- Words Maria Mukaranda
On self-produced track 'Alone', Nigerian musician and producer Kemuel returns with a fusion of vibrant pop and R&B.
Nigerian musician and producer Kemuel is on the cusp of another significant musical milestone with the release of his latest single, ‘Alone’. This follows the success of his highly-praised debut EP, ‘Escape’. Hailing from the vibrant southern state of Rivers in Nigeria, Kemuel’s music serves as a testament to the city’s eminence. His cultivated dedication to his craft, which led him to pursue a degree in Fine Art and Design at the University of Port Harcourt, has paid off. Less than a year after his debut EP ‘Escape’ gained recognition from BBC 1Xtra, MTV Base, The NATIVE, and TRACE, Kemuel is back with ‘Alone’, offering a glimpse into his anticipated sophomore EP.
The promising artist, whose musical journey began to blossom at the age of 13, has honed a skilled approach to his craft, mastering the piano, bass guitar, and drums. ‘Alone’ emerges as a captivating fusion of pop, R&B, and afrobeats, highlighting Kemuel’s expressive vocals and heartfelt lyrics more pertinently so than his preceding records. Drawing inspiration from Kemuel’s personal experiences, this single unfolds as a love ballad, crafted with the intention of deeply resonating with its listeners.
Speaking on the track, Kemuel says: “It was a Thursday when ‘Alone’ took shape, I remember because it felt like the weekend, but it wasn’t. Having crafted the beat earlier that day, I kept listening to it until the lyrics came pouring out. […] Before music started happening for me, there was a girl in my life, but relocating to Lagos to pursue music was detrimental to our relationship. I realise now that I was somewhat blind to the strain that caused. We had gone through countless fights because of the distance between us, so this song is basically all the things I would’ve said to her to provide some level of assurance, but I never did.”
“Alone” was self-produced by Kemuel, showcasing his versatility under the producer alias ‘Wondah.’ Additionally, the song gains an extra layer of emotional depth with the inclusion of Fiokee, a renowned Nigerian musician known for his signature electric guitar riffs. His diverse musicality has afforded him collaborations with renowned global talents such as Olamide and DJ Spinall. Solidifying Kemuel amongst the ranks of talented artists continuously propelling Nigerian music to the forefront of global culture, ‘Alone’ is a track that is an amalgamation of innovation and tradition.
