Raglan’s Muroki arrives at The Great Escape with serious momentum behind him. Since his self-released debut caught the attention of Benee and earned spins from Elton John on his Rocket Hour show, the Kenyan–Kiwi artist has been quietly stacking a catalogue of sun-soaked, genre-blurring gems—including the platinum hit Wavy.

Signing to Benee’s Olive Records, Muroki followed up with the Dawn EP before expanding his sound on 2022’s Heading East, a release that paired dancefloor-ready cuts with his signature laid-back groove. Since then, he’s taken his sound global, touring Australia, playing shows in LA and Berlin, and even joining Jack Johnson on stage in Auckland.

Recent releases have pushed things further. After writing in New York and Berlin, Muroki returned with Timezones—a funk-leaning, self-described 'black soul' record featuring collaborations with Benee, including the infectious Love Cocoon. Blending his Kenyan heritage with the easygoing coastal energy of his Raglan home, Muroki’s music feels both intimate and expansive—perfectly suited to a festival stage.

Hi, how are you?

I’m really good, thank you.

We are so excited about your upcoming appearance at The Great Escape NZ Focus event… tell us about it… are you excited?

Yeah, I can’t wait. It’ll be my first time in Brighton and I’ve heard great things, so I’m really looking forward to experiencing it. I’m especially excited to play—I've just wrapped up my Amber Skies tour across New Zealand and Australia, so getting to carry that momentum into the UK feels like a real bonus.

And what is your key ambition?

In life? Freedom.
In music? The same—freedom.

Let’s talk music. Give us a song & artist (and a reason) that makes you…
Smile: Free – SAULT — it just lifts me instantly.
Cry: Flume – Bon Iver — it’s raw and honest.
Laugh: Business Time – Flight of the Conchords — gets me every time.
Feel nostalgic: Get You – Daniel Caesar — takes me back to when I first started recording music.
Dance in the kitchen: I Got Ants in My Pants – James Brown — too funky not to move.
Sing in the shower: Survivor – Chronixx — I can’t get it out of my head at the moment.
Message a friend immediately: Happen – Nick Hakim — so good I have to share it.



What was the best gig you have ever been to?

Hard to pick. Lauryn Hill was definitely up there, but seeing Rage Against the Machine at Madison Square Garden was unreal too.

What stage have you not performed on that you dream of?

I’d love to play Glastonbury Festival one day. And Hollywood Bowl would be incredible as well.

What would be your dream collaboration?
Right now, I’d say Anderson .Paak, Khruangbin, or Olivia Dean.

Lastly, you can achieve one thing by the end of the year—what is it?

Finding a nice room in London for under £500 a month.

Muroki is one of the artists appearing at New Zealand – Focus Country at The Great Escape, Brighton, 14th May 2026 at Patterns venue. The event will take place 12pm – 4pm on Thursday 14th May.
https://www.murokimusic.com/bio