Review: Another Mess I Make by M. Rumbi

Musically, ‘Another Mess I Make’ leans into folk-rock influences, with acoustic guitar serving as the backbone of the arrangement, complemented by subtle percussion elements. The composition creates a melancholic atmosphere, perfectly mirroring the song’s reflective and introspective mood.

Lyrically, the track explores the recognition of destructive patterns, particularly in love and heartbreak. M. Rumbi grapples with the question of why certain mistakes persist, even when one is aware of the consequences. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing, mixed with regret over past choices that have led to similar outcomes time and again.

Mambo ni Machungu, including ‘Another Mess I Make’, was born from a period of deep self-reflection. The project initially took shape during conversations with friends in October and November, with an early working title of Countdown to Nowhere. However, it wasn’t until the period between Christmas and New Year that M. Rumbi found himself compelled to write, influenced by personal circumstances and a recent injury.

While much of the project explores themes of loneliness and melancholy, ‘Another Mess I Make’ stands out for its emphasis on accountability, acknowledging not only personal pain but also the role one plays in causing it.

The writing process for ‘Another Mess I Make’ involved multiple rewrites, as M. Rumbi navigated his emotions through music. The track was initially recorded at home using an electric guitar before being re-recorded at a friend’s studio in the final days of 2024 and on New Year’s Eve. Notably, M. Rumbi used his father’s acoustic guitar, a significant instrument, as it was the one he first learned to play, bringing a sentimental depth to the final recording.

Produced under his moniker theNairobiNomad, the track highlights his versatility as both a musician and producer.

Artist: M. Rumbi
Song: ‘Another Mess I Make’
Year: 2025