Step into the world of X.O (Ngoe), Kenya’s Afrobeat sensation whose music pulses with the rhythm of the continent. Since embarking on his musical journey in 2021, X.O has blended the vibrant beats of Afrobeat with the rich cultural influences of his Kenyan roots, crafting a sound that’s both modern and deeply soulful. His dedication to creating music that resonates on a global scale has made him a standout in the Afrobeat scene. Whether on stage or in the studio, X.O’s infectious energy and passion for music are undeniable, making each performance an unforgettable experience.
Dive into his world in this exclusive interview as we explore his journey, and what’s next for this musical powerhouse.
Can you tell us about your background and what initially drew you to music?
Music has always been a part of my life from church to performances in Nairobi, my background has always had music.
How has growing up in Kenya influenced your musical style and journey?
Growing in Kenya has exposed me to so many cultures be it our native tribes and even other cultures brought from other countries and as a result this has a huge impact on how I compose my music in that I want everyone to relate to it from mixing English to Swahili and other languages.
You began your musical journey in 2021. What inspired you to start creating music professionally?
I actually started before that, the journey was from learning how to compose song to learning how to mix my songs to give myself the best possible entry in to the industry. But what really inspired me is the spirituality music contains. The ability to make and change people’s emotions through music is such a gift and a blessing as their reactions to my music is always positive that pushes me to keep going.
Your music blends Afro beat with Kenyan rhythms. How did you develop this unique fusion?
Overtime you get to learn more and more of your craft, I let the people and the world around me inspire me from being in the studio with artists such a Bien, Nameless and other big artist I told myself to learn from them and make the best out of there teachings.
Could you describe your creative process in the studio? How do you typically approach creating a new track?
It’s always new with art everything is new, there’s never just one way of approaching the track but the one thing that remains the same is I let the beat speak to me which kinda sound nuts you know.
Your stage name ‘X.O’ is quite distinctive. What’s the story behind it? Does it hold a special meaning for you?
I just used to use the name xo with my friend group it caught on and that’s my artist name now.
You’ve released tracks like “Mammi,” “Pretty Women,” “Madam” and your latest, “Deja.” What was the inspiration behind these songs?
The inspiration really was to see if I could make a bangers with Swahili, for the first time in my career, which was to an extent a success but if you asking specifically about the songs there was defiantly muses for each song.
How do you feel your music has evolved from your earlier tracks to your latest releases?
To me there is not much of an evolution other than the quality of songs. But the change of genre is something that should be expected from me as this is something I want to be known for my versatility as an artist.
Your stage presence is often described as electrifying. How do you prepare for live performances?
Truth be told I don’t really prepare that vigorously I’d just make sure that weeks before I’m fit to be on stage the body looks good and I’ve gotten my lyrics and some lil dance moves but that’s it.
What do you hope audiences take away from your live shows?
I want them to remember a feeling of euphoria just a feeling they want over and over, the live shows should be the time I get to interact with them even as I perform for them.
What can fans expect from X.O in the near future? Any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
I mean there is a lot to expect from me but I love keeping them under wraps but I can say fasho you won’t be disappointed.
Beyond creating great music, do you have a message or theme that you aim to convey through your songs?
Yeah definitely but maybe not my songs but my journey as a musician and its if you want to achieve great things we must dream.
How do you see your music contributing to the broader Afro beat and global music scene?
I mean as for now it’s just the tip of the iceberg so there isn’t much to say but in the next year or 2 ill definitely be making waves.
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