Karen Nyame KG, also known as the ‘Goddess of Rhythm,’ has made a thrilling comeback to the music scene with the launch of her new imprint, Rhythm In The City, and the release of her debut single, “P.L.L” (Pretty Little Liar), following the success of her 2022 hit “Taboo” and the sun-soaked EP “Sensei II” in 2021. “P.L.L” delves into Afro-house, drawing from Karen’s personal experiences with romance, and it’s described as a soul-baring, moody electronic track that explores themes of heartbreak and unrequited love. Rhythm in the City, an event series initially curated by Karen, has now evolved into a record label called RITC Records, offering a unique fusion of soul, percussive bounce, and captivating melodies that promise to make listeners dance, seduce, and feel.
With a genre-bending sound spanning UK Funky, Altè r&b, Afro Altè, Gqom, Amapiano, Highlife, and Afro House, RITC is an exploration of unconventional rhythms in Afro-Electronic music. The multifaceted producer is resolute in her mission to break conventions and formulas within electronic dance music, with her upcoming “RED” EP providing a heartfelt and candid glimpse into her reflections on romance, passion, and desire.
KALTBLUT caught up with Karen to chat about her label and upcoming EP as part of our #TheCulturalConnection-series.
KALTBLUT: What made you want to start a record label?
Karen Nyame KG: Given the years I’ve spent honing in on my craft and releasing tracks on other labels – all of which have contributed greatly to my artistic growth –, this is an expansion or more or less extension of what I have built prior. It’s all about flexibility, ownership, and the creative control I’ll have moving forward. Launching Rhythm In The City is an instinctive yet inevitable move for me at this current stage in my career.
KALTBLUT: How does your approach differ from other labels?
Karen Nyame KG: RITC Records is married to the culture, the sound, the mood, and what feelings that evokes, we aren’t led by gimmicks or metrics. Some of my earlier works are 15 years old, consistently going through cycles of revivals to date because the music transcends trends & time. I want to find the equivalent of that. RITC is about the musical aliens of the world who are undeniable – this will be their launch pad.
Rhythm In The City Records is married to the culture, the sound, the mood, and what feelings that evokes, we aren’t led by gimmicks or metrics.
KALTBLUT: How does the label correlate with your upcoming release?
Karen Nyame KG: The label reflects my own production signature that embodies a multitude of styles within that Afro-Electronic space. It is its own branded sound, flavour – P.L.L is an introduction to that and more. The label is all about breaking conventions and formulas in electronic dance music and fusing that with Afro-inspired bounces and polyrhythms. The label is pretty much the genre.
KALTBLUT: You said “P.L.L” (Pretty Little Liar)” is like a diary entry in music-form. When playing the track, does it bring back the same emotions for you or are you noticing new emotions that you’re now associating with the track?
Karen Nyame KG: This track was such a cathartic release for me, everyone knows how painful unrequited love is lol. I had to release this in order to let go and close that chapter – so P.L.L as it circulates is a reminder of that closed chapter. It’s done me some good!
Stream Karen Nyame KG’s latest EP “Red” here and keep up with upcoming releases on her Instagram at @karennyamekg.
Cover photo by @condrycalvinmlilo
You can revisit all Cultural Connection interviews at #TheCulturalConnection here.
