KòLà The Ryder is emerging as a rockstar who is reshaping the landscape of African contemporary music by blurring genre boundaries.
African mainstream pop music is increasingly gaining global recognition, thanks to the success of Afrobeats and the rise of new artists adding sonic complexity to the genre. KòLà The Ryder is at the forefront of this movement with his vibrant mix of Afropop, rock, jazz, alternative music, and hip hop.
Since launching his music career in 2020 amid the COVID-19 creative boom, KòLà The Ryder has charted a distinctive path that sets him apart. His debut single “Ghetto Bop” garnered attention, including airplay on BBC UK Radio.
“I started music professionally in 2020 when I released my first single ‘Ghetto Bop’ during Covid. It was recognized by BBC UK Radio, and since then, my mom has been my biggest fan,” he shared.
KòLà The Ryder’s musical journey began early, influenced by iconic artists such as Destiny’s Child and Nelly. “Their music opened me up to a new world and tied those memories to the music,” he reflects on how his early exposure shaped his musical path.
Initially aspiring to be a rapper, KòLà The Ryder’s evolution led him to discover his affinity for melodies, blending rap elements with Afrobeats. “I wanted to be a rapper like most people, but I found that I had great melodies. I started trapping and incorporated those rap elements into Afrobeats,” he explains.
His recent artistic evolution was driven by personal challenges and a desire for creative growth. “Even though it took a tragic event to spark this evolution, I have no regrets. You either come out charred or as a new person after passing through the fire,” he says.
Despite his star-like presence and avant-garde fashion, KòLà The Ryder’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. He addresses perceptions of him being a “rich spoilt kid” and reveals the struggles he faced growing up. “People don’t know about my struggles in Abule-egba, squatting with friends, and moving from studio to studio. I could have chosen comfort, but I stayed driven,” he explains.
KòLà The Ryder embraces these challenges as part of his journey, channeling his frustrations into his creative work. “I know it’s all about timing, so challenge accepted,” he says.
Describing his music as a “raw and intentional experience,” KòLà The Ryder draws inspiration from classic films, anime, and artists like Burna Boy and Damian Marley. “My music is nostalgic and Afro-psychedelic. It’s an experience,” he adds.
He hopes to collaborate with various artists who inspire him, including Olamide, Fireboy, Rema, Davido, and many others. “I want to open doors that haven’t been opened yet. There’s still much to be done artistically,” he states.
KòLà The Ryder also aims to contribute to Intellectual Property Law and ensure that the Afrobeats industry fully benefits from its commercialization. His new single “Mia” will further showcase his creative vision.
Follow KòLà The Ryder on social media:
- TikTok: @Kolatheryderr
- Instagram: @Kolatheryder
- Twitter: @kolatheryder
- Facebook: Kolatheryder