South African singer-songwriter Karabo has built an impressive career around his soulful vocals and emotionally driven songwriting. Rising to prominence as the winner of Idols South Africa Season 11, he has since shared stages with Anthony Hamilton, collaborated with Bebe Winans and become the first African artist to create a theme song for Disney Africa's The Lion Guard.
His latest single ‘Only 4 U’ introduces a contemporary R&B direction while retaining the heartfelt storytelling that defines his music. Blending electronic production with New Age TrapSoul influences, the track explores vulnerability, loyalty and the importance of allowing yourself to be completely open with someone you love.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with were the drums. I was fascinated by the art of playing them, and this all started at church during Sunday school.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I really enjoyed listening Gospel and RnB music growing up, because that is the music that my older brother used to play on the weekends whilst we’re doing house chores.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Brandy - Full Moon
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Maxwell : Bad Habits
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
pray religiously, and normally pin down some themes of what I want to write about. I’ve learnt to also create Melodies and write on Melodies that already exist.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lucky Daye, Victoria Monet, Alex Isley,Snoh Alegra and H.E.R.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Bruno Mars & Rihanna
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
That I get to share my gift with the whole world and get to heal people’s relationships. My music is always themed around love.
And what is the most frustrating part?
What is frustrating honestly is that you don’t always get the output you think you’re going to get considering what you put in.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Someone asked me a very important question? “Karabo what if it works out?” At some point I felt like maybe this music thing was no longer for me, and because of that question, I then remembered why I started doing what I’m doing. Music will always be my plan A and nothing comes close.
-
Karabo's new single 'Only 4 U' is out now. Check it out in the player below.