Kenyan Alté Artist, King Kerby Shares New Single “Leeches”
Alté muse King Kerby has released new single, “Leeches” off his upcoming ‘Saba Deluxe’ project. Tapping South African beatsmith, Zino D who is revered for his eclectic production style, famed for producing rapper Nasty C’s smash hit “SMA” featuring Rowlene – King Kerby showcases his diversity with the sonic choice he adopts for this particular record.
According to King Kerby’s A&R, Philip Koth who is acclimated for his astounding work with Nairobi drill faction Buruklyn Boyz, he champions Kerby’s brazen style and ambition to try new sounds:
“The song is a funk-influenced tropical house anthem, but there are tonal shifts that seem designed to showcase King Kerby’s range as a singer and a rapper”
He adds that “the record employs strings swirling around his stop-and-go flow that will have you reflecting on how people can use you for their own benefit”.
Additional production comes from frequent collaborator LD Beats who has been a pertinent force in the production of the entire album, and a conductor in orchestrating King Kerby’s contemporary ear-worm-esque sound.
King Kerby pays homage with the record’s production that captures the atmospheric House Music synonymous with producer and Grammy Award winner KAYTRANADA.
“The album is an audiovisual journal of how life has been. The sights, sounds, smells and experiences all together. The scenery and environment was perfect, so was the musical palette. The song was inspired by a lot of what I was currently listening to. I’m a huge Kaytranada fan, I really wanted to explore different bounces and drum patterns. I would play some of my favourite songs and then we’d pick a tempo and create around it. The words came naturally to me and the feeling was also natural. I’ve experienced friendships where I felt that people were leeching on me”
Created in Cape Town, the creative process featured everyday life in Cape Town while bouncing around Air BnB’s to complete the project. King Kerby shot numerous music visuals to accompany the music effectively. With the scenic Camps Bay in Cape Town as his muse, King Kerby was able to express himself fully without prejudice or creative bloc – creating an offering that can manifest in safe spaces, connecting people over intentional music from personal chronicles.
Stream Leeches on Spotify, Apple Music here: LEECHES