James BKS Kusema

'Kusema' is the new single by French-born Cameroonian artist James BKS, self-released on Grown Kid. James' career has seen him produce for the likes of  Talib Kweli, Snoop Dogg, Little Simz and Mr Eazi, as well as French music icons Booba and Soprano. 'Kusema', Swahili for "to express", is James BKS' statement to be heard, as he steps out from behind the desk and into the booth to reveal himself as the lead artist on his new track, and out of the shadows in the accompanying video.

James explains "This one is truly special because it's me rapping and singing for the first time. This song is about willpower and taking control. If you have people doubting your vision that's fine, they not supposed to believe, but you do". 

James BKS' music is a perfect crossover of his African roots (a nod to his father, the legendary late Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango) and urban hip hop sensibility, having grown up in the US. On 'Kusema' he mixes Bikoutsi rhythms (a traditional dance and rhythm from Cameroon meaning "vibrations from the earth") with hip hop drums and a Swahili chant, to create his own special genre fusion which he calls "The New World Music".

Following up the success of James' previous singles 'No Unga Bunga', 'New Breed' ft. Q-Tip, Idris Elba and Little Simz and 'Kwele', 'Kusema' is the fourth single to be taken from his forthcoming debut album 'Wolves Of Africa', due for release this autumn. 'Wolves Of Africa' is an eclectic project which brings together legends and rising stars from across the globe, in the run up to the albums release James will share behind the scenes footage of the recording process in the documentary 'BKS', coming soon.