Michael Mensah-Afram, Artist name KoKo lè DarKo of Ghanian decent is a talent and new artist on the scene in London uk. First track was released on March 27 2016 KoKo lè DarKo – RBL. He is an artist and songwriter trying different sounds Koko Lé Darko the angel of art and rhythm ” project my visions into audio and visual concepts…from my world to yours ” EP to be released summer of 2016
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
KoKo Lé Darko: I grew up in Dagenham which is located in east London, its not particularly that well know to people outside of the UK. Growing up as kid I did live in various location and one was althorn way which was a rough estate but It made me who I am today . From a young age I fell into the art of poetry which was a main foundation for writing music it’s a skill a trait that I feel is growing stronger the further I carry on making music. My passion for music came when I was young I think the fact that I have African parents even though I was born in the UK made me keep in touch with my roots and so was always exposed to different types of music and the older I grew the more I loved music and knew that I had to at least try music because I love making music that’s different and I feel people would give me a chance.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
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KoKo Lé Darko: The name derived from my mother’s maiden which is AMOAKO- DARKO so I choose to take the K and the O at the end of AMOAKO then I double up the ko to et koko and then used the lé so that it roll of the tongue and give that little bit of difference. I prefer this name way more compared to previous names an solely because and i am spiritualist so I believe different thing give off different energy’s even name and this name give such a high positive energy that drives me to work harder and develop as an artist.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
KoKo Lé Darko: I like online music sharing am all for it, so of course I do give some of my music away for free because music is therapeutic people need to hear music and I like expressing myself and so because I’m just starting out I would rather jus grow with my fan and get there views and opinion and support rather than there money but as I grow in the future am sure my fan would be happy to pay a price to see because I will be of a higher caliber at that stage of my career
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
KoKo Lé Darko: for anyone starting up just remember the reason why you started doin music and don’t forget who you are but remember to grow not change and have a vision of what you want to achieve and why. The most important thing I would say is learn about the man who was three foot away from gold and gave up. Always be proactive and let everyone and anyone know who are and what you can do.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
KoKo Lé Darko: I get my inspiration from most things around, from my life or that of friends and family and the things I see and in everyday life whether it’s realitly or fiction. I use my emotion to write my music because I cant use a song that doesn’t have any feeling init. I live give myself to music so that people can try and understand me
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
KoKo Lé Darko: I use various online platform to promote, such as FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, SNAPCHAT and SOUNDCLOUD which you will find the links below .My manager is currently working a collective website that I will be featured on for her company, that will feature all my latest track and any upcoming events.
Media links
www.soundcloud.com/kokoledarko
www.facebook.com/officialKoKoLeDarKO/
www.instagram.com/KoKo.Le.darko/
On twitter @KoKoLeDarko
On Snapchat @submagic
My manager on twitter @Lady_C_General
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
KoKo Lé Darko: : I would give half to my mum and use the rest to go to go see what this world and its different culture are like so that I can incorporate into my music. That simple.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
KoKo Lé Darko well my manager handles most of the promoting she regularly post on the social media platform and interact with other artist and music bloggers and companies, I tend to do social post so that fans can know who I am and the stuff I’m into, I share most of the music on my pages myself. I feel having a team however small can really make a difference in how you get yourself out there and when its your friend offering to help its even better.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
KoKo Lé Darko: Yeah I have a project coming later this year. It’s a projection of where I’m at In my life journey and my thoughts and feelings towards things. My world basically. It’s a showcase of different artists that are also starting up. Its currently in the planning stages but will be hosted by Generlz Entice Events in  Autumn of 2016.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
KoKo Lé Darko: Not 100 per cent sure But possibly be  trying to start up some sort of astrology business.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
KoKo Lé Darko: Well when not im not handling my responsibilities I’m usually creating so with the help of my team  it’s not to hard to juggle I guess.
Exposed Vocals: What should
fans look forward to in 2016?
KoKo Lé Darko: I can’t say much as its all still being confirmed but possibly an EP and a lot of great music. So stay tuned.
