Off the back of the success of his previous single ‘Bibamba’, Albi X returns with his anthemic new single ‘Lélé’, out now on all streaming platforms. The track is accompanied by an intensely exhilarating music video, which features Albi X and a troupe of dancers. Watch it here.
Albi X is an Afro-German singer, songwriter and model with Congolese roots. His music effortlessly blends elements of high energy hip-hop beats with a lyrical language fusion of Lingala, French and English for a truly international sound. Intoxicating and energetic, Albi X draws from his combined cultural and musical influences, thriving on the ability to experiment with the sounds and emotions he’s able to convey in his music.
Speaking of the track, Albi X says, “The idea behind the song explores the act of revenge on life and on the people who left me for dead, the people who didn’t believe I could make it to this point or this level. I always believe in myself more than anything. Being a firm believer in God, I always knew and felt that I was special, while nobody looked at me that way. Way before I was making music, I always knew I was going to be different.
With this track, I hope to inspire young people to believe in themselves, to follow their own path and to write their own history, and to not let others project their fears on you. So I’m trying to inspire people, motivate people and keep bringing nothing but positive energy to the world. “To zali awa, To ko kende te” means we ain’t going nowhere, I’m here to stay – people can always count on Albi X.”
With his recent photo campaign for Puma with Headie One, Albi X has already seen success as a model in the international spotlight with his unique vibe and infectious charisma. This is just the beginning for the multi-faceted artist.
What’s your story as an artist?
I’m feeling blessed to have the opportunity to get heard. I’m every day excited about what’s next. I’m an albino, but I don’t feel like I’m marginalized. My motivation is to motivate and empower people who look or feel kind of different and to simply teach them to be themselves and make the most of it, to grow, and to be happy on this earth.
What inspired this single?
The idea behind the song explores the act of revenge on life and on the people who left me for dead, the people who didn’t believe I could make it to this point or this level. I always believe in myself more than anything. Being a firm believer in God, I always knew and felt that I was special, while nobody looked at me that way. Way before I was making music, I always knew I was going to be different. With this track, I hope to inspire young people to believe in themselves, to follow their own path and to write their own history, and to not let others project their fears on you. So I’m trying to inspire people, motivate people and keep bringing nothing but positive energy to the world. “To zali awa, To ko kende te” means we ain’t going nowhere, I’m here to stay – people can always count on Albi X
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
My source is the everyday struggle me and my people go through. It only makes me stronger. It only makes me believe stronger in my vision. Following my vision and believing in myself always led me on the right path and brought me closer to my goal. My past made me the artist I am today.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing the single?
The way I mix the languages started as a joke. We hung around and started freestyling. First in Englisch, then French and spiced it up with some Lingala phrases. That was like the birth of my whole style. We freestyle and thought it was dope – so we recorded a video of our session and it just went viral. A few days later everybody begged us to drop songs like this.
Tell us about the music video for ‘Lele’ and the idea behind it ?
You know, as soon as I recorded “Lélé” I had a straight vision. I saw myself on top of a huge building, overseeing my whole city. Like a superhero before he starts into his biggest battle. We went on top of the Lanxess-Arena. That is the biggest concert location in my hometown Cologne. I invited my whole crew to perform the choreography with me. Normally it’s not even possible to enter the roof and we danced and turned it into a madhouse. This was crazy!
Who is an artist or band you look up to today?
There are many great artists out there who are making great music in the present. But to me being a great musician is not enough to be somebody I look up to: My idols are artists that have a history. Artists had to overcome obstacles and push boundaries forward. It’s about what they’ve been through and how it formed them. Internationally I look up to Artists like Kanye & Burna Boy or to PA Salieu and Little Simz in Europe.
Any future projects?
I am at the studio nonstop right now to finish my first solo EP. I could give you the title, features and more details – but therefore you need to invite me for a second interview. Hahaha! All I want to say right now: It’s gonna drop around April. And it will be crazy!
Top 3 dream collaborations?
Oh, I can’t choose only three… There are a bunch of great artists out there – although some of my favorites and my sound don’t even match. But if I had the free choice, it would be Little Simz, Kalash Criminell, Niska, Abra Cadabra, Wizkid & Burna Boy.
What does music mean to you?
It’s my purpose. Being an artist is my destiny. Growing up my environment was full of music. My dad sang in choirs and I started playing drums when I was 3 years old. I remember visiting a street festival with my family when I was 7 years old. We played bucket drums, all together, to the rhythm. Since that day I knew that I love to perform and I’m going to make music for a living.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
My sound is unique. It’s international. Always ahead of the mainstream. I love and I do rap and trap music but I do it with a twist. I always embrace my African roots and tradition. Just listen to the “Lélé” beat. Any other rapper would have done a super-deep and melancholic song. But that’s not the way I am. ALBI X stands for power and hope. Although the lyrics are deep and meaningful, my flows give every tune a good vibe.
