Black Irish rapper Kestine is boldly challenging the status quo this Black History Month with an empowering new music video for latest hit release, U.N.I.T.Y.

Influenced by the recent Black Lives Matter crusade, Kestine takes an honest approach to racial injustice movements as he spits bars and lays down rhymes about the hypocrisy of those who claim to stand behind the banner of justice and equality.

“If white man don’t call you a nigger, black man gon shot you down by pulling the trigger

If not that stab in the back or in the side, the rage of a black man who’s not satisfied until he sees the blood of another king dripping on his side“

The powerful and symbolic music video features a poised and eloquent Kestine personifying his words, surrounded by religious imagery –  a nod to his upbringing in a spiritual household.

The talented musician draws on his lived experiences, both as a musician and a black man, to create a soulful and passionate track featuring an ensemble of ethereal keys and saxophone driven by a J Dilla-inspired drum backbeat. 

How do you think this record is different from your past ones?

This Record U.N.I.T.Y came from my EP entitled “Reflection” 

2020 I think you’ll agree was a strange year. We had the lockdowns and the brutal death of George Floyd, the BLM movement and the Lekki massacre in Nigeria. 

This record differs because I purposely wanted to speak on an issue that was close to my heart, and I wanted to ask Do Black Lives Matter?

The answer of course is yes but this was a rhetorical question specially aimed at my black people, because history has shown that we have not been kind and been in Unity like we should be. 

Hence why I refer to the Rwandan genocide of 1994, the bring back our girls campaign in 2014, the Nigerian Lekki massacre of 2020, and I touch home referring to the stabbings in Dublin’s Tallaght and Blanchardstown, were young black Irish men, are stabbing each other up and have forgot the purpose to why our parents moved us to Ireland. 

This record differs because I boldly ask the question do we really care for our own? yes we know there is discrimination and the obvious black vs white hate but we as black people need to step up and also do better, we need to be in unity.

Favorite track on the record and why?

My Favorite track from my EP “Reflection” was Dear Diary. I spoke on my mother’ health and the responsibilities of being a “man” for my other half. It’s a song that really reflected my mindset of wanting to be successful for the most important women in my life. Two women who shaped me to be the man I am today.

Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing the album?

There is a little skit on the EP a conversation between me and my mum, and I ask her to teach me a church song in her native Nigerian language Ishan/Esan. Skit I feel really portrayed the relationship me and her have and perfectly opens up for the track of Dear Diary.

What are the dynamics within the band? Who writes the lyrics, who’s in charge of arranging the tunes etc?

I write all my lyrics. I dabble in production as well as, I have been playing the keyboard from the age of 7 due to my gospel church background. 

What’s a record that shaped your creativity?

There are a lot of records ranging from Kendrick lamar ”Sing about me” ,Kanye west “Jesus walks” Michael Jackson “Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal” to some church hymns like “Draw me nearer” Definitely my church background infused with my love of hip hop shaped  my unorthodox approach to my definition of hiphop

Who is an artist or band you look up to these days?

J Cole, Old school Kanye West, Kendrick lamar , Michael Jackson.

Any future projects?

Working on a music video for “Melanie” another song on my EP, and will be releasing some new songs soon, after we promote and make sure the word on the new music video for UNITY has been spread.

What does music mean to you?

Music is spiritual, its an energy and life. It’s I guess my way of serving, and the same way my dad preaches the word on the alter, I can do with my music. I really believe with my music there are certain messages, and emotions I can pass along that will register with the masses, so much better than If I were to speak.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Kanye west mixed with Kendrick to simply , but if I were to elaborate, raw authentic emotions, I’m not a rapper who has money, therefore I will not boast this in my music , I’m a rapper who will wear his emotions on his sleeves and tell you about how I’m trying to save for a mortgage but everyday there is something chopping away at my savings making it difficult to feel like I can stand on my own two feet, I’ll tell you about how a baby’s smile made me realise that life’s obstacles can be overcome with patience, prayer and good old hard work, while still having the ability to make you dance and move your feet