Feature Friday: Kar33m
You were exposed to music at a younger age, what is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
Music is one of the things in the world that I feel constant harmony with. If I need answers to questions, I can find them through music. I can express myself easily through music and find joy and happiness in it. Music is a positive force.
How would you describe the music that you typically create? Do you feel like your Nigerian roots have an influence on that?
The music I make is afrobeats/afrosoul. It is 100% a reflection of who I am, including my roots as a Nigerian. The official home for my type of music stems from West Africa.
Your debut EP talks about Black Identity, love, and existentialism. Tell us a bit about that journey.
I want the music I make to be a reflection of my perspective of the world. That said, my perspective will continue to change and grow and evolve each year– hopefully. At the time of my EP, I was working on understanding myself as an artist and prioritizing music as a career. I spoke about the love that was around me and how that could either help in my marathon or make it difficult. I talked about staying true to my journey and creating music I found to be honest and I had a conversation with the energy itself, with music. It was a very deep and emotional one. To me, it was a great beginning to what I am now and what I will become.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
I don’t know if there is anything to change that would create a magical solution to problems. The industry is a reflection of life and life is a continuous series of problems, both big and small. I think I would much rather appreciate continued success and growth. I would appreciate knowing that my craft will reach and surpass the heights I have imagined for myself and that I will have people around the world connected through music and sharing the same joys.
What are 3 of your favourite songs by Ottawa artists?
There are so many to choose from, I’ll go based off my current listening in no particular order
Different - Mazyn
Dey For Me - AP