KJ Spio joins forces with Harmonize and Libianca for infectious Afrobeats track ‘Side’, celebrating love across borders
As summer begins to come to a close, KJ Spio continues to deliver infectious anthems reminiscent of the warmer months. Joining forces with fellow hit-maker Libianca [previously collaborated with Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, Becky G & more] and Harmonize [previously collaborated with Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Mr Eazi & more] the trio have created an irresistible spin named ‘Side’ that’s speckled with Libianca and Harmonize’s butter-like vocals throughout.
Connecting different countries from Africa on one seamless record, Ghana, Tanzania, and Cameroon, ‘Side’ continues to emphasise the level of talent dominating each territory. Harnessed with a percussive instrumental enriched with orchestral horns and soft guitar licks courtesy of KJ Spio, ‘Side’ is glazed with warming vocals and hypnotic melodies from Harmonize and Libianca that narrate the burning infatuation and growing desire between two lovers. Although lyrically ‘Side’ may be considered taboo, the track sustains a fun and feel-good energy that lights up any motive.
KJ Spio bio
KJ Spio, a self-proclaimed “culturepreneur”, aterm reflecting the ever-changing role he’s held down in the UK and African music industries for almost a decade now. Spio has pushed the culture forward in new and exciting ways becoming a musical multi-hyphenate devoted to upping the ambiance of whatever social situation you might find yourself in. Sometimes, that has entailed becoming a platinum selling manager for the late great UK rapper Cadet, whose single ‘Advice’ became an independent global hit accumulating nearly half a billion streams. Not to mention, creative-directing and A&R’ing for superstars like Ghanian icon Sarkodie, whose first ever virtual concert, performing at the country’s historic Independence Square, broke records for live streams.
Genre doesn’t matter – only authenticity. “If it’s not progressive to the collective culture, I don’t do it,” insists the hitmaker, who began his journey in the music industry as the multi-platinum selling manager for the late, great UK rapper Cadet and hasn’t stopped making big records ever since. Reputed for his uplifting sound, KJ continues to spread positivity with his music, a testament to his ability to create music that people of all ages and cultures can relate to.
Libianca bio
Cameroonian- American songstress Libiancafirst became enchanted with the world of music at an early age, mostly when her babysitter sang covers of popular songs to her around the house. The music playing during Libianca’s childhood included: gospel, R&B, Afrobeats, and makossa – a Cameroonian genre that is a blend of rumba, funk, highlife, and many other eclectic sounds. In the early stages of her career, the 23-year-old singer went from open mics in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota, to being on The Voice season 21, to starting 2023 breaking records with her hit single ‘People’, to releasing a beautiful debut EP that exceeded our own expectations with r&b fusion track ‘Mistaken’ feat Chlöe and Oxlade and solo track ‘In a Way’. ‘WALK AWAY’ debuted with ‘Jah’, ‘Mistaken’, and ‘In A Way’ climbing charts like Afrobeats Billboard, Official Afrobeats Charts and over 7 countries’ Top 100. The songwriter espouses vulnerability, empathy, and emotion with sweet melodies as she addresses different struggles and experiences. Within a year, she has won awards like BET’s Best International Act, Headies’ Best Central Afrique Artist, toured the world with artists like Alicia Keys, is a BRITS and NAACP award nominee and continues to touch the world one song at a time.
Listen to “Side” on spotify here