Meet KAR33M

We had the good fortune of connecting with KAR33M and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi KAR33M, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I became a musician, I learned very quickly that the business side of the music industry can sway the process of creativity. The business can dictate everything, from what you write/sing about to how it is produced and consumed.

With this thought in mind, I knew I needed to create an entity that was larger than myself as an artist. So starting a business was a way for me to ensure that I was protecting myself as an artist. I wanted to ensure that the business would be informed by my music as opposed to the other way around. Starting my own business ensures that the narrative remains in the hands of an artist and not the hands of the business (industry).

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Canadian-based Nigerian Afrobeats artist, who possesses a unique musical vision that weaves captivating narratives into his soulful creations.

Throughout my career, I have shared stages with celebrated Canadian artists like Pierre Kwenders, Anais Cardot, Baka Not Nice, and OVO Smiley. I have also had the privilege of collaborating with Afrobeats royalty Seun Kuti, infusing my music with the rich cultural influences that inspire me. When I create, I draw on inspiration from musical luminaries such as Little Simz, Asa, Jacob Banks, Burna Boy, Obongjayar and Fela Kuti. My artistry is an exploration of narrative dynamism and philosophical depth. I like to ask the question ‘How much truth can I convey in my music?’

My performances have been described as enchanting, having appeared at venues hosting over 500 people in Canada and Nigeria. I believe I’ve demonstrated my knack for captivating diverse international audiences. I take pride in connecting with listeners and moving them through the power of live music alone.

My festival experience continues to grow with appearances at events like the Canadian Basketball Championship Weekend at the TD Place Stadium, Cranium Music Festival at NAC, Ici Radio in Quebec, Cultivate Ici in Hull, Pique, and Lula Worldfest in Toronto. I have also graced the stage at the renowned African music festival Felabration at the Legendary New Afrika Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria, alongside icons like Seun Kuti, Pheelz, Lojay, Falz and Femi Kuti.

Besides pursuing my dreams as an artist, what distinguishes me is my dedication to my community. I believe there’s widespread misinformation about the African diaspora, including among African people themselves. In my artistic work, following Fela Kuti’s footsteps, I aim to use music to convey information. As an artist, I strive to prompt people to reconsider the narratives they’ve been fed about Africa and actively seek the truth. As part of this effort, in early 2023, I made history by teaching Afrobeats to 1,000 students for the first time in the Ottawa District School Board, spreading the richness of African culture through music and nurturing the next generation of artists.

My community engagements also extend into the music business as I serve as the lead creative director of Woke Studios, a creative collective dedicated to empowering Afro-diverse artists in their creative pursuits, aligning with my ethos of supporting and celebrating diverse talent.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we’d attend an event hosted by Woke Studios, such as a live show, album listening, or music panel discussion. Next, we’d head to a Pique show, Debaser’s quarterly event featuring art installations, live music, and collaborative art forms. For lunch, we’d enjoy O-Frango’s renowned chicken, followed by Detola’s Kitchen for the best Nigerian Jollof in Ottawa. Finally, we’d indulge in dessert at Mooshu Ice Cream and wrap up the night with a stroll around Lansdowne.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, a huge shoutout to Creatorland, a film production company based in Canada. Early, in my story, they believed in my direction as an artist and connected me to the right people to help me create my first song in 2018.

Secondly, my team at Woke Studios. As the founder of our collective, I feel confident in saying that, all that we have done over the past years could not be accomplished without everyone playing their roles so efficiently. Special shoutout to Lorietta, Banggz, Chandy, Zainab, Chyme, Kenza Cardot, CazMcmind, Tani Olorunyomi and Dom Gene.

Website: https://www.kar33m.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kar33mmusic/

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-448082533

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kar33mmusic1/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kar33mmusic?sub_confirmation=1

Other: https://www.wokestudios.ca/ 

Image Credits
Tani Olorumyomi Through my Lenzz Btecpolymath