Simplon UP
Nienke Witkamp + Yumei

This UP, two talented singer-songwriters will take the stage!

Having sung her whole life, Yumei only discovered her love for writing in 2022. Not long after, she set out to collaborate with producer Rutger Bandell and release her debut EP ‘Thoughts of Mine’. Being intrigued by complex emotions and abstract experiences, Yumei explores the ways in which our thoughts can hold us back, but can also function as a tool to unveil our inner workings. The project doesn’t shy away from putting her darkness on display and highlights the beauty of transformation and growth. Blending the sounds of neo-soul, jazz, and r&b, and captivating listeners with her warm voice, Yumei hopes to encourage people to be introspective and garner a deeper understanding of oneself.

After having dipped her toes in the waters of live performing, she is eager to tread new stages going forward. While still in the process of self-discovery, both personally and artistically, Yumei invites the audience of Simplon UP on the 30th of January to embark on this exciting journey together.

Nienke Witkamp loves doing puzzles – and you can hear it in her music. She gathers her thoughts, emotions, stories, experiences and ideas and fits those pieces together into layered songs. The result is warm soul-pop with layered lyrics, where poetry and sudden clarity alternate seamlessly. In February 2024, Nienke released the single ‘Licht weer Aan’ together with Kaièt, followed by her debut EP and first solo project ‘Dear Self,’ in October of the same year. In late May 2025, she will graduate from the Prince Claus Conservatoire in Groningen.

For Nienke, songwriting is her way of giving every piece a place, and now it’s time to share her passion with an audience. From the studio, out of her head—onto the stage. With honesty, melody, warmth and soul, she tells her stories, leaving listeners reflective and intrigued.