Nairobi-born, Berlin-based experimental pop visionary KABEAUSHÉ is back on the scene, shaking things up with his forthcoming album, KABEAUSHÉ PRESENTS: I.S.U.I.L.P, set to drop on February 27. This vibrant artist is making waves with his lead single, ‘I DON’T NEED YOU, SO YOU COULD TELL ME IF I’M GUD’, available now, showcasing a brilliant fusion of baroque and funk that dances between 17th-century French opulence and contemporary pop chaos.
@kabeaushe
Photo by FRED ODEDE @capturedbyodede
This single serves as the perfect introduction to Herr Iggy, KABEAUSHÉ‘s flamboyant anti-hero who reigns over the fictional Doerf Kingdom with a unique blend of charm and madness. Radical, clever, and complex, KABEAUSHÉ is poised to elevate his artistic narrative with IGGY SWAGGERING UNGRATEFUL INCESSANT LITTLE PEEEAAAAAAA, his third album, bringing forth a kaleidoscope of sound that reflects his eclectic influences from Nairobi to Berlin.
As a singer, rapper, and producer, KABEAUSHÉ curates an overwhelming yet hypnotic mix of styles. His artistry combines nods to French baroque, soundtracks to rock, and hip-hop to pop, creating a collision of forms that feels both jarring and perfectly coherent. “It should bite a little in the ears,” he asserts, and this is a sentiment thoroughly embodied in his striking sound.
In this new era of creation, KABEAUSHÉ delves into profound themes of beauty, pain, and identity. His latest work introduces the complex character of Herr Iggy, whose rule is filled with both terror and ironic confidence. Straddling the line between empire and revolt, Iggy’s reign weaves through a grand pop opera laid bare in both auditory and visual storytelling.
The single ‘I DON’T NEED YOU, SO YOU COULD TELL ME IF I’M GUD’ encapsulates Herr Iggy at his most defiant. Melding funky brass lines with warped timpanis and sweeping strings, KABEAUSHÉ’s audacious vocals clash with the regal instrumentation, pushing emotional boundaries to attain a swirling sonic euphoria.
“This track drew heavily from Baroque influences, particularly 17th-century French music,” he remarks. “I developed a newfound appreciation for classical sounds after collaborating with the Komische Oper in Berlin, which reignited my love for the harpsichord and its playful but regal qualities. Barry Lyndon, with its rich visuals and stunning score, served as the bedrock for Herr Iggy’s character and the album’s narrative.”
Accompanying this audacious single is a visually arresting series that chronicles Iggy’s journey through the stylistic language of black-and-white silent films. Drawing inspiration from iconic works of 1920s and ’30s German cinema, the visuals evoke a sense of sharp-edged elegance and fragility. Iggy, adorned in a whimsical uniform adorned with extravagant medals, stands poised to deliver a rousing speech before the flag of The Doerf Kingdom.
Kabochi Gitau, alias KABEAUSHÉ, crafted this persona as a means to explore the multifaceted nature of his creativity. Growing up in Kenya amidst diverse musical influences, from country to gospel and hip-hop, KABEAUSHÉ began producing rap and electronic music in 2015. His collaborations with the Nyege Nyege collective led to the release of The Comming Of Gaze on their label, further establishing his artistic footprint.
KABEAUSHÉ’s artistic exploration shows no signs of slowing down. With KABEAUSHÉ PRESENTS: IGGY SWAGGERING UNGRATEFUL INCESSANT LITTLE PEEEAAAAAAA, he continues to embrace a visionary approach to pop music—radical, joyful, and undeniably human. Prepare to be captivated by his unique sound, as KABEAUSHÉ boldly redefines the boundaries of experimental pop.
