Aaron Rimbui - Imani (2024) [Hi-Res]

The third solo project of Kenyan pianist Aaron Rimbui, Imani translates from Kiswahili to mean “faith” or “belief.” For Aaron, the album holds a deeply personal story, reflecting a crucial moment of taking stock in his life and representing his journey in music.

The cover of Imani features Rimbui’s hands, which bear the scars of a near-fatal accident. The resulting burns, reconstructive surgery, and grafts proved a pivotal turning point in his life, as his recovery also included taking up the piano. “From the accident came my playing,” Rimbui explains. “Through my piano I found healing in many ways.” Imani reflects this journey of healing: in the music, Aaron draws upon a wide range of his material, from brand-new works composed for the album to older material that he has updated to reflect his current state in music.

Imani also represents a truly unique offering in the world of Jazz. While South Africa has long served as vital home for Jazz, Rimbui’s home in Kenya is less noted for its Jazz traditions. While Aaron Rimbui is inspired by many of South African Jazz’s piano masters, ultimately the style he has forged represents something fully unique to himself: Kenyan Jazz Piano. “As a Kenyan, I wanted to come out with a different sound and different approach,” he explains.

In this trio record, Rimbui’s second outing the format, a profoundly compelling personal narrative becomes clear, one of healing and grace, and one of forging an utterly distinctive and absolutely enthralling musical voice.

Aaron Rimbui: Piano, Keyboards and Vocal Arrangements
Christian Euman: Drums
Aidan Carroll: Bass
Lisa Oduor-Noah, Xeniah Manasseh: Vocals on Stamina