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The lives of entertainers are often shrouded by the content they put out. Music, movies, etc., all create a mental picture that compels you to fixate or ascribe personality traits based on the nature of the content, so we end up viewing them as a reflection of what we see, making assumptions about who they are in real life. There’s a sense of allure and intrigue that comes with breaking down those walls and truly seeing them for who they are. In this piece, we try to break down some of these walls, exposing the personality of one of Nigeria’s most talented vocalists.
Kahren is an emerging talent, trying to navigate the complexities and exigencies of Nigeria’s dynamic musical industry. Here, we look beneath the sound and rhythm, trying to understand who she is. In our discovery, we find a woman who is shaped by emotion, passion, and experience.
Kahren (Anyanwu, Chisom Somto) is a multi-talented singer and songwriter. Residing in Lagos State, her music is indicative of diversity, embracing and integrating sounds from different genres. She brings a pristine and distinctive interpretation of these genres, creating something that is very niche.
Like everyone, Kahren occasionally has bouts that encompass doubts. “The journey hasn’t been straight. There are times I stepped away from music completely, and times when I wasn’t sure if I was meant to do this.” These questions creep in from time to time, and Kahren, like everyone, has experienced moments of partial or complete abstinence. However, her commitment has been stern, and her talent has given her the confidence she deserves. “Anytime I record and hear my own music back, something settles in me.” Her passions go beyond music, and when she’s not in the studio, she is fascinated by the intrigue and lure of makeup artistry. She “genuinely enjoys it,” and it is interesting to see that Kahren harbours passions outside the scope of melodies and lyrics. So, she’s always immersing herself in makeup content, occasionally finding interests that compel her to transform her face.
Her inflection point, that key moment, cannot be reduced to a singular instant but is a culmination of various experiences. For her, it was a journey, a sequence of constantly immersing herself in her talent that consolidated her passion to follow this path. “For me, I’d say recording and hearing back most of my songs is what really brought the feeling together.” As she describes, “It wasn’t a single moment, but those little moments in the studio where it just sounds right.” It is a classic tale of trusting the process and seeing where it lands you. For Kahren, music was not a trend to follow or a decision made out of fervent caprice. It was a process, and for her, “that’s when it all clicks.”
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One’s musical proclivities may not always be a direct indication of a person’s personality or disposition. That noticeable contrast often creates a sense of intrigue and perplexity. For Kahren, she maintains a chill disposition, being both introverted and observant. However, her personality may also be fluid, depending on the setting and the people she’s surrounded by. So, Kahren is “a bit of both.” Most of all, she likes to create and experience moments where she can “let loose, have fun, and do silly or funny stuff.”
Kahren’s musical fluidity may be a result of her general receptivity to music. There is no definitive space or bubble. She enjoys what she likes, and that can be anything. So, although she may show a particular interest in R&B and neo-soul, she still listens to a lot of other genres. Her diversification has enabled her to collaborate with other famous names like Tems, ShowDemCamp, and Odeal. She also speaks about music from the early 2000s, which was inspired by a melange of different genres, the aggressive rise of digital media and technology, and shifts in mainstream pop culture. These influences inform her playlists, so her personal music library is both chaotic and personal. From Lola Young to Beyoncé, early 2000s jams, indie folk, and random movie soundtracks, it is indicative of a person who is constantly seeking inspiration. She especially loves “Circle” by Post Malone and “Charlie Brown” by Coldplay, because “those songs just do something to me.”
Her creative process follows a systematic guide depending on the trigger. “It starts with a melody. I find the melody first, then I trace it with words. Sometimes, I create the beat in my head; other times, I listen to a beat and build from there. I like to make sure everything feels right and structured, but still natural, before I record.”
If you’re wondering what weird talent she might have, Kahren is very flexible. “I can fold my arms and take my hand all the way to my back.”
Consistency and perseverance with a touch of personality are often the accredited hallmarks to succeeding in the music industry. Kahren internalises these qualities, making her rise to fame even more assured. Getting to know her beyond her voice has put things into perspective, especially in terms of her visual presence and voice. We’re excited—ecstatic—to see what the future holds and where her journey might take her.
Watch out for Kahren!
