Kokoë - France Feeling

In advance of the release of France Feeling, we caught up with Kokoë to uncover the muse behind the music. Mamba Sounds’ very own Zeon Ojuoko chopped it up with Kokoë in advance of his new release “France Feeling” in collaboration with Mamba Sounds. For those of you who might not have heard of Kokoë before, it’s worth keeping your eyes (and ears) peeled for what’s coming next as it’s clear that his talent alongside his tenacity will send him to the very top.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

A Lagos native, hailing from Agege, Kokoë’s name is derived from his full name Oluwakorede Olorunda, meaning “joy bringer”. An only child, Kokoë moved to Abule Egba when he was 10 years old and when thinking back on his experiences as a youngster, he recalls the struggle he had to go through and how that has shaped his life.

“I’m glad I was able to come out from there… in one piece. I have a lot of friends who grew up there too but some of them are not alive right now.

I’m just glad that me and some of my friends are still out here”.

It’s these friendships which influenced Kokoë and impacted both his life and his music, with Kokoë recounting his first visit to a studio where his friend Boma pushed him to overcome his apprehension to get into the studio and showcase his talents. Kokoë’s first show was in 2019 at the Covenant University in Ota and he describes this experience as a dream come true;

“It’s one thing to dream about something and it’s one thing to actually actualise that dream, you know?”

STRIVING FOR SUCCESS

Performing in front of a crowd was a catalyst for Kokoë to realise that music was what he wanted to pursue. He wants to build on the energy he experiences with his audience, the memories they create together, and share a journey with them.

The music is coming from a place of truth, from a place where I interpret how I feel into the music and it comes out the way it does. I’m glad people resonate with it”.

As an independent artist, Kokoë has experienced his fair share of difficult moments in his blooming career. He takes these moments in his stride however, using them to build his character and motivation and cementing his drive to succeed. He credits his experiences as an independent artist with opening his eyes to the undertakings within the industry and allowing him to maintain a high level of creative direction with his work, allowing his art to flourish just as he envisions it. His passion for Afrobeats and music as a whole is clear and he strives to share this passion through his craft.

“I love music as a whole. It's jazz today, it's afrosoul tomorrow, it's R&B the next day…”

These genre defying influences are evident in Kokoë’s music and his refusal to stay still. He pushes boundaries through his music, using his influences to put his own unique spin on Afrobeats. Kokoë has a lofty goal: to help build the bridge in growing Afrobeats’ presence around the world through his distinct take on the genre, and it won’t be long before you’ll hear him showcasing his talents around the world.

FRANCE FEELINGS

The nerves experienced during his early career seem to be a problem of the past for Kokoë. He is a quietly comfortable person, oozing charisma from the outset. Quickly striking up a rapport with Zeon, the pair connected throughout the interview, with Kokoë attempting to teach Zeon how to sing. It’s safe to say that Zeon’s musical ability was lacking on the day.

After lunch, Kokoë broke down the inspiration behind his new single, France Feelings. A self-proclaimed lover boy, Kokoë loves making music for his female fans. France Feelings is no different, with Kokoë taking inspiration from his manager recounting his recent trip to Paris where he was in awe of the local ladies. France Feelings is a celebration of beauty and desire, of a relationship yearned for but not fulfilled, and Kokoë floats on a beat which supplements his flow perfectly. Kokoë let loose with his creativity and recorded the song within an hour, feeling the melodies from the get go. 

We were sent the results from this session and immediately knew we had discovered a gem. We collaborated with Kokoë tirelessly on this song, refining every detail to bring out its full potential and giving it the full Mamba Sounds treatment. The result is a memorable single and a strong release from an exciting talent in the Afrobeats genre, laying a strong marker down for what’s to come from Kokoë.

Stream Kokoë’s newest single France Feelings from the 7th of March, on all streaming services.