Darkoo Essentials

DARKOO’s 2020 MOBO Song of the Year-nominated “Gangsta” displayed a fluidity the Nigerian British artist has since expanded upon. Showcasing her duality through both her persona and musical styles, the Yaba-born singer and rapper eschewed categorisation on her aptly titled debut EP 2 in 1. Operating at the intersection of hard-hitting bars and infectious melodies, DARKOO’s iteration of Afroswing sees her blend the magnetism of drill with R&B melodies and Afropop rhythms. This fusion of worlds is apparent on the Black Sherif-assisted single “Always” and groovy “Cinderella” alongside French outfit 4Keus, while a stellar contribution to Tion Wayne and Russ Millions’ posse cut “Body (Remix)” reinforces DARKOO’s versatility. Whether spitting bars or crafting earworms, this iconoclastic twenty-something has an aura, look and sound that blurs expectations and pushes boundaries.