Exposed Vocals · Interview
Kutowa Music
“Forbidden love makes for great storytelling — and I couldn’t resist exploring it further.”
There are artists who make music about a place, and then there are artists who make you feel like you’re already there. Kutowa Music does the latter. The Zambian Afropop artist’s new single “Samfya Bae” — a sun-drenched, flirtatious tale of forbidden love set against the backdrop of Samfya Beach, one of Zambia’s most stunning coastal gems — is a track that moves as freely as a holiday romance. Featuring Kunkeyani Tha Jedi over a beat from the generational talent Uncle Ticky, the track blends Afropop and Caribbean vibes into something warm, playful, and impossible to ignore. We caught up with John to talk about the inspiration behind the song, the chemistry of the collaboration, and what’s coming next for Kutowa Music.
Exposed Vocals
Congratulations on Samfya Bae! What inspired this track, and what does it personally mean to you?
Kutowa Music
Thank you for the opportunity to do this again! “Samfya Bae” was actually inspired by my previous single, “Off Day.” I wanted to build on that theme, but with a bit more edge. Let’s just say forbidden love makes for great storytelling — and I couldn’t resist exploring it further.
Exposed Vocals
How did the collaboration with Kunkeyani Tha Jedi come about, and what was it like working together?
Kutowa Music
Working with Kunke was a breeze, given our long-standing friendship and years of shared experience in the music industry. As a huge fan of his work, I was thrilled to finally collaborate. It was our first song together, and the chemistry was undeniable. A great experiment that paid off!
Exposed Vocals
The beat from Uncle Ticky really sets the tone. How did that production process unfold?
Kutowa Music
Uncle Ticky is a generational talent! He had a bunch of tracks and played them for us. This particular beat stood out, and that’s when our creative journey began. We actually have a lot more beautiful work with him, and we will be sharing some of it very soon.
Exposed Vocals
Samfya Beach is a beautiful setting. Why did you choose it as the backdrop for this story?
Kutowa Music
Samfya Beach is a stunning gem in Zambia, and we wanted to capture its essence in our song. The breathtaking scenery lends itself perfectly to romantic getaways and tales of love — it’s the perfect backdrop.
Exposed Vocals
Let’s talk lyrics — was this song drawn from a real-life experience or more of a creative fantasy?
Kutowa Music
I drew inspiration from my imagination and stories I’ve heard about wild holiday escapades. I think many people can relate to having fantasies or daydreams, and I wanted to capture that carefree spirit in the song. Let’s just say it’s okay to let your imagination run wild sometimes.
Exposed Vocals
As an artist representing Zambia, how does your cultural background influence your sound and style?
Kutowa Music
My music is deeply rooted in my heritage, and I always try to infuse elements that resonate with my roots. In “Samfya Bae,” beyond the love story, I wanted to shine a light on the stunning town of Samfya. It’s a beautiful place that deserves attention, and I hope this song inspires people to learn more about it and maybe even visit one day.
Exposed Vocals
How do you want listeners to feel when they hear Samfya Bae for the first time?
Kutowa Music
My goal is for listeners to immerse themselves in the story and emotions of the song. “Samfya Bae” is a playful, flirtatious tale of forbidden love, and I want it to spark their imagination. I’d love for them to step into the shoes of the young lovers and experience the thrill and passion of their romance.
Exposed Vocals
Looking ahead, are there any upcoming projects, performances, or collaborations we should be on the lookout for?
Kutowa Music
We’ve got an exciting lineup ahead, with multiple collaborations, performances, and projects in the works. One highlight is my EP which is planned for release early next year, so stay tuned. I’m also cooking up something special for lovers this Christmas, so keep an eye out for that.
Exposed Vocals
What has been the most defining moment of your music journey so far?
Kutowa Music
For me, the most defining moments in my music career are those live performances on stage. I strive to craft a narrative that resonates with my audience, conveying emotions in a way that leaves a lasting impact. There’s nothing quite like connecting with listeners on that level. Other than that, it’s definitely hearing my songs play on radio stations I grew up listening to. That’s very special.
Exposed Vocals
Lastly, what message do you have for your fans who’ll be tuning in to Samfya Bae?
Kutowa Music
To my amazing fans, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support of Kutowa Music. Thank you for being part of my journey, for sharing my music with others, and for rocking with me. I’m excited for you to experience this new track — it’s a unique blend of Afropop and Caribbean vibes that I hope you’ll connect with and love as much as I do.
