Kenyan-American artist Rejo is building a unique bridge between continents with his music.
As he prepares to release the visuals for his smooth new track, “18 and Over,” he shares the story behind his sound and his aspirations.
The inspiration for the song is deeply rooted in his past. He reveals “18 and Over” was directly inspired by Young Lover’s “Cocoa Tea,” a track he played constantly during his college days.
Listeners can hear that reggae and riddim influence woven throughout his own release.
This connection goes beyond a single song. It taps into his Kenyan upbringing, where he was surrounded by reggae mixes and dancehall music.
Interestingly, “18 and Over” is not a new creation. Rejo wrote the song back in 2023 while he was still a student.
The fact that it’s now his first professional release feels like a full-circle moment, marking the start of a new chapter.
The track’s warm reception in Kenya has been a rewarding surprise. Fans were shocked by his polished sound, not knowing the hard work behind it.
He spent countless hours practicing, re-recording, and creating different versions to land on the final release.
Seeing people embrace the song, especially dancing to it on TikTok, has been a major motivator.
That organic online love from Kenya and beyond pushes him to stay consistent and connected to his audience.
Looking forward, Rejo isn’t boxing himself into one genre or theme from his dual identity. He plans to explore different sounds and topics, focusing on making music he genuinely loves and letting his fans decide what resonates.
His creative process is cinematic. He often writes songs as if scripting a film, visualizing the entire music video in his mind as the lyrics and melody come together.
It’s an approach that promises visually compelling projects to come.
A homecoming performance in Kenya is a key dream.
For Rejo, the ideal first show is less about the size of the venue and more about the partnership. He seeks a festival or event that believes in his potential and trusts him on their stage.