iKeda Rejects Pop Star Label, Discusses Caribbean Roots and New EP
In an interview with Alphonse Pierre, London artist iKeda discusses her Caribbean heritage, art school background, and the influences behind her new EP 'Bangs N Braces.' The EP blends UK funky, dancehall, and hyperpop, with production by Tailtiu. iKeda, who has been releasing music since 2024, describes her sound as loose and club-oriented, drawing comparisons to M.I.A. and Vybz Kartel.
iKeda's path to music began with visual arts, as she studied at Central Saint Martins after developing a childhood passion for drawing cute manga and Hello Kitty characters. Before releasing songs in 2024, she pursued fashion design, creating a custom dress for PinkPantheress that ultimately failed to generate broader sales.
Her latest project, 'Bangs N Braces', represents a creative leap from her initial 2024 release, 'Pretty Little Problem'. Entirely produced by Tailtiu, the EP merges her London club upbringing with Caribbean musical traditions, drawing inspiration from UK funky, dancehall, and hyperpop artists like M.I.A. and Vybz Kartel.
This interview could help broaden iKeda's audience beyond niche club circles, potentially influencing how emerging artists balance underground credibility with mainstream appeal. Her candid discussion of art-school roots and Caribbean heritage may inspire listeners to appreciate the multicultural and cross-disciplinary foundations of modern electronic music. The feature could also shine a spotlight on UK funky and hyperpop scenes, potentially drawing more mainstream attention to these vibrant subcultures.