Today marks a pivotal moment for Pretoria-based artist Kingsley, as he releases the lead single “Are You That Somebody” from his forthcoming debut album Kountry Klub King, set to drop on June 13th—his birthday. With this release, Kingsley ushers in a bold era defined by the seamless merger of hip hop grit and pop melody, layered with unmistakable Southern African energy.
“Are You That Somebody” serves as a taste of the artist’s wide-ranging musical palette and introspective storytelling. It’s the first offering from an album two years in the making, recorded across Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Harare. It’s also the opening chapter of what Kingsley calls an album trilogy, a deep, unfolding narrative about risk, faith, and finding self-worth through craft.
Built on a framework of 14 tracks, Kountry Klub King is grounded in lived experience. It’s a sonic autobiography that marks the beginning of his journey as an independent artist and the founder of Kountry Klub Records. The album documents how Kingsley turned limited resources into a platform that now supports his vision and creative control, producing nearly half the tracks himself and personally overseeing the visual direction of the project.
Listeners can expect a tracklist that flows between introspective interludes and anthemic standouts. Songs like “Nthn 2 Smthn” and “Show You The World” offer a raw glimpse into his drive, while “Prayer to St Anthony” and “Centre Piece Interlude” reflect spiritual undercurrents and self-reflection. Features from Flow Jones JR, Tarri, Sastii, LaCabra, and BiggaBeatz add layers to the soundscape, giving listeners a range of moods without straying from Kingsley’s signature tone.
Born Kingsley Kalinde, the Pretoria-based artist grew up surrounded by R&B, soul, and pop, while immersing himself in the traditions of hip hop. These early influences helped shape a multidimensional sound, part streetwise, part soulful, that refuses to stay in one lane. Since founding Kountry Klub Records, Kingsley has worked with platinum-selling artists and award-winning producers, quietly building a reputation as one of the most self-sufficient and inventive creatives on the local scene.
With Kountry Klub King, Kingsley is not simply delivering music, he’s presenting a manifesto for those willing to bet on themselves. This album is for the ones crafting their future from the ground up, and for anyone who has ever had to make a way where there was none.
“Kountry Klub King” drops June 13th on all major platforms.
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