Before the interview begins, we sit together in the studio. Sekou leans back in his chair, a small laugh escaping him. “I haven’t slept for four days,” he says, almost like it’s a joke. There’s no complaint in his tone, just a glimpse into the whirlwind of his life. Cameras are out. “We’re going to take a few photos too,” we say, and he nods, calm and polite. “that’s fine, Just tell me where to stand,” After a few shots, he settles back, and we start talking. He’s wearing a zip-up hoodie, shorts, and loafers with socks. His style is casual yet precise, retro and effortless, perfectly mirroring his music, which blends soul, R’n’B, and a nostalgic sensibility with something unmistakably contemporary.
Sekou grew up in Eschweid-de-la-Souche, a little town in England that shaped him more than he initially realized. “Growing up there made me ambitious,” he reflects. “It’s a very small community, and I always wanted something more, to explore, experience culture, try new things. I left, but I’ll always have love for that place in my heart.” Even as a child, Sekou felt drawn to performance. “Ooh, when I was little, I always felt like there was an urge in me to do something and perform or be at the front of attention. But I grew up in church, so I always felt like singing was my world. I gradually got stronger at it, found my voice, learned more, and just had fun with it.”
His music often explores identity, self-discovery, and the process of growing into confidence. From his debut project at 18 to his latest mixtape ‘In A World We Don’t Belong’ at 21, Sekou describes his evolution as a continual process of learning about himself. “It’s always about self-discovery. Now I’m confident in myself, and I think that’s inspiring for my music too.” Off-stage, Sekou admits to being naturally shy. “I tend to take my time to understand people, why they act the way they do and what they really want from me. Maybe that comes from past relationships or experiences, but it’s just part of who I am. It’s not rudeness, it’s just my nature.” Once he steps on stage, everything changes. “People expect me to be bold and loud. But I have an alter ego on stage. That’s when I let go and just perform.”
Working with artists outside his immediate world has shaped Sekou’s perspective. “I think working with people who aren’t really in your genre is great; it’s fresh. When I was working with Central Cee or Potter Payper early on, it opened doors to new audiences. I’m glad it wasn’t in my world of music because it made me realise that trying new things is always worth it.” Collaborating with Justin Bieber on Too Long was also memorable. “It made me feel seen. When a big artist who’s been around for years shows you love, it’s incredible. It showed me that if you continue to work hard, anything is possible. We made music for three weeks — it was an incredible experience.”
When the conversation turns to future collaborations, his eyes light up. “Definitely. My dream collaboration would be Beyoncé, hands down. I love Doja; she’s incredible. I always crave real artistry, and she has that. I love Raye, and I really like Olivia Dean too — she’s great.” Asked specifically about Olivia Dean, another UK artist with a distinctive, retro-inspired sound and style, Sekou nods. “We connected for the first time a couple of weeks ago. She’s an incredible artist and showed me some love. Two British artists supporting each other is great. People really appreciate that Britishness, and there’s so much talent coming out of the UK right now. It’s exciting.”
Fashion plays a major role in Sekou’s artistry. “To me, fashion is flamboyant and iconic, and it gives a powerful feeling. Growing up, I often felt like an outsider in what I wore. Clothes make you feel powerful and give you an aura. Fashion is a big part of my music.”
Looking ahead, he’s finishing his debut album and preparing for a tour in April, with festivals and features lined up. But the small things remain important: “Christmas with my mum. And watching I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here. It’s hilarious and very British.”
Sekou exists in a space where past and present coexist — a young artist just at the beginning of his career, exploring his sound, his style, and the moments that shape him. At the very start of his time, Sekou’s songs already carry the weight of timelessness.