Kunmie Debuts Emotional EP ‘Before We Became Strangers
In the vibrant Nigerian Afrobeats scene, a fresh voice is resonating with a blend of laid-back coolness and heartfelt introspection. Kunmie—born Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter—is quickly carving a niche for himself, emerging as the first among his contemporaries, including new sensations like Dxtiny and Faceless, to drop an EP. With four tracks that weave together elements of fuji, RnB, and a unique twist of Afro-depression, Kunmie’s debut project Before We Became Strangers is already turning heads and tugging at heartstrings.
A Unique Musical Journey
Kunmie’s sound may remind listeners of legends like Adekunle Gold and Fireboy DML, yet he brings something fresh to the table. His laid-back delivery and subtle infusion of Afro-depression set him apart. Rather than overplaying the melancholic element, he carefully balances his vocals—enough to evoke sadness and regret without overwhelming the listener. In many ways, Kunmie could be considered a more relaxed version of Fireboy DML, drawing you in with his familiar yet distinct vibe.
The Story Behind Before We Became Strangers
The EP is a lyrical narrative exploring the many shades of love, regret, and longing. Each track delves into the story of a relationship marred by mistakes and missed opportunities, capturing the evolution of remorse from gentle confession to desperate plea.
- “I Admit”
The journey begins with “I Admit,” a reflective opener where Kunmie confesses his role in a lost love. He describes a fairy-tale romance reminiscent of a high school love story—one that he ultimately sabotaged by pushing away someone he deeply cared about. The track is an honest admission of past errors, and it sets the tone for the entire project. Kunmie’s promise to commit when they meet again resonates as a bittersweet hope for reconciliation. - “Majekaja”
Moving on, “Majekaja” employs a fuji-inspired beat, with the talking drum at the forefront, to underscore the loneliness that follows heartbreak. In this track, Kunmie mourns the emptiness left in the wake of a breakup with his wife. Despite acknowledging love’s brutal reality, he channels his pain into a soulful lament, hoping that his message will reach his lost love and beckon her back. - “Arike”
The EP’s third track, “Arike,” stands out as Kunmie’s most personal and expansive offering. Here, he sings about a love interest who has haunted his emotions from the very beginning. Arike is not just a muse but also a reminder of past missteps—he recounts a period when infidelity and deceit derailed a once-beautiful relationship. The narrative deepens as he reflects on the consequences of his actions and the subsequent betrayal by a gold-digging mistress. With raw emotion, he pleads for Arike to return, framing the song as both an apology and an urgent call for redemption. - “One More Chance”
The EP closes on a note of tentative optimism with “One More Chance.” In this final track, Kunmie reaches out to his love interest, begging for the opportunity to right his wrongs. The lyrics echo a desire to rediscover the aspects of love that were once overlooked—a promise to learn from past mistakes and rebuild what was lost. The song captures the delicate balance of being emotionally stuck while yearning to move forward, encapsulating the overall theme of regret and renewal that permeates the EP.
Final Thoughts
Kunmie’s debut EP Before We Became Strangers marks a significant moment in the Nigerian music scene. His ability to blend genres while maintaining an intimate and reflective narrative is a testament to his artistry. As he navigates the complexities of love and regret through his music, Kunmie positions himself as one of the most promising new voices in Afrobeats. His sound—a smooth interplay between traditional Nigerian influences and modern RnB—offers listeners a fresh take on familiar themes. For anyone looking to explore the evolving landscape of Nigerian music, Kunmie’s work is a compelling listen, full of honesty, innovation, and the kind of soul-stirring emotion that promises even greater.
