Kulio’s ‘Kentamine’ drives renewed global attention for Highlife music
A renewed spotlight is being cast on Nigerian Highlife music as Lagos based Afro Soul artist Chimezie Emmanuel, professionally known as Kulio, enjoys growing global buzz with his breakout single ‘Kentamine’. The mid tempo track, which fuses classic Highlife guitar licks with modern Afro Soul and subtle amapiano elements, has begun attracting listeners beyond Nigeria through streaming platforms and social media clips. Kulio explains that ‘Kentamine’ is his deliberate effort to reintroduce younger audiences to the warmth and storytelling tradition of Highlife, while still sounding current enough for today’s playlists. He blends live horns, rhythmic percussion and call and response backing vocals reminiscent of legends like Osita Osadebe and Oliver De Coque, wrapped in contemporary production. According to the singer, the song’s lyrics draw from everyday Lagos experiences, love, hustle and social commentary – themes that have long defined Highlife […]