J Nui & Martine Kite – See U 2

Emerging Meanjin/Brisbane powerhouses J Nui and Martine Kite today unveil their latest collaborative effort, ‘SEE U 2’ – entirely produced, mixed, and mastered by J Nui at Soundbox Studios in Fortitude Valley.

‘SEE U 2’ is a contemplative, dance-driven cut, using sparse, silky production to envelop the listener in the track’s lyrical pocket of late-night thoughts and anxieties. Staccato percussion sets the sonic bedrock as both artists go to and fro, letting their eventual combinations gloriously elevate the track.

J Nui explains the inspiration for the track:

 “‘SEE U 2’ captures the emotional whiplash of being sure about someone and then questioning everything the moment you’re apart. It’s about the kind of connection that feels real in your chest, but gets tested by time zones, distance, and the stories your mind writes in the quiet. Across the collaboration, we unpack that push–pull: reassurance vs. doubt, presence vs. absence, and the simple question that sits underneath it all – do you still feel it the way I do?”

J Nui is the creative project of producer Ben Rangi, who started his production journey in 2005, remixing tracks on a “Limewire-sponsored” copy of FL Studio 5. Ben explains further, “My musicality is deeply rooted in my Māori culture, from early years in kapa haka, learning the songs and ceremonial gestures of his community, to being raised on Motown by his self-taught musician father.”

Born in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, and hailing from the Nande tribe in Butembo, Martine Kite is inspired by Doechii’s boldness, Rihanna’s confidence, and Tyla’s movement-driven energy. She adds, “Growing up surrounded by Congolese and East African music, rhythm has always felt instinctive to me, something that lives in my body rather than something I learned. Performing allows me to fully express that connection, blending emotion, movement, and storytelling into my sound.”

Over the years, J Nui has become a staple of the Meanjin/Brisbane scene, opening for Genesis Owusu and selling out headline shows at Black Bear Lodge. Kite’s artistry has seen her support international Nigerian star Omah Lay, amongst others.

#jnuiiiiiiiiii #damartine_