Sekou has a voice that you would never imagine could come from someone who is only 21 years old. A rich, layered baritone that feels like it could belong to a different generation, you may have heard a sneak peek of his silk-like vocals opening on tour for SZA and Renee Rapp, or on tracks such as “Limitless” by Central Cee or “Too Long” from Justin Bieber’s Swag. Born and raised in Ashby-de-la-Zouch in Leicestershire, in 2025 Sekou became the youngest ever artist to be nominated for the BRIT Rising Star award. 

Late last year, he released In A World We Don’t Belong, Part 1, a four-track mixtape that gives a promising insight into what is to come from him. “The title is called In A World We Don’t Belong, and I think it says ‘we’, but it’s really for me, and when someone listens to it, [I want it to feel] like it’s a story for them,” he says, from the set of his Dazed shoot. “I don’t want people to feel like they’re listening to my story, I want them to think about themselves.”

The debut single, “Catching Bodies”, is a groovy song about looking for wanting more depth than you can get from casual dating. Against a brassy, Motown-inspired beat in the chorus, he sings: “If you don’t want love, I’d rather not waste my time ‘cause baby I do / Can’t be out here just catching bodies”. Over the other few tracks, he recounts other experiences he describes as a glimpse into what it’s like “growing up as a Black boy in the UK”.

Inspired by Spike Lee’s cinematic repertoire, the accompanying video showcases a youthful and fun depiction of a diverse British community. “Just to be free, have fun, dance, cry, scream and just be joyful,” he says, discussing what he hopes his new music evokes in people. “I think that’s the most important thing I said I wanted when I was making [this mixtape]. My favourite word is joy, just joy.”

Below, for our Winter 2025 issue, he speaks to us about his journey into music, what Motown means to him and his latest project. 

Going back to your childhood, what are your earliest memories of music?

Sekou: I remember most of my early days. The first artist my mum put me on to was Whitney Houston. We would watch all the videos of her singing. She’s my idol and my number one. It was always the really curated artists like Prince, Aretha, Amy, Adele, and then Beyoncé. My mom had the greatest taste, so I feel like that’s really where I was inspired from. 

When did you realise you could sing and wanted to pursue a music career?

Sekou: You know what, I did not have a strong voice until I was 16 years old. I was always singing because my mom took me to church a lot, and I would join the choir groups and do school talent shows. It was music all day, every day, but I think my voice really came alive when I was like 13. It was still kind of weak because my high-pitched voice was alive then, but the lowness and the power of my voice really came alive at 16. From there, it just grew and grew stronger within weeks, really. I always knew I wanted to do music, but you can say those things [it’s different to] when you actually envision it. 

Could you describe your songwriting and creative process when you start working on new music?

Sekou: I think over the years it’s really changed. I’ve only recently noticed the changes in the different times of growing up. I always grew up writing ideas, melodies and lyrics, but were they good? I don’t know. When you’re 14, and you’re writing about a bad day you have, it might not be the best thing. When I started getting into the industry and doing sessions, it was mostly just me going in with a producer and just saying what I wanted to say and recording it. Over time, I’ve grown into working with new people. I’m very much open to collaborating now, but it’s definitely my headspace and my headspace only. I love hearing people’s ideas and hearing from people who have 20 or 30 years more experience in writing than me, but it’s always coming from me. I always start with the idea. I say what I want to say, how I want to say it.

What three words best summarise the vibe and energy of the mixtape?

Sekou: I would say bold, fresh and flamboyant.

What is something you learned about yourself and your creative process while working on this project that surprised you?

Sekou: I think I learned to just be myself a bit more. Without sounding like an idiot, once I had recorded everything, I felt like there wasn’t anybody putting this kind of music out. It just really opened my eyes to just be myself a lot more and just accept who I am. I think that’s the best thing anyone in life can ever through, just being yourself and realising that that’s just the way to go. 

I’ve been seeing your "MOTOWN IS BACK" posters around Shoreditch. When did you first discover and delve into Motown as a genre? What does Motown mean to you?

Sekou: I think growing up with so many different types of genres, there was just something about the art of Motown. When I say Motown, I’m not talking about a sound. To me, it’s a whole thing, whether that be from looks to the music and hair. It’s not just a genre to me, it’s an art form. I knew I wanted to do that because the up tempos that I always reference are very Motown. I always loved The Supremes growing up. They’re very soul and Motown, and I was always inspired by that. No one does that anymore; that’s one of the reasons why I just felt like it was inside of me, without making it too old school to be today.

Where do you tend to turn to for inspiration, beyond just music? Is there anything you’ve been watching or reading that has been inspirational lately?

Sekou: 100 per cent. It’s so funny you said that because I remember about six months ago, I watched Pose for the first time, and honestly, my life changed. My vision and my creative ideas changed. The story of that series and that world is so deep. How they brought that story to life – the fashion and ballroom, and how joyful it was in some parts, was really inspiring. I just felt like I was in it. I think seeing people who look like you and walk like you, and act like you was very inspiring. It gave me a sense of knowing there are other people like me. Also Paris is Burning is such an incredible film. I just remember watching that for the first time was like, this is me. 

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self? 

Sekou: Sometimes I wake in the morning and think this to myself. I think it’s important keep working extremely hard, because there’s going to be a lot of people that say no. For any artist, you have to want it more than anybody. When you’re in [this] industry, you get so many people in your ear saying, oh, we can’t wait to do this for you and this for you. It’s great, but you have to work for everything, and you have to want it more than anybody. I wish I could tell myself that two years ago. You have to work harder than anybody. 

What excites you the most about the future? 

Sekou: I want that male pop title. I don’t want to be like the king of something, but I just want to be in that moment with other artists that I adore, who are entertainers and fashion icons. I also love fashion. I want to get more into that world and have that signature look. What excites me the most is evolving and becoming a better performer, and expanding my live shows.