kibbokid – Follow The Leader (2023)
If Talking Heads were to have a child with Depeche Mode, the chances are it would be kibbokid. The brainchild of US-based composer James Wilson-Rhead, kibbokid brings old-school new-wave charm to listeners but infuses it with a contemporary global music feel (particularly African-inspired sounds). A robust nature swirls about the dreamy pop making it intoxicating in an intriguing, unique and eclectic manner. Come with us as we delve into his debut single ‘Follow The Leader’.
I both enjoy and dislike discovering an artist at the beginning of their project. I love finding someone with their debut offering, but I feel frustrated when there isn’t more of their stuff and especially if I love what I’m hearing. Enter kibbokid. As I mentioned, his single ‘Follow The Leader’ is the lad’s debut song so there are great expectations which, I am pleased to say, he meets in all ways. Blending Afrobeat with dream-pop in a cinematic way, ‘Follow The Leader’ is a kaleidoscopic sonic tapestry. Effortlessly losing yourself in the song, kibbokid navigates a sonic forest with bright joviality so you’re following the leader with every dancing step.
Just as the melody can hold its own in its inimitable nature, kibbokid oozes poetic depth in the lyricism. Recorded in his home studio, kibbokid explores British music, politics, people and human essence in totality. Beginning as a “means to keep sane whilst working a soul-crushing job”, ‘Follow The Leader’ is kibbokid’s “…mild protest song against the increasingly wild abuses of power that we’ve seen from those at the supposed top of our society”. He further explains that ‘Follow The Leader’ looks “…at the farcical idea that one person can have all the answers and solutions in the complex, swirling morass of contemporary life.”
Profound, thought-provoking and insightful, kibbokid finds a line between upbeat dance-ability and poignant themes in ‘Follow The Leader’. If this is what he begins with, I cannot wait to hear what else he has up his sleeve.
For more from kibbokid, check out his official website, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
