Kwae Kobain isn’t here to play by the rules. The soul-rooted artist and curator has returned with ‘AHAMKARA’, a two-track EP that dives headfirst into the depths of identity, spirituality, and sonic reinvention. It’s bold, it’s personal, and it feels like a reflection of an artist who’s constantly evolving.
For over a decade, Kwae has been telling stories that sit somewhere between poetry and raw truth. With ‘AHAMKARA’, he turns that lens inward, drawing inspiration from the Sanskrit word meaning “I-making”, the idea of constructing the self. It’s a concept that feels right at home in Kwae’s world, where vulnerability and confidence often meet in the same verse.
The opener, “JADED,” sets the tone perfectly. It’s introspective but never stagnant, a chilled, futuristic blend of hip-hop grit and emotional honesty. Kwae’s auto tuned delivery dances between self-reflection and swagger, giving the track that balance between heart and headspace. It’s music for the thinkers who still like their beats to knock.
Then comes “Sirens,” a track that dips into Afro Fusion with hypnotic percussion and fluid melodies. This one breathes, it feels alive, pulsing with rhythm and soul. Kwae’s flow is effortless here, and his storytelling moves like water, smooth, reflective, and full of hidden depth.
What makes ‘AHAMKARA’ stand out isn’t just the sound, though, it’s the vision. Kwae pulls from a fascinating mix of influences: Hausa, Arabic, Hindi, and Sanskrit language references, paired with visual nods to Fauvism, Expressionism, and even alternative Nigerian fashion and body art. The result? A cultural mosaic that’s entirely his own.
If you’re into artists like ODUMODUBLVCK, PsychoYP, or Blaqbonez, Kwae Kobain deserves a spot on your radar. ‘AHAMKARA’ isn’t just an EP, it’s a statement. It’s proof that introspection can still bang, and that spiritual exploration can sound downright electrifying.