KARABO releases ‘ONLY 4 U’
Karabo went from winning Idols South Africa Season 11 to writing a theme song for Disney Africa's The Lion Guard, so he knows a good moment when he hears one. 'Only 4 U' is out now.
For Fans of Giveon, Lucky Daye, Leon Thomas, Alex Isley and Manana
If those names are already on your rotation, add Karabo's 'Only 4 U'. It sits in a New Age TrapSoul R&B space, with digital drums, keys, strings and bass underneath a voice that bridges contemporary R&B, Neo-Soul and the storytelling warmth of African Soul.
Tinashe brought a stack of beats he had made, and Karabo and Tineke lost their hearts to the sound that became the single. Tineke started writing, Karabo filled the gaps, and the song's theme turned up on its own, as themes tend to when the room is working. Tineke's guide vocal was, in Karabo's words, "phenomenal."
Karabo is based in Johannesburg, won Idols South Africa Season 11, and has built a decade-long career that includes work with Bebe Winans and a stage shared with Anthony Hamilton. 'Only 4 U' is his introduction to UK, US and international listeners, and it is about trust, vulnerability and staying power. Good for late-night queues, slow mornings and anything labelled R&B Now.
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