South African singer-songwriter Karabo returns with ‘Only 4 U’, a new single marking the next step in his push towards international audiences following the release of his third studio album, Songs About You.
Written and recorded alongside Tinashe and Tineke, ‘Only 4 U’ began life in the studio when Tinashe played the pair a selection of beats he had produced. Karabo and Tineke were drawn to the instrumental that would become ‘Only 4 U’, with Tineke taking the lead on writing and Karabo filling in the gaps as the song’s theme emerged. Tineke also recorded a guide vocal for the track, which Karabo has described as “phenomenal.”
Speaking on the single, Karabo said: “Only 4 U speaks about being vulnerable with your significant other, basically not withholding any part of you and allowing your partner in completely. It also describes the kind of love I have for my significant other, furthermore it speaks to how loyal I am to them, and the commitment we have established in our relationship over time.“
Built on electronic production featuring digital drums, keys, strings and bass, ‘Only 4 U’ sits within a New Age TrapSoul R&B mood, aligning Karabo with contemporaries including Giveon, Lucky Daye, Leon Thomas, Alex Isley and Manana.
‘Only 4 U’ follows the release of Songs About You, an album exploring love, vulnerability, commitment, memory and human connection through Karabo’s distinctive Afro-Soul lens. The record is led by ‘Ngak’thandazela’, a love song inspired by the prayer Karabo made for the woman who would become his wife, and ‘Safe’, featuring Tineke, which has already secured playlisting on Mzansi Soul. The album also brings in South African voices KLY on ‘Flashbacks’ and Touchline on ‘Mnike’.
Karabo first rose to national prominence as the winner of Idols South Africa Season 11, going on to share stages with Grammy-nominated artist Anthony Hamilton and collaborate with Grammy-winning gospel and soul icon Bebe Winans. He also made history as the first African artist to create a theme song for Disney Africa’s The Lion Guard. Now independent, Karabo continues to build on a successful radio tour through his home province of Mpumalanga, bringing his sound to UK, US and international audiences with ‘Only 4 U’.
‘Only 4 U’ is out 30th September via Virgin Music Group.
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