Kwabs
Kwabs: The Soulful Voice of British Electronic Music
Kwabs is a British singer and songwriter known for his powerful baritone voice and fusion of soul, R&B, and electronic production. Hailing from London, he achieved significant recognition with his debut album Love + War in 2015, which charted in the UK and across Europe.
Early career
Born Kwabena Adjepong in 1989 in London, his musical journey began with classical training at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music. His distinct vocal talent was first showcased to a wider audience in 2011 when he won a BBC talent competition, leading to early collaborations and a development deal with Atlantic Records UK.
Breakthrough
Kwabs' major breakthrough arrived in 2014 with the release of the single Walk, a collaboration with producer Sohn. The track became a sleeper hit, gaining massive traction through radio play and streaming, eventually peaking at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and earning a silver certification for over 200,000 copies sold.
Key tracks
Walk — This breakthrough single defined his sound and secured his first major chart success.
Wrong or Right — A earlier single that established his signature blend of emotive soul and minimalist electronic production.
Perfect Ruin — The lead single from his debut album, showcasing a more expansive and anthemic side to his music.
Fight for Love — A later single that demonstrated the continued evolution of his songwriting within the electronic soul genre.
Cheating on Me — A notable collaboration with German electronic producer Filous that expanded his international reach.
Following the success of Walk, Kwabs released his debut album Love + War in September 2015 on Atlantic Records. The album entered the UK Albums Chart at number 12 and found a strong audience across mainland Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland. His work has led to collaborations with a range of producers and artists, including Disclosure, Plan B, and Jack Garratt.
Fans of Kwabs' soulful electronic style should also explore the music of Sampha, who shares a talent for vulnerable songwriting over innovative production. The powerful vocals of Michael Kiwanuka also resonate with a similar depth and retro-modern sensibility. For another British artist merging R&B with electronic elements, listen to James Blake. The genre-blending approach of Labrinth also offers a comparable musical adventurousness.
Kwabs' music maintains a steady presence on modern soul and eclectic electronic radio stations featured on this website. His tracks are regularly featured in the rotations of contemporary R&B and alternative pop radio stations, as well as on specialized online radio streams focusing on the UK music scene.
Listeners can discover the compelling music of Kwabs, from his chart hit Walk to his album Love + War, on the radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to hear his soulful voice and electronic soul productions across a variety of featured stations.