Image by David Vassalli //

We caught up with Nigerian-born vocalist Kah-Lo ahead her Australian tour with her producer/co-creator Riton.

Having dropped their debut joint LP Foreign Ororo last year, that included hits like ‘The Ginger’ and ‘Fake Id’, it seemed only a matter of time before Australia would get another chance to catch afro-infused electro duo Riton & Kah-Lo Down Under. Hitting our shores in a matter of days, we’ll once again be able to bathe in the saucy beats of Riton and smooth flow of Kah-lo that has been turning heads and packing dancelfloors around the globe over the past couple of years.

Boasting a live show that’s so energetic you’ll need a couple of days off work to recover after watching it, the duo will be bringing the heat to Melbourne, Canberra, Launceston, Sydney, Gosford, and Wollongong including appearances at Party In The Paddock and Mountain Sounds. Check out the dates and venues right here, and take a look at our interview with Kah-Lo below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlQBaZGNaVY

Your connection with Riton is obviously a deep one. How did you two meet?

We met on Twitter and connected in person when he came to NY a few months later.

What do you think Riton offers you that no other producer could?

His art is unique to him. There’s no other Riton.

Your country Nigeria is famously the home of Afrobeat pioneer and activist Fela Kuti. Do you think there is still a connection between political movements and Afrobeat music?

Definitely. There’s a Nigerian rapper called Falz who just put out an album that speaks on the current political atmosphere. It’s called Moral Instruction, and it’s brilliant.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GmLoVGmgDw

Are there any local artists from Nigeria that we should be listening to in Australia?

Personally, I’m really digging Bella Alubo, Mr. Eazi, Burma Boy, Wizkid and Teni.

How have things changed for you since ‘Rinse & Repeat’ was nominated for a Grammy?

Not much really, I’m still making music I enjoy. I just have the bragging rights now. Hope to win one someday.

Can you tell us the meaning behind the title ‘Foreign Ororo’?

Foreign Ororo literally translates to foreign cooking oil. It’s a funny reference to using foreign oil to cook something that washes up from overseas. Riton’s sound brings something foreign to the Ororo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctxgzPGIXCo

The record has so many different flavours to it. You switch between singing and rapping a lot in songs. Which one of those do you prefer? Did you ever see yourself becoming a rapper when you were starting out?

I started as a rapper, but I grew to prefer singing because I can’t confidently call myself one when there are so many talented rap lyricists out there. I’m simply a weaver of words.

Also, what is ‘The Ginger’?

Ginger is the sauce, the hype, the lituation.

You’re heading back to Australia soon. What are you looking forward to over here?

Sunshine!