As East Africa’s music scene continues to flourish, the region is quickly emerging as a major hub for R&B. With artists like Karun, Xenia Manasseh, Tofa Jaxx, and Ceee setting the stage, East African R&B is on the rise. Joining these remarkable talents is Mombasa’s own Caleb Awiti, who has been making waves with his distinctive sound that fuses smooth vocals and trap-inspired beats.
Based in Mombasa, Caleb Awiti is one of the most promising voices in East African R&B. His latest track, *Digestive’s Interlude*, is a testament to his talent. With rich, sensual vocals and hypnotic beats, Caleb navigates themes of infatuation, love, and heartbreak with a unique approach that’s been captivating listeners across the region. His music is both refreshing and deeply layered, with each new project building upon the last—from *Ex-tape* to *Mombasa’s Lover Boy*. Caleb’s meticulousness and ability to balance sonic consistency with subtle experimentation show his versatility and potential as an artist.
A Rising Star with Roots in Mombasa
Born and raised in the coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya, Caleb Awiti’s journey to music started with humble beginnings. Growing up in Nyali, he was influenced by a family that encouraged freedom in choosing his path. Music was ever-present in his household, with his mother’s love for diverse artists such as Michael Jackson, Don Moen, and Diamond shaping his early exposure. This passion, combined with a growing collection of song lyrics and memories, laid the groundwork for Caleb’s artistic expression.
Caleb fondly remembers helping his mother fix CDs and feeling the joy that music brought to her. From a young age, he aspired to create something equally meaningful, leading him to write songs and document his experiences in notebooks. What began as a creative outlet for teenage experiences evolved into a deep-seated passion for music, setting Caleb on a path he couldn’t have predicted.
From Personal Expression to Public Debut
Caleb’s early relationship with music was private—he made songs for himself, expressing a range of emotions without seeking public validation. But in June 2019, he released *Messed Up*, his first public track, which marked the start of his journey into the professional music world. This release would be the first step in a career that would only continue to evolve.
Influences and Style
Influenced by his parents’ love for diverse genres, Caleb grew up listening to artists like Sean Paul, Gym Class Heroes, Lil Wayne, Future, and Drake. But it was R&B that resonated most with him. Inspired by modern R&B icons such as Bryson Tiller and Tory Lanez, Caleb’s sound is soulful yet contemporary, embodying the energy and emotion of his influences. While he doesn’t strictly categorize his music, Caleb describes his sound as instinctual—he “just sings.” This raw approach gives his music a relatable, heartfelt quality that has resonated with listeners.
The Creative Process
Caleb’s songwriting process is as unique as his sound. Rather than drafting lyrics on paper, he allows his ideas to flow freely, often revisiting memories or people who inspired a particular emotion. With headphones on, he immerses himself in the music, channeling emotions into each song. This process can take anywhere from one to five hours, as he carefully mixes and masters his own vocals, altering the beats until he’s fully satisfied with the end product.
Looking to the Future
Though relatively new to the scene, Caleb is deeply committed to his craft. When he’s not making music, he’s pursuing a computer science degree at Simon Fraser University, inspired by his father’s strong work ethic. For Caleb, music and academics go hand in hand, with both driving him toward his goals.
With each release, Caleb Awiti proves he’s an artist to watch. His raw talent, dedication, and vision set him apart in East Africa’s growing R&B scene. As he continues to develop his craft, Caleb is well on his way to making a lasting impact.
Posted by Abdulazeez A Shomade | Published on 2024-11-11 03:11:25