Kenyan-British artist/producer mau from nowhere’s The Universe Is Holding You delves into life’s mysteries through a combination of alt-rap and inventive melodies. Across 15 immersive tracks, the singer born Kamau Wainaina expertly curates broken beat, indie pop, R&B, folk and hip-hop instrumentation to accompany his emotive reflections. With these eclectic sonics as a backdrop, mau crafts a journey through eloquent songwriting characterised by a conversational approach. At the core of The Universe is Holding You is discovery—of the self and the intricacies of navigating the world. Navigating these existential concerns with consummate ease, mau explores complexity with disarming charm. From here notions of self-actualisation and romantic fulfilment seep, as the aching fragility of the NAiLA-assisted “Realign” and visceral confliction on “Water Boys” are counterpoised by the optimism of “I Like” and “s_t_h”, which dovetail with the groovy shuffles of “I Would Hope”, crafted alongside MAUIMØON and Jay James. As if to contextualise the interiority displayed on the album, mau from nowhere reimagines 2019’s “Haba Na Haba” alongside Maya Amolo, Freesia Flow, Chevy Kez & Monski and they collectively address themes of love, expression, social pressure and mortality that drive this offering.