In recent years, West London rapper Bawo has garnered critical acclaim that few can match. Initially experimenting with different styles of hip-hop and rap, he brought a self-assuredness that set him apart. He’s been compared to contemporaries like Kadiata and Knucks, each embodying a certain ‘West London’ sound. Although challenging to define, Bawo taps into something essential, explaining that West London is influenced by West Coast American hip-hop culture: “In West, you see NBA jerseys and hats more than anywhere else I’ve been. It’s like a steeze.”
Growing up in a traditional Nigerian household, ‘musician’ may not have been his parents’ first choice for his career, but his home was filled with musical nourishment. From Alexandra Burke and X Factor to Akon and country music, genres were judged on their own merit, and this open-minded approach deeply influenced Bawo’s musical philosophy. “Music in the house was definitely prominent,” he explains. “My parents weren’t musicians, but they loved music in their own ways. My dad, especially, would play music every weekend, all day long. We listened to Nigerian tribal music and worship music from my tribe, Itsekiri.”
In his teenage years, he began exploring both UK and US musical influences. On the UK side, grime initially sparked his passion for lyric writing, and he began writing bars at age 14, keeping it mostly secret from friends. His ambition soon outgrew the on-mic school sparring; he wanted to write, record, and develop his skills as a songwriter. He studied his parents’ records, learning the essentials of song structure and what made music catchy and memorable.
Initially inspired by US rappers like Kanye West and 50 Cent, Bawo later looked to artists like Coldplay, OneRepublic, and Ellie Goulding to understand hit-making. Influences like Skepta, J Hus, and Mike Skinner (The Streets) shaped his sound, blending Jamaican and African rhythms with unpretentious storytelling. Oscar #Worldpeace also left a profound impact with his authentic London sound, which Bawo admired. Years later, the two connected in the studio.
Bawo’s style is unique, melding diverse influences into an organic sound marked by thoughtful flow and carefully chosen beats. He often collaborates with French producer Kxmel and expresses interest in working with TSB, TenBillionDreams, and James Blake. His debut single, “Give Me A Sec” (2019), had a garage influence, followed by the boom-bap-inspired “Bag To Get.” While he enjoyed these styles, he aimed to keep his music engaging beyond the “conscious rapper” label. By May 2021, Bawo showcased his versatility with “You Get It” and “No Sleep,” which leaned toward an experimental side. His 2021 EP Live & Let Thrive explored themes of love, identity, and innovation, while his 2023 EP Legitimate Cause featured fan favorites like “Mazzalean” and “SKATE.” Praised by The Guardian and BBC Radio 1Xtra, Legitimate Cause was a cohesive narrative and marked a sold-out show at The ICA.
With two EPs and a debut album on the way, Bawo is proving his staying power. He’s unfazed by stats and numbers, joking that he clocked in for a 7:00 AM Waitrose shift after his first sold-out show at The Social. Yet, messages from fans worldwide affirm he’s making an impact. His next project, a step toward defining his sound, aims to emphasize individuality and self-acceptance, furthering his mission of authenticity and inspiring others to stay true to themselves.
