Nigerian artist KOHDEE is a rising star with an unparalleled talent for blending AfroPop and Afrobeats
|Published
In the vibrant world of Nigerian music, Ogechukwu ‘KOHDEE’ Otu has emerged as a rising star with an unparalleled talent for blending AfroPop and Afrobeats.
From his early beginnings in Abuja to his influences from some of the biggest names in the industry, KOHDEE has captivated audiences with his unique sound and exceptional songwriting skills. With an EP set to drop this year and his highly anticipated single "Mr Fantastic" on the horizon, let's take a closer look at the musical journey of KOHDEE.
From an early age, KOHDEE was surrounded by the harmonies of gospel music, thanks to his mother's talent as an artist. These early exposure to the power of song and melody laid the foundation for his own musical aspirations.
It was during his secondary school years that he found his inspiration when he met a friend who happened to be a rapper and producer. This encounter ignited KOHDEE's creative spark, leading him to embark on his own musical path.
At the Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus, while studying Information Technology, KOHDEE continued to cultivate his passion for music. He delved into the intricacies of production, mixing, mastering, and honed his skills across all aspects of music creation. Armed with a deep love for various genres, including the likes of Burna Boy, Wande Coal, Usher, Drake, Flavour, and Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Kohdee began crafting his own unique sound, blending influences from AfroPop and Afrobeats to create something truly special.
In 2020, KOHDEE released his EP titled 'The Link,' marking a significant milestone in his musical journey. Featuring seven captivating tracks, the project showcased his versatility as an artist, touching on themes of love, heartbreak, inspiration, and high-energy party anthems. The EP garnered attention, and the guest appearance of 1da Banton served as an additional testament to Kohdee's talent and potential.
Continuing his trajectory of success, KOHDEE recently collaborated with the renowned Highlife band, The Cavemen, on his 2021 single titled 'Mexebu.' The fusion of their distinctly different sounds resulted in a dynamic and infectious track that further solidified KOHDEE's position as an artist to watch.
With a unique blend of AfroPop and Afrobeats, he has caught the attention of Troniq Music, a record label known for nurturing exceptional talent. As part of their roster, alongside successful artists like Oxlade, KOHDEE is positioned for even greater achievements in his career. His upcoming EP promises to be a showcase of his extraordinary sound and songwriting prowess, amplifying his impact in the industry.
Currently excitement is palpable as his fans and industry insiders eagerly await the release of his latest single, aptly titled "Mr Fantastic." With the backing of Troniq Music and his undeniable talent, this track is set to captivate audiences and solidify his growing reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Ogechukwu ‘KOHDEE’ Otu is on a steady ascent in Nigeria's music scene, captivating listeners with his unique blend of AfroPop and Afrobeats. We sat down with him to discuss more about his rise :
Can you tell us about your journey into music and how your upbringing influenced your love for it?
I've always had music around me growing up. My dad had a vast collection of music from rock to highlife to reggae and dancehall that he would play around the house, and my mom was also a gospel singer. But it really started for me when a friend of mine in high school began encouraging me to come and join one of their freestyle battles. At that time I had never written my own music before but after joining that rap battle and having so much fun participating, that's when a whole new world of music opened up to me. I fell in love with music and the entire creation process of it and I haven't stopped making music since then.
What made you decide to pursue a career in music officially in 2017?
I was completing my Masters program for information technology and in the middle of a lecture, I just got up and left. I had been feeling like I was in the wrong place, like it was time for a shift. I needed to chase my dreams and do what I loved; music. After that day I never looked back. I moved to Lagos and dived head-first into music.
Could you tell us about your EP ‘The Link’ and the significance behind the title?
“The Link” was my first body of work and I wasn't in a mental or financial space to even be releasing music at the time, but being who I am, I was so eager to share my creativity with the world by any means and so with Gods help, I made it happen. “The Link” represented the first real connection between me and my listeners.
Who are some of your musical influences and how have they shaped your sound as an artist?
Over the years I have been continuously inspired by so many artists across various genres both old and new, but to mention a few; Burna Boy, Drake, and Wande Coal are some of the names that pop up.
Can you give us a sneak peek into the themes and emotions that your music explores?
I like to make music around real-life events, lived by myself or the people around me. I feel like it's very important to make music that people can relate to. You can expect me to touch on topics like love, gratitude, and of course party songs because we have a lot to celebrate.
How would you describe your unique sound and what sets you apart from other artists in the industry?
If you listen to my music you can already see, I don't sound like anyone else out there at the moment. My voice is unique, my sound is different and my music takes you on a journey into my world.
What has been your experience working with Troniq Music and how have they supported your career?
Troniq is the dream team I've always prayed for. They understand and support my vision and are always willing to work with me to bring it to life. So far, it's been great and I'm looking forward to what we are going to accomplish together.
We're excited to hear about your upcoming EP. Could you share any details or insights into what we can expect from it?
My upcoming EP is titled “Sweet Karma” and it embodies feelings of gratitude contentment and success that feels fated. You can also expect love because, what's life without love right?
Your new single 'Mr. Fantastic' is generating a lot of buzz. Can you give us a glimpse into the inspiration behind the track and what listeners can expect from it?
I feel like the title describes the song very well because, at that moment of creating the song, I was feeling fantastic and grateful that I was finally granted the opportunity to properly share my music with the world. I was finally going to get a real shot and the adequate support needed to succeed in this industry. It was around the time I had just signed with Troniq, so all the excitement and joy I was feeling I put into that song, and I know the world will be able to pick up on that Fantastic energy.
With the release of 'Mr. Fantastic' and your upcoming EP, how do you envision your music career progressing in the future?
I’ve always been so certain that I was made for greatness and with the help of Troniq that is now becoming a reality. You can expect me to continue releasing great and timeless music that the world will sing and dance to.
By Kevin Mwenye