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Leicester-born London-based 18-year-old Sekou is an undeniable rising force and blazes a trail for himself in his debut EP, Out Of Mind. With the ability to blend genres such as jazz and R&B with pop infusions, Sekou is a newcomer on the block worth keeping both eyes on.

Speaking on the EP, Sekou shares, "I wanted to have creative freedom on this and do something different from what I've done before. I loved having control over the kind of sound I wanted to make, the people I wanted to work with, and the tracks on the project – it was freeing and allowed me to be honest. I'm excited for people to listen to this EP and understand me more as an artist. While 'Better Man' showcased my vocal ability, this project shows my range and what I'm truly capable of."

Opening with the breezy and light "Forgiving Myself," the track sets the stage for what's sure to become Sekou's trademark, as his smooth vocals that fall somewhere between James Arthur and early Sam Smith take center stage. The song's production is seamless, with layers of instrumentation blending effortlessly with each element, adding depth and texture to the overall sound. Listeners are then transported to the slow and steady world of "Better Man." The empathetic, previously-released song shows off the artist's vulnerable side, with crooning vocals and heart-on-your-sleeve lyrics showcasing his emotional depth.

Other standout tracks on the record include the jazzy and dexterous "Be With You" and the piano-led "You And I." The latter is a beautifully crafted track with a heady piano base and a stripped-back acapella feel. It uses a fresh combination of light drums, keys, and Sekou's smooth vocals to deliver a a genuinely vulnerable experience.

The closer, "Too Young," proves there's no shying away from the hard truth. In the piano ballad, Sekou pivots back to muted melodies and details the story of a young and complicated relationship over the soft keys, admitting, "I'm so scared of getting older / And you're scared to stay the same / A heart ain't too young to love/ if it's old enough to break."

The songwriter has incredible breadth, able to fuse jazz with R&B, injecting pop with leftfield aspects. With such a unique sound, Sekou is quickly becoming one of the UK's most talked about rising artists. Out of Mind exhibits Sekou's breathtaking range. Despite being so early in his career, the future looks bright for this budding star.

Listen to Out of Mind below: