Kemuel Pays Tribute To His Roots With “Borokiri Boy”

Nigerian artist Kemuel is serving up something deeply personal with his latest offering. Borokiri Boy, a nine-track EP that drops as his third and most cohesive project yet, is more than just music—it’s a love letter to his Port Harcourt roots and a vulnerable chronicle of modern romance. Named after Borokiri, the Rivers State neighborhood that shaped him, this release finds Kemuel wearing both hats as artist and producer (under his Wondah alias), crafting every element of the sonic journey himself.

The EP’s narrative arc reads like chapters in a coming-of-age story about love and self-discovery. Opening with “Seki,” where nervous attraction meets second chances, the project gradually peels back layers through standout moments like the brutally honest “Osei Baby”—where Kemuel sets clear boundaries about keeping things casual—and “Close 2 U,” which captures those rare moments when someone becomes your sanctuary in the chaos. The Afrobeats, R&B, and electronic fusion creates a soundscape that mirrors the emotional rollercoaster, from the two-part “YOLO/FINI” sequence exploring living in the moment versus going too far, to “Wound Me” confronting toxic relationship patterns. The Port Harcourt pride shines through on “Pitakwa Girls Riddim,” a celebratory nod to his hometown culture.

What makes Borokiri Boy resonate is its conclusion. The closing “Spirit / Habit” brings full-circle clarity—Kemuel acknowledging he’s not ready for love until he’s done the work on himself. It’s refreshingly honest in an era where vulnerability in Afrobeats is still breaking ground. As he puts it, the project shows “what it looked like to be lost in love, and what it feels like to finally start finding my balance.” The EP’s mantra, “E go sup eventually,” leaves listeners with hopeful reassurance. Stream Borokiri Boy now via ONErpm across all platforms.

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