Born in Nairobi and raised in Dallas, Texas, Kenyan rap sensation S.O.S represents the fusion of two worlds, blending the raw energy of African culture with the boldness of American HipHop.
Now back in Africa, S.O.S is carving out his place in the global music scene, using his art to explore identity, belonging, and the universal human experience. His music is a journey that transcends borders, making S.O.S a unique voice in contemporary HipHop. The Sauce recently caught up with fast-rising rap star for an intimate look into his current state of mind.
Describe your music in 5 words.
International, Energetic, Controversial, Dirty-South and Afrap.
What’s your creative process like when creating music?
I immerse myself in a zone, mostly a relaxed atmosphere in my house, sampling beats on YouTube till I find one that strikes a cord with me. I may smoke up on occasion or chew a little khat, but I do not touch any alcoholic. Then I pen down the lyrics, which may take 2 hours or a fortnight depending on on how fast my creative juices take effect. Then I hop in the studio with my producer Dillie who I consider a musical genius. It is a very intimate creative process.
What inspires your lyrics? Own experiences or other people’s experiences?
I draw inspiration from a wide range of personal experiences and views. From growing up in Nairobi as a young man, moving to Dallas (Texas) and partaking of the large HipHop influence and elaborate party scene, then jetting back to Africa where I have resided for the last few years and witnessing the Afrobeats explosion. The epic Nairobi nightlife and my experiences coastal Kenya have also been instrumental in crafting my music.
Between creating music and performing on stage, what fascinates you more?
In all honesty, I am appreciative of both aspects. Nonetheless, the creative process is what I love most. The whole 9 yards; coming up with a theme or inspiration for the music, finding a beat that best suits the theme, writing to it, creating the lyrical cadence, the punchlines..the works! I’m still sharpening my performance skills and stage presence as it is something I have gotten into the last few years.
What, in your opinion, is a perfectly produced song?
When the audio is produced, the lyrics are written around it. When a beat is personally custom-made for a piece. I like to write, get in the studio with my producer and create a beat around it, as opposed to a generic process of throwing lyrics on top of a beat. That to me is a very authentic creative cycle.
Who are some of the artists who inspire you, both locally and internationally?
The music in the Southern States like Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana tops the list. 36 Mafia, UGK, Outkast are my quintessential Southern influences. In the West Coast, Tupac, Dr. Dre influenced me heavily as a child. Kendrick is killing it right now as well. The East Coast may not be my cup of tea per se, but Juelz Santana, Camron and Eminem are some of the rappers I draw inspiration from. In Africa, Burna Boy, Wizkid, AKA, Davido, Rayvanny, Diamond and Ali Kiba. Our very own Sauti Sol, Khaligraph and Mejja have been doing their thing for a minute.
Afrobeats is HUGE globally right now. Who is on your current Afrobeats playlist?
Burna Boy, Adekunle Gold, Davido, Rema have been my favorites in the last few years. In the last year or two, Asake who has taken over my playlist with his different vibe and soulful music.
What is the one the thing you could change in the Kenyan music industry if you had the power to?
The content in the music leaves a lot to be desired. Most of it is party and decadence music which is alright, but sometimes I’m in soliloquy what the music scene would be if it was not for Sauti Sol. As far as rap goes, what would music be without Khaligraph? Like Buju Banton said recently, our music needs to be reflective of our pertinent issues more than anything. There needs to be a political, spiritual and ancestral edge to it.
Do your have a favorite song from your entire catalog? Which one is it?
‘Business’ off my Growth & Development album is one of them. It is essentially my intro track that I feel represents my essence and identity as an artist. From the newer tracks, ‘Pull Up’ would be my favorite one owing to its upbeat energy and the catchy hook and lyrics. I have a new politically charged record I’m working on dubbed ’Negus,’ an old Ethiopian term for a king that you guys should look forward to.
What can fans expect from you for the rest of 2024 and onwards?
A lot more controversy, exposure and lots more delving into the political, spiritual and ancestral realms will be prevalent in my upcoming music. I’m hellbent on addressing Africa’s most notorious problems as it has never been more timely. My upcoming single, ‘Clear Water’ is standout track, offering listeners a glimpse into the mind of an artist unafraid to confront his past and look towards the future.
With the release of Growth and Development, S.O.S is on the cusp of something big. ‘Tonight’ is already making waves, and with ‘Clear Water’ on the horizon, his trajectory is set to rise even higher. S.O.S is an artist who embodies the spirit of global hip hop—a voice that speaks to the realities of life, love, and identity across continents. As he continues to evolve, one thing is certain: S.O.S is an artist to watch.
Stream S.O.S HERE
