We had the good fortune of connecting with Kingsley Amugo and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kingsley, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
The habit that’s been helping me succeed the most lately is learning to be patient and consistent. A recent example is the release of my song “Romeo Hi.” I started working on it in March of last year, and it took me nearly a year to finish. I really wanted to release it last year, but things weren’t quite done. For instance, the mix of the song wasn’t coming out the way I wanted, and the artwork I envisioned wasn’t finished. I could have released the song early, around August, but I trusted my process and stuck to my gut, ensuring everything was done the way I wanted. I didn’t want any regrets when I released this song. Waiting and not rushing turned out to be the right decision. During the time I was workshopping the song, I even added an outro with the help of my friend Aaron ( which is my fav part of the song!). Everything happens for a reason, and staying patient and consistent in achieving my vision and goals has really paid off.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey as an artist has been a rollercoaster of self-discovery and genuine connection. I’ve always been that shy kid from Harbor City, but I’ve learned to channel my awkwardness into something creative. It’s been the key to building authentic relationships that have pushed my career forward. Breaking out of my shell and sharing my work was a giant leap. I’ve realized that vulnerability is my superpower, not a weakness. My new song, “Romeo,” is a perfect example of this. It’s about embracing your goofy side and finding strength in vulnerability. ( So please check that out whenever you guys have time!) Creating genuine, relatable content drives me, and that’s what sets me apart from many others in the industry.
I’m surrounded by an incredible community of artists who are just as passionate and unsure as I am. Together, we’re redefining what it means to be creative. I believe our genuine approach sets us apart. We’re not chasing trends; we’re creating our own lane. The South Bay has shaped me into the artist I am today. It’s a place where raw talent meets support. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me.
It hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has taught me valuable lessons. I’ve learned the importance of staying true to myself and my vision, even when following the crowd is tempting. Authenticity has been my guiding star, helping me build a unique and relatable brand. I want the world to know I am a creative from Harbor City, CA, trying to make a mark. It may look like I have everything figured out on social media, but I’m still figuring it out as I go. And that’s okay. My fellow creatives’ support has been instrumental in my journey, and I’m grateful for the community that continues to inspire and uplift me.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
OK, so I’m from Harbor City, California, which is part of the South Bay. Not many people know about it, so I will scream where I’m from every chance I get! A Harbor City itinerary would look something like this: For food, I would suggest going to Don’s. They have some really good teriyaki and a macaroni bowl. After that, if you want some fries, I would definitely recommend hitting up Bob’s Burgers; they’ve got some of the best-seasoned fries, and that Ranch… damn near Drinkable! Ok seriously Please don’t drink the ranch lol but just know their ranch and thousand island smacks
If you’re feeling kind of spicy and want to upgrade your swag, I’d suggest going to Savers Thrift Store. You can find some cool pieces there. After that, you might be a little tired, and it might be close to sunset. So, at the end of your day, I’d say head up to the Harbor City Skate Park where you can watch some of the best local skaters in the city do some cool tricks.
Lastly, you have to visit Ken Malloy Park (fun fact: home of Reggie the alligator, a Harbor City legend 😂). The park has great views, and you can enjoy the serene water and natural beauty.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My sister Princess has always been my rock. Whenever I needed someone to talk to or share ideas with, she was there. She’s willing to drop everything to help me reach my goals. As my older sister, she’s FIERCELY protective and always backs me up, no matter the situation. I appreciate her unwavering support throughout my creative process. We share a strong bond, and our understanding of each other is almost telepathic ( my twin for real!) . Princess has not only been a sister but also a mentor offering invaluable advice and encouragement. Her belief in me has been a cornerstone of my success.
Jay is another crucial figure in my life. We met in the 12th grade, and since then, my life has been on an upward trajectory. Jay is incredibly smart, creative, and supportive. He’s been instrumental in my creative journey, offering insights, feedback, and encouragement. Beyond that, he’s a true friend who I can talk to about anything without feeling judged. We motivate each other to keep pushing toward our goals. It’s rare to have a friend who genuinely wants to see you succeed and is willing to put in the effort to help you get there. Jay has been that friend, and I’m incredibly grateful to have him in my life. I never had a brother but he definitely the closest thing to that so Shoutout to my guy Jay
Last but certainly not least, my mom deserves immense credit and recognition. She has been a constant source of love and support. From the time I was a kid playing soccer and basketball to my current creative ventures, she’s been there every step of the way. If I told her I was joining something WILD and made up like a skydiving swim team , she’d be right there with goggles and a parachute cheering me on! Her support has been especially meaningful given our Nigerian background, where traditional expectations can sometimes clash with creative aspirations. My mom’s unwavering belief in me and my dreams has been a driving force behind my success. She’s not just my mother but also my biggest fan and strongest supporter. Her sacrifices, encouragement, and love have shaped me into the person I am today.
Shout out to all my homies and people who support me tho ( you guys know who you are) I love yall!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiiingsleyy/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXmcvaKZhf4
Image Credits
@princessamugo – Princess Amugo @oluutobi – Tobi Owopabi @softteddykisses @yandosando