Bawo

For the last few years, West London rapper Bawo has enjoyed critical praise that few can match. Initially, he explored different shades of hip-hop and rap but did so with a self-assuredness that set him apart. Comparisons have been drawn with contemporaries like Kadiata and Knucks. Much has been made of a ‘West London’ sound in the rap scene, and although it’s difficult to pin down, there’s something fundamental that Bawo taps into. West London, he explains, looks more to hip-hop culture from the West Coast of America, “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’ might not have been his parents’ first choice for their son’s career, but there was plenty of musical nourishment at home. From Alexandra Burke and X Factor to Akon and country music, it all had its place. All music, no matter the genre, was judged on its own merit, and this anything-goes approach had a lifelong impact on Bawo’s 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.”

As he hit his teens and began to figure out his tastes, he looked to both sides of the Atlantic. On the UK side, grime first sparked his interest in writing lyrics. Initially, it was about writing bars, competing with peers, and finding that perfect 16. “I started writing when I was 14,” he says, “and I kept it quite secretive from friends.” Bawo’s ambition had outgrown the on-mic sparring at school; he wanted to write and record. He pushed himself to develop as a songwriter, learning the fundamentals of song structure, studying what made songs catchy and memorable, drawing influences from his parents' records.

Initially inspired by US rappers like Kanye West and 50 Cent, Bawo later studied bands like Coldplay and OneRepublic, and pop singer Ellie Goulding to figure out the mechanics of their hits. Significant influences include Skepta and J Hus for blending Jamaican and African sounds, and Mike Skinner of The Streets for his unpretentious storytelling. Oscar #Worldpeace also profoundly impacted Bawo with his authentic London sound. "It drew from his truth," Bawo explains. "It was the sound I wanted to create." Years later, Oscar reached out, and they connected in the studio.

Bawo's sound is distinctive, blending diverse influences into a unique, organic style. His music features a thoughtful flow and careful beat selection, often collaborating with French producer Kxmel and expressing interest in working with artists like TSB, TenBillionDreams, and James Blake. His debut official single, "Give Me A Sec" (2019), had a garage-leaning vibe, followed by the boom-bap-inspired "Bag To Get." Although he enjoyed these styles, he was concerned about being labelled as a “conscious rapper” and wanted to ensure his music remained engaging. By May 2021, Bawo showcased his versatility with “You Get It” and “No Sleep,” displaying a more adventurous side. His 2021 EP Live & Let Thrive highlighted his range, featuring love songs, reflections on identity, and experimental beats. The Legitimate Cause EP, released in early 2023, marked a significant moment, including popular tracks like “Mazzalean” and “SKATE.” The EP was praised by The Guardian and BBC Radio 1Xtra. Unlike Live & Let Thrive, Legitimate Cause focused on a cohesive narrative, reflecting Bawo’s artistic vision. Its success was confirmed by a sold-out show at The ICA.

With two EPs under his belt and a debut full-length on the way, Bawo is proving his staying power. He tries not to place too much importance on stats and numbers, joking that after his first sold-out show (a 150-strong audience at The Social), he clocked in for his 7:00 AM shift at Waitrose the next morning. When he began receiving messages from fans worldwide, encouraging him to continue or sharing how his music helped them through tough times, he knew he was onto something.

His next project is a tape, not quite a mixtape or an album, but a step toward a more defined sound. Though details are under wraps, the project aims to emphasise individuality and self-acceptance. Bawo hopes it will continue to inspire others to stay true to themselves, reinforcing his mission of authenticity and self-expression.