TWAN links with Stacy Kamatu on “NAMANAMA (for real, for real)”

London-based artist and producer Antonio Marra, operating under the artistic banner TWAN, has earned a stellar reputation as one of the most innovative names to rise from the city’s electronic music sphere. A multi-talented Italian-British musician, composer, pianist and DJ, TWAN brings together intricate sound design with emotional context to reflect the energy of London itself. First stepping out as TWAN in 2019, he unveiled his sound with the debut single “Other Places,” which he’s since followed up with a string of well-received singles. Along the way he’s won over fans across the UK and beyond while closing millions of spins of his music online.

His 2021 release “Entropia” drew widespread acclaim for its exquisite sound design and emotional pull, while his compositions have also made their way into film and television, including over a dozen international projects and the Netflix-streamed Swiss series Neumatt, which featured his track “Something Stronger.” TWAN’s sonic adventure has been decorated by several career-defining moments, none more striking than the success of his single “Carry On,” which earned first place at Amsterdam Dance Event’s prestigious Demolition XXVI competition.

Judged by leading electronic names like Kölsch and Joseph Capriati, the win positioned TWAN as a producer able to shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the scene’s most revered names. Along the way, Beatport has hailed his work while Only Techno dubbed him a visionary, accolades that nod to both his technical talents and his forward-looking output.

Now, TWAN opens a new chapter with “NAMANAMA (for real, for real),” a collaboration with Kenyan-American singer-songwriter Stacy Kamatu. Based in Denver, Kamatu brings her own fusion of Afro soul, alternative R&B and Afro pop, infusing TWAN’s slick production with warmth, texture and a global element. Known for her intricate songwriting and multilingual wordplay, switching between Kikuyu, Swahili and English, her voice gives the track its alluring melodic leads.

“NAMANAMA (for real, for real) lands as a playful lover-girl anthem, but beneath its flirtatious exterior exists a deeper exploration of connection and movement. Recorded between London and Denver over the course of two years, the single feels like the result of a long-distance connection between two artists working in complete creative harmony; TWAN’s deft touch as a producer shines through, balancing the track’s percussive drive with bright melodic layers and a crisp, modern aesthetic.

Filtering in with Stacy’s expressive vocalisations, the pulse of grooving bass notes and rattle of shuffling percussion, the arrangement flows with elegant steel pan shots before jumping into an infectious dance-focused scene. Gliding with lively energy and cut with catchy melodic flickers, it’s a stunning jam that sees the musical visions of two talents artists collide in spectacular fashion.

Ultimately, “NAMANAMA (for real, for real)” reflects TWAN’s continued mission to build links between genres, cultures and emotions, proving that electronic music can still surprise and connect on a profoundly human level. As he continues to develop his incredible sound, TWAN stands as one of the most exciting voices in the next wave of global electronic producers and we can’t wait to see what he’s got in store next.

Listen to NAMANAMA (for real, for real) below

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