Lagos, Nigeria has long been the continent’s most influential pop-culture and entertainment center, particularly with music. From nurturing genres that were once considered underground to becoming Grammy-worthy entries, there are all indications that the potential of music in Africa as a whole has barely been scratched. Every day, the ‘new’ and ‘pop’ sounds take a distinctly African flavor and innovate, not just to please local listeners but also to become globally relatable and acceptable. Although we’re yet to see as many women take on the main stage in the African music landscape, there are quite a number of promising and fascinating acts defying the cookie-cutter Afrobeat signature and carving their own niche, a class that Kimora belongs to.
Born in Nigeria but raised in Dallas, Texas, Kimora is a soul and hip-hop-driven diva on the rise in Nigeria and beyond, sonically blending her African sound with Western influences making it Pan-African. Her love for the hip-hop culture is reflective in her musical approach, esthetics, and demeanor a diverse package complete with her polyglot persona.
Held together by her alluring persona and outlandish style, Kimora sets herself apart in an androcentric industry filled with boundaries for women with charming and soothing music we’re about to witness the best of starting with soon-to-be-released Sexy Papa. The single has its roots in Afrohouse, a subgenre that’s rarely explored. It is undoubtedly a solid entry into a male-centered industry by way of a style that dismantles pigeonholed narratives and standards set for women in music.
With carnality as a running theme of her music, it’s easy to see how society might want to police Kimora’s content, but she won’t be ruled by it. Kimora believes her music and brand will liberate and empower women and that she has all it takes to take the industry by storm, a statement she hopes to certify in the lead up to her debut EP slated for a mid-year release.