Kenyan afrobeat luminary Lovince Mckenzie, is rewriting the Afrobeat narrative through the prism of his diverse life experiences. His latest release, "I Know You Know," not only demonstrates his musical prowess but also offers a glimpse into his distinctive Afrobeat interpretation that resonates on a global scale.
Reflecting on the meteoric rise of Afrobeat as a genre, Mckenzie acknowledges its evolution and acknowledges luminaries like Burna Boy. "Witnessing the genre's growth from its African roots to a worldwide phenomenon is astounding," he muses, "It's a revelation to witness something I cherished during my African upbringing now cherished worldwide."
A multi-faceted artist, Lovince Mckenzie dons several hats – singer, songwriter, videographer, fashion icon, and creative entrepreneur. His artistry is a sonic tapestry woven with threads of his expansive talents and international escapades across the U.S., Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing inspiration from musical luminaries such as Akon, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and DJ Maphorisa, Mckenzie fuses elements from Afro-Pop, R&B, Amapiano, hip-hop, and more, forging a sound that's uniquely his own.
"I was introduced to music in Kenya," Mckenzie reminisces. "I immersed myself in both '90s Western music like Dr. Dre and Mary J. Blige, and the rich tapestry of African rhythms. This amalgamation of influences fueled my passion for music."
While Mckenzie's prowess mainly revolves around his vocals, his musical journey commenced by singing along to his idols, notably Akon. "I poured my heart into singing Akon's tracks. Eventually, I started writing my own songs, and the transition from hobbyist to dedicated artist was a natural progression." Before prioritizing his own music, Lovince Mckenzie honed his craft through collaborations in the film and TV commercial sphere. "Once I tasted success in that arena, I knew it was time to take my original music seriously."
Mckenzie's latest offering, "I Know You Know," is a cross-genre endeavor ignited by his Afrobeat ardor. Elaborating on its genesis, he reveals, "Rema's 'Calm Down' featuring Selena Gomez struck a chord. The song, which originally gained traction in Africa, skyrocketed with Gomez's addition. It left me pondering, 'Who's the next undiscovered Afrobeat gem that can captivate audiences?'" "I Know You Know" delves into the complexities of relationships, as Mckenzie explains, "The track speaks of a partner who deeply understands you, obviating the need for words. It's about that dream companion many aspire for, and some are fortunate to find."
Mckenzie's creative pilgrimage led him to Nigeria, where he collaborated with producers Boyredeem and Yung Willis, shaping, refining, and polishing "I Know You Know." The music video, an artistic spectacle filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, serves as the visual backdrop for the track. This was shot by the one and only Daniel Zollinger of Sweetascinema.
Describing the creative process, Mckenzie reveals, "While the concept was still incubating, I desired a vibe akin to ''Calm Down''—effortless yet captivating, universally appealing, while retaining authenticity. The producers perfectly translated my vision into reality." With Boyredeem's spontaneous beat-making prowess, the song manifested within a mere 2.5 hours, propelled by the harmonious energy of creativity.
The horizon gleams with promise for Lovince Mckenzie, as he prepares for live performances spanning the U.S., London, Nigeria, and Kenya. Simultaneously, he toils over fresh sonic explorations and captivating visual narratives.
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