The Afrobeats music scene has been on the rise, the music coming out of the continent has been energetic, relaxing, and fun-filled. However, while many lean to African music for the high, African music remains an interesting space as multi-genre and artists bloom beyond the umbrella of “Afrobeats”. Music is an outlet to many. Music provides therapy, an escape for the audience to feel something and to the artists, music provides an avenue for them to tell their stories, and document future history.
Afrobeats allow multi-genres to coexist in the same space. By existing in the same space, influences tend to rub off on the genres. No one artist can be classified under one genre. But the excitement of seeing artists explore genre keeps everyone excited, wondering what next.
At the start of 2023, DJ Spinall released a new single, “Bunda” ft. the legendary Olamide and an unfamiliar name at the time, his name “Kemuel”. Over an Ozedikus beat, he opened the song with “Come let’s take a flight, wherever you want go bèbè/Are you looking for a sign, Shey na Dollar signs or Pounds or Cedis”
I was pleased with what graced my ears, he was charming, he understood the concept of wooing a woman while maintaining innocence.
Curiosity got the best of me, so i scoured the internet for more Kemuel’s music. He had released Escape EP in 2022. He spoke about love like he was writing a love letter and with every paragraph, you understood his yearning. Kemuel hails from Port Harcourt, a place heavily dubbed as the home of the finest artistry, with stars like Ajebo Hustlers, Omah Lay, and the award-winning grammy artist Burna Boy, who could argue against that?
Kemuel would use the rest of 2023 fine-tuning his craft, he released “Alone”, collaborated with Attifaya on Fresh Boy Riddim, Toby Grey on Peace of Mind and provided a guest verse on Toxic from Halo Yagami’s Silhouette Dreams EP. Showing no signs of slowing down, Kemuel collaborated with Wondah on” Stay” and released “Polo”. Fast forward to April, he releases his sophomore EP “Clouds”
Here are three takeaways from the EP.
LOVE AND DEEP CONNECTIONS
The EP is filled with colours that express a desire for intimate connections, he likens himself to Water and a love interest to snow. Kemuel’s lyrics paint vivid pictures of romantic scenarios, such as waiting outside a lover’s house in the rain or cherishing deep connections over casual flings, as seen in “WATER”
VUNERABILITY & HEARTBREAKS
Kemuel infuses his songs with personal experiences and emotions, creating a deep connection with his listeners. Tracks like “ALONE” and “FIND” delve into feelings of depression, heartbreak, and the struggle to maintain a positive outlook despite adversity. Through his music, Kemuel offers comfort and solace to those going through similar experiences.
FOCUS
“The journey of a thousand miles starts with a step”.
The EP also touches on themes of self-reflection and determination, particularly on the closing track. A rallying cry for listeners to maintain their focus and drive amidst life’s challenges and distractions. As a Nigerian artist, Kemuel draws upon the cultural ethos of resilience and determination. He infuses “FOCUS” with the spirit of perseverance commonly found in Nigerian society, reflecting the nation’s history of overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of challenges.
