Watendawili, steps into a reflective solo chapter with his new release, “Chai ya Saa Kumi”.
The track, whose official video dropped on Friday, April 10, 2026, following an earlier audio release in February, is already gaining attention for its emotional depth and smooth sonic blend.
“Chai ya Saa Kumi” leans into a gentle Afro-fusion style, mixing mellow Afro-pop rhythms, soulful R&B textures, and subtle Kenyan musical influences.
Produced, mixed, and mastered by Hendrick Sam with background vocals by Bobo, the song avoids heavy production or high-energy drops. Instead, it creates space for emotion to breathe.
The result is a warm, mid-tempo sound that feels personal and reflective, a soundtrack for quiet evenings, long drives, and moments of introspection.
A story of healing, patience, and new love
At its core, the song tells a story of emotional recovery and cautious hope in love. The narrator carries scars from past relationships but is slowly opening up again.
Lines like “Moyo wangu ina viraka juu wengi walinimess” reflect past heartbreak, while the tone of the song leans toward healing rather than pain.
“Chai ya saa kumi” represents those quiet late-night moments where conversations become deeper, honesty flows more easily, and emotional connection begins to form.
Rather than rushing into romance, the song emphasises patience and trust in a love that grows slowly but meaningfully.
The narrator expresses dreams of shared experiences, emotional closeness, and even introducing his partner to his family, signalling seriousness and intention.
Chorus and emotional tone
The chorus reinforces the song’s reflective mood:
“Nakungoja kuliko chai ya saa kumi
Usiku mchana ni wewe tu ndio nawaza
My subira wanituliza vizuri
Nangoja fursa nikupeleke kwa mama…”
It captures longing, patience, and emotional focus on one person, highlighting love as something steady rather than impulsive.
Visual storytelling
The music video, directed by Khabil Jumah with cinematography and colour work by Omondi Picha, brings the song’s emotional tone to life. Actress Atieno M.J. appears alongside Ywaya, portraying a quiet but intimate connection.
One of the most striking visuals shows the pair inside a house with no roof, gently shielded as rain falls around them.
The surreal setting symbolises emotional safety, a private world where two people can connect despite external chaos.
In a music landscape often driven by high-energy hits, “Chai ya Saa Kumi” stands out for its restraint. It highlights Ywaya Tajiri’s strength as a vocalist and storyteller, continuing the artistic reputation he has built with Watendawili while carving out space for his solo identity.
Verdict 8.8/10