Kam K is in his Jugador Era — And You Can’t Ignore It
“Hold on, I’m in this bih with the OG’s but I ain’t got no OG’s” — it doesn’t get more player, or should we say ‘Jugador’ than that.
Speaking to a few of his peers and reviewing some of his work, we’ve found out that just like the above lyric says, Kam K has definitely been around some legends in the scene but is proving himself to be self-made, no blueprint, all instincts.
The first thing you feel listening to Jugador is energy– like runway struts in a post-apocalyptic stadium or a silent rage that’s turned spiritual. Kam K’s latest EP isn’t just a tape, it’s a world. From the name, to the artwork, to the rollout (horses everywhere), Jugador is pure intention.
We caught up with the Lagos-based multi-hyphenate – rapper, designer, editor and filmmaker– to talk creative discipline, the underground Naija scene, and what it actually means to be a Jugador.
‘Jugador’ feels like a statement. What’s it mean beyond the Spanish for “player”?
For me, a Jugador is way more than that. ‘Jugador’ is being able to play and juggle multiple pivotal roles at once. I as a person embody that – being a rapper, fashion designer, editor, filmmaker, graphic designer and more. It’s a lifestyle fr. It’s kinda like being the Avatar yk. People like Santi, Tyler The Creator, Pharrell etc are real Jugadors
You’ve been using the horse emoji a lot – what’s it symbolize?
The horse resonates with me so much, it just felt right before I even attached a deeper meaning towards it. Horses don’t look back and always keep going towards their goals ferociously – that’s what I’m tryna symbolize with this. It’s crazy tho cuz I realised all my covers have horses n that wasn’t intentional at all lol
The rollout’s been super cohesive – from the visuals to the energy. What were you trying to say before anyone even pressed play?
I just had to prove it’s worth investing time in. Cuz it’s great music from a great artist but aggressive n consistent marketing is what sucks people into it. Honestly, I feel like once you embody your experiences and who you are it just flows seamlessly… Football, WWE, early 2000s Nigeria, Retro Ads & Branding all inspire my aesthetic subconsciously. Emotion-wise, I want people to feel like LIVING again. If you’ve watched a Wong Kar Wai film, I think a lot of my songs embody similar energy
What’s the underground scene in Naij like right now?
It’s insane as f*ck and I’m proud of everyone. There wasn’t a solid scene before us so we had to build this from scratch. I knew there was potential but it’s still very crazy seeing it materialize this quick. Shoutout 1800 Manny and Mani for hosting ‘d2live,’ one of the first ever UG shows
What’s it actually like being a rapper or creative in Nigeria right now?
Being in Nigeria as a creative is generally challenging, especially when what you do is out of the norm… But it’s all bless because there’s way more positives than negatives. Once you dgaf about what anybody says or thinks, you’re truly free. Rappers the new popstars fr. It’s a new shift
Do you think you can blow in Nigeria without going full Afrobeats or Alté?
1000%, but you for sure have to understand your market and how to use it to your advantage. It’s harder to move against the status quo but always so worth it. We’ll prove you don’t need to be pure Afro to blow up – we the new mainstream, ppl just don’t know it yet lol
What was your first creative love?
Fashion. I debuted my first collection at 14. From a consumer standpoint I’ve always loved music but was too shy and scared to make it… it got to a point where I said F*ck it and just did me. Growing up watching MTV, Trace, movies – that all shaped me. I’ll say all these things kinda found me and I just followed
Kam K’s most recent ‘ultraworldorder’ collection was unveiled at ExteriaFashion Winter ’24 show in Lagos, Nigeria
Do you see Jugador as music, visuals, or both?
If I wanna make a tape it has to feel like a movie. The sounds and transitions are always telling you something. This music can be played in theatre and it makes sense. I design every single one of my covers. There’s a lot of composition and balance in design – all these are transferable
The cover and visuals hint at something. What’s the theme this time?
This new era of visuals has a very different feel to it. The main theme has been sunset – embodying a new dawn and beginning. Don’t wanna say much but there’s visuals for every song on the tape
Who’s influenced your creative DNA?
Jeff Hardy, Maison2500, Rick Owens, Margiela, Wong Kar Wai, Lancey
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
Probably releasing Jugador, tbh. Was a pivotal moment. When I met BNYX was also rlly cool – it kinda reassured me I’m on the right path
Kam K met Bnyx back in summer ‘24 while shooting music video BTS for the trio including Odunsi & JeriQ
What’s been the hardest part that people don’t see?
Definitely was getting loads of people to tap into this, but real music forever wins
How would you even describe your sound?
Horse power music. U feel powerful sounds but dk what it is. You just know it’s powerful and heavy
Fav track on Jugador right now? What’s the sleeper?
Hahahaa my fav rn is definitely ‘On Me’ but the sleeper track has to be ‘King of Vanity’ or ‘Again’, it’s acc too many hits loll
One of our fave bits on King of Vanity is the whistling. it’s Future reminiscent. what inspired it & was that you or a sound effect?
That was me haha, I think that’s my favorite ad lib shoutout Future and 42 Dugg for being pioneers of that sound effect. I prefer to use unconventional sounds, hence why u barely hear any “yea’s” in my songs. ad libs are truly art they’re just fun to make and experiment with
“They stealing my swag like swiper no swipe” – there’s a lot of references and imagery in your lyrics, is this intentional and where does it draw from ?
LOOOOOOL. Yea man n*ggas just be stealing swag and it’s not a fresh p but it’s bool cuz as an innovator it’s bound to happen.i don’t take it to heart really, it’s cute
Correct me if I’m wrong but you rhymed pack with quebec on King of V, do you write or punch in?
I love how you guys notice the details, yea I’ve never written any of the songs I’ve dropped, I punch in and freestyle on da spot in like 20 mins. Everything is very spontaneous and fun that way
“I’m never trippin I be off of da gas” – What’s Kam K’s vices? We’ve seen some Molly talk on the TL – jokes or not, do you lean into that stuff in your music, or is it more just a writing tool?
Aye man I’m a child of God, esp if my mumsi or NDLEA is reading dis I don’t do drugs n have never done them. Music and Art are my only vices fr ;) it’s all rap cap and jokes my alte never reach dat side
“N*gga what u know bout da vetements swag?” what’re some of your fave brands ? shoutout a few naij brands you think are synonymous with the scene as well
Margiela Raf simons Rick Junya Ann D some of my fav designers, as for naij brands i really like GSK,Jayel,PG,Nine,BRK,Bola psd. i’m probably forgetting a few but 5200,Darkagys,iylmibs,>,Visis are also some cold brands shoutout everyone going crazy with their pieces
What do you want people to take away after listening?
You can bring and actualize any world you want through music and art. From the cover to sounds to rollout to clothes I wear – you know Jugador exists now. Pay close attention to everything cuz it’s deeper than rap
Who helped build this sonic world with you?
Shout-out to every single prod I worked with. Regarding this tape – DonsVanity, Mobolab0, Trilla, Oche helped shape this and create this sonic world with me.
Now that it’s out, what’s next?
You’d have to wait and see, but a whole lot collaborating on the way with fellow artists.
Any last shoutouts?
Firstly shoutout JugaTeam, MT and KJ – were the backbone of this whole journey. Shoutout da fuckin Cyks, shoutout UD, Bobby, 447, MF TOPSY, Gary, the goat JoeyXCV, Trilla, So080, Dan Akins, Darius, Jebo, 11D, TPAIN, Jefe, Bazen, YJ… everyone working hard fr.
