Follow Us on Google
Budding Afrobeat Artist, Kingsley King born Kingsley Okwudiri Emeghebo who has proudly harnessed his craft outside the shores of Africa, has acknowledged and appreciated his mother for being the bedrock of his career.
Kingsley King an indigene of Uzii in Ideator North, Imo State, Nigeria in this interview with Daily Sun shares his success story, creative process, collaborations and a lot more.
Excerpts;
Can you share with us, your educational background?
I attended St. Peter’s Primary School in Afrondizuogu for my primary education, and followed it up with National High School. I went on to study Information Technology at the prestigious Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). In 2009, I completed my Masters Degree in Arizona at Phoenix University)
How was growing up for Kingsley King?
It wasn’t easy for me and my siblings. We moved from place to place, and I often felt like I didn’t fit in with some of my friends because of our poverty. However, I am incredibly grateful for my mother, who did everything she could to ensure our survival.
Even at a young age, during my high school days, I started taking up odd jobs in the community to support my mother and siblings. It was during my secondary school years that I also discovered my passion for music. I started playing music gigs with my friends, despite facing skepticism from many who doubted my potential for success.
Today, I am humbled and grateful for the life I have been given and the incredible opportunities that have come my way. Not only have I achieved success as an artist whose music is now on the mainstream, but I have also grown as a person.
I believe that with determination and the right support, anyone can overcome their circumstances and achieve greatness. I am thankful for the journey I have taken and the lessons I have learned along the way.>
Who inspired you to make music?
When it comes to making music, I draw my inspiration from my daily life experiences. During my younger years, I had some friends who played instruments like the keyboard and bass. I was highly impressed by their talent and through them, I discovered my passion for music. I strongly believe in the power of the mind and its ability to achieve great things.
Over time, I have looked up to various role models in music and learned from their skills and techniques. However, there is a special story behind how I learned to play the bass. One night, I had a dream where I was playing the bass guitar effortlessly, and from that moment on, I could play the bass like a pro without ever having a lesson. It is truly amazing how inspiration and natural talent can manifest itself in one’s life.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I firmly believe that the music I am creating right now falls under the genre of gospel music. To me, any music that inspires and uplifts others can be considered gospel.
In the past, both during my time in Nigeria and my early years here in the United States, I used to perform music for churches. It was during this period that I had a realization about my identity and purpose. I remember thinking, “Wow, I should really share my story and express through music who I am and what I believe in as an African and son of the soil.”
That moment served as a turning point for me, and since then, I have been dedicated to writing music that authentically reflects my experiences, beliefs, and heritage. Through my music, I hope to touch the hearts of others and inspire them to embrace their own unique identities and the power of their stories.
What is your creative process like?
Wow, I have a truly unique process when it comes to creativity. First, I create the instrumentation and record my demo vocals. Then, I reach out to my producers back home in Nigeria because I believe they have a better understanding of my style due to our shared roots. By developing clear ideas and having a vision of how the song should sound, it becomes easier for my team to grasp and refine it. I want to emphasize that every sound and melody you hear in my music is created solely by me.
Who would Kingsley King most likely to collaborate with?
As far as collaboration goes, I am not currently considering anyone in particular. However, I believe that opportunities for collaboration will arise as long as I continue to put out unique content, remain active, and persist in my pursuit. Moreover, while I admire many musicians, I’m currently striving to discover my own unique sound.
What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
Currently, I am juggling many responsibilities as a full-time IT manager and robot programmer. While I am extremely passionate about music and view it as a fundamental part of my existence, I also have a lucrative side career that I must maintain. I believe in being practical and not overextending myself in solely pursuing music, as unforeseen circumstances can arise at any moment. However, once I am able to achieve great success and earn a substantial income, I will dedicate myself fully to music. For now, I am extremely grateful for where I am today in my music career.
Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
I have had the opportunity to perform in various countries such as Belgium, Australia, and the United States. Each show was a truly enjoyable experience, although it saddens me that I don’t have any footage to capture those memorable moments. In just three weeks from now, I will be performing in Belgium (Ghent Feesten) once again, and later in August, I will be taking the stage in Tenerife, Spain. I anticipate that these upcoming shows will be absolutely amazing, filled with both excitement and joy. I cannot wait to share these incredible moments with everyone.
