Belgian-Cameroonian rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Kunde is proud to release his latest single, “Downstream”
“Downstream” is a deeply personal song inspired by Kunde’s journey to Cameroon, where his roots run deep. The track captures the emotional and cultural weight of witnessing the relentless extraction of resources from the land, shipped away from the very place that nurtured them. Blending the soulful essence of jazz with the raw energy of hip-hop and the vibrant rhythms of Afro-pop, “Downstream” creates a complex soundscape that mirrors the themes of exploitation, cultural erasure, and environmental degradation.
Kunde, whose full name is Joram Kunde Boumkwo, is a self-taught artist who fell in love with beatboxing and beatmaking at the age of ten. Over the years, he expanded his musical talents to include the piano, mic, and bass guitar, crafting a unique sound that blends hip-hop with contemporary jazz, P-funk, and Afrobeat. Described as a mixture of Obongjayar and Quincy Jones, with touches of Kendrick Lamar, Kunde’s music offers a fresh and innovative perspective on today’s music scene.
“Downstream” is not just a song—it’s a narrative that speaks to the broader, often overlooked stories of cultural and environmental plunder. The track sets the tone for Kunde’s upcoming album Dandelion, which uses storytelling, rap, and spoken word to explore themes like the complexity of Afropean identity, toxic masculinity, intergenerational trauma, and neocolonialism. His razor-sharp, poignant lyrics are balanced by soothing, grooving sounds, offering listeners both insight and a deeply immersive sonic experience.