Grounded

Similar to his later album Well, Mapumba uses Grounded to explore themes of mindfulness, nature, and the human experience, effortlessly transitioning between English and African languages. Notable thematic highlights from the tracklist include:

• Pandemic Reflections: The opening track, "Music My Baby," directly addresses the global lockdown with lyrics like "Since corona I've been thinking / I've been working too hard," ultimately finding solace in music.

• Connection to Nature: The title track, "Grounded," emphasizes physical and spiritual connection to the world, urging the listener to "Feel the earth and feel my heart" because "Everything is love in motion".

• Joy in Simplicity: Mapumba's storytelling shines through in his appreciation for everyday sustenance and nature. "Comfort Food" is a dedicated ode to ground nuts and cassava, while "Palm" celebrates the palm tree for providing oil, sugar, and medicine. He even includes a playful track titled "Mbuji," which tells the story of a "happy goat" fearlessly wandering in search of salt.

• Mindfulness and Presence: The album stresses the importance of living in the present moment. The track "Lelo" repeats the grounding mantra that "Tomorrow is never today / Gone gone gone is yesterday". Similarly, "Daily Be" advocates for clarity, vision, and seeking freedom from the "prison made by illusion".