Ones To Watch: Kaobi

Hailing from London with a sound that blends UK rap and R'n'B influences, we introduce Kaobi—an artist whose music is a raw reflection of self-discovery. With reflective verses and a sonic blend of classic influences and modern edge, he crafts songs that capture both struggle and beauty. As he gears up for his upcoming projects, we caught up with Kaobi to explore his creative process, inspirations, and what’s next on his journey.

SDS: Tell us about Kaobi, what type of artist are you?

Kaobi is my way of wrestling with and understanding my place in the world and society.The music I make is a projection of that struggle, whether it looks good or bad, pretty or ugly. I find myself through art and hope that others can share in that experience.

SDS: What is your creative process when making music?

Journaling is my starting point. I journal three pages, pulling song ideas or motifs from my thoughts. I play instrumentals in the background and let the moment guide me—sometimes it’s gold, sometimes it’s garbage.

Other times,I pick apart aspects of a song. I like to use its structure or motifs as the foundation of the song I am writing."NLF” was built from the structure of the song

“Easier said than done” by Thee sacred souls.

SDS: You just released your first single of the year "Serotonin" on Valentines day, tell us about it?

This song was a writing exercise I was doing to create a song in a week based off of suggested words from my followers. Serotonin was the most voted word. I was unfamiliar with this word so did some research on it and essentially it said it was a hormone that has a huge influence on your mood. High Highs or low lows, Ecstasy releases a lot of it. So I personified Serotonin as a woman that is always on my mind and really affects my mood.

Cliche but it works.

SDS: Do you have any upcoming projects you're working on?

I'm working on a small birthday Ep at the moment. I want to explore the juxtaposition of emotions that exist for me during my birthday- celebration and dread, joy and anxiety.

Aside from that, I am working on a more wholistic view of Kaobi in an LP.

SDS: Do you have a favourite performance to date? Where would you love to perform?

My favourite performance would be my last one at “A Class Sessions".

I normally prefer a live band to play with, as they help the performance feel more organic whilst giving me more control. But this one was back to basics, but me and a PA and track.

Going back to basics and still being able to curate a set that connects with people was great experience.

SDS: How would you describe your sound?

UK RAP with subtle African influences

Modern ANTIQUE

Recycled ANTIQE

Arrogant CHILL

Reflective AND HONEST in ENERGY/EMOTION NOT ALWAYS IN

message AND Intention.

My sound is a reflection of me. I'm born and raised in London by Igbo parents. I'm currently doing Igbo lessons, so naturally Nigerian music slips into my sound. I like old things, old cars, old singers, old igbo highlife. So it all influences me a little.