April 24, 2026 |
Lagos-based Kah-Lo is no stranger to the dance-pop scene. 10 years ago, the singer-songwriter burst onto the scene with the breakthrough track Rinse & Repeat, created in collaboration with producer and DJ Riton. After being nominated for a Grammy for Best Dance Recording, Kah-Lo has been building up her discography with a series of singles perfect for a club and houseparty alike. Yesterday, she released the latest addition to this roster – Suddenly, That’s Strange via her label Lagos Way Records.
The track marks a fresh direction for the artist, who has opted for a more emotionally-charged, reflective tone. Backed by a house-infused groove, Suddenly, That’s Strange reaffirms Kah-Lo’s ability to craft floor-filling tracks anchored by the human experience.
From crafting viral hits such as Fake ID and Ginger to providing vocals for mega stars like Selena Gomez and Diplo, Kah-Lo has done a lot, but she has even more to come. Here, we chat with Kah-Lo all about her new track, her post-performance rituals and the best breakup advice.
1. It’s been 10 years since your breakout hit Rinse & Repeat was released – what’s your fondest memory from the making of the song?
Probably the session itself. I had never considered making electronic music before, and at the time I thought that in order to be an international singer, I would have to mask my Nigerian accent. A phone call from my mom mid-session changed my delivery and I think that’s so special.
2. Describe your personality using a phrase from lyrics you’ve written.
“Kah-Lo no dey your lane, I make any place go insane, watch me” – from [the track] My Name, off my album Pain/Pleasure.
3. What drove you to write Suddenly, That’s Strange?
It was my first session after my wedding, and I was feeling a lot of lover-girl energy. Making a club record didn’t feel so organic anymore, and I wanted to lyrically and sonically capture what that felt like. As much as I love a good nightlife recap record, I also love love and my artistry hasn’t really covered that. True vulnerability felt scary, and I wanted to face that head on.
4. In your new single, you repeat “Who was I before you, who am I without you?”, what does this phrase mean to you? What’s the story behind it?
Expanding on what I said earlier, true vulnerability felt scary in the context of my music but also with another person. I’ve dated before, but when a partner sees you in such a way that they see your soul, it’s really eye opening. I have ADHD, so I’m really good at masking. The questions are almost like a cue for self-reflection in that I don’t think I can even identify with who I was before my partner, which begs the question of, who am I without them then? Have I just been masking this whole time? It’s like having a mirror held up and experiencing my true self for the first time – not the performative version of myself.
5. What’s one piece of advice would you give to someone going through a breakup?
Listen to Somersaults then mute/archive that chat, babes.
6. Where’s your favourite place in Lagos to chill?
I love Salma’s for the poolside vibe. The food is also incredible.
7. If your music were a specific colour, think pantone title vibes, what would it be?
Right now, it’s blue. The specific hex code would be #a8d5ff.
8. What’s the first thing you do post performance?
Drink water, cool off and catch my breath.
9. What is a location that you’d love to shoot a music video at?
If the Janet Jackson All For You universe was real, probably there.
10. What is next for Kah-Lo? What can fans look forward to?
A project and some more shows and visuals.
Photography courtesy of Kah-Lo.
