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Meet elkan, the 22-year-old Sierra Leonean artist, songwriter, and producer coming off a career-defining year. Recently honored for his contributions to music at this year’s Variety Hitmakers Brunch, elkan is best known as the mastermind behind the production for Drake’s hit track “Nokia.” Now, with his debut EP, Baby Bundle, elkan is taking advantage of the spotlight to bring his own truth to the world.

Baby Bundle is a longterm labor of love. After returning to the UK to study music production, a period of personal struggle led elkan to retreat to Sierra Leone, where he turned a family friend’s silversmith factory into a makeshift studio. There, elkan channeled his experiences into the music that would become the debut EP, and ultimately finished it upon his move to the US. At first glance it may be considered a rap project, but Baby Bundle blends pop-forward songwriting and westernized African rhythms. While the lead single “Baby Teeth” has gained traction, it’s clear “Kombucha Baby” and “Antisocial Alcohol” are stand-out tracks, both of which sound entirely unique while remaining catchy. 

The EP is inspired by a lot of things, but notably, as referenced in the title, there’s a nod to a younger self. Elkan has been making music since childhood, constantly surrounded by music and evolving through singing in choirs, taking acting and piano classes, and eventually teaching himself production after discovering FL Studio. This inspiration seems to have been a driver of elkan’s creativity for while, if you listen closely, there’s a high pitched “baby voice” vocal strung in the production of not only “Antisocial Alcohol,” but Drake’s “Nokia.” 

The project is, in basic terms, elkan’s energy captured in a bottle. There’s a clear vision and goal in mind, to bring his audience, soon to be the world, joy, movement, and freedom. It’s music that aims to make people dance, feel good, and enjoy life carefree. 

Listen to Baby Bundle below: