There’s something deliberate about the way JP.Kazadi constructs his music. The London-based singer-songwriter doesn’t chase trends or fit neatly into genre boxes. Instead, he’s built a sound that pulls from pop, soul, R&B, and indie without feeling like a checklist. His latest album, Son of Mukishi, makes that approach clear from the first track.
The title carries weight. “Mukishi” translates to “the spirit” in his native language, and the album is written in honor of his late father. That personal context runs through all nine tracks, giving the project an emotional center that keeps it from drifting into abstraction. This isn’t background music. It’s intentional, focused work from an artist who knows exactly what he’s trying to say.
Kazadi’s been at this since childhood, starting in a church choir at six and later forming an R&B vocal group with his brothers. Those early years show up in his vocal control and his understanding of harmony. When he talks about wanting listeners to “reconnect to what music is meant to feel like,” he’s not being vague. He means the kind of freedom that comes from mixing genres without worrying about whether they’re supposed to go together.
Son of Mukishi opens with “Renaissance,” a high-energy track that sets the tone before the album shifts into more introspective territory. “Begging” strips everything back to piano and voice, letting Kazadi’s vocals do the heavy lifting. He’s got a conversational quality in his lyrics that makes the songs feel less performed and more confessed. “Everything You Have” and “Supreme” move between hip-hop sensibilities and soaring melodies without losing the thread. The album closes with “Take It Easy,” a jazz-inflected track that brings everything to a calm, measured finish.
What’s working here is the balance. Kazadi cites Donny Hathaway as an influence, specifically for “the honesty, rawness, and empowerment” in his music. That same quality shows up throughout Son of Mukishi. The production is polished without being sterile. The songwriting is personal without being self-indulgent. The mixing and mastering feel professional in a way that suggests years of work, not just natural talent.
The standout tracks are “Everything You Have,” “Love,” and “Begging.” Each one highlights a different aspect of what Kazadi does well. “Everything You Have” shows his range, moving between styles without feeling disjointed. “Love” hits the sweet spot between accessible and interesting. “Begging” proves he can hold a song together with just his voice and minimal instrumentation.
Kazadi talks about wanting his music to create “a place of safety” for listeners, giving them space to “relax, dream, connect, and disconnect.” That’s not marketing speak. It’s an accurate description of what this album does. It doesn’t demand your attention so much as earn it, building momentum across 30 minutes without wearing out its welcome.
For an artist still establishing himself, Son of Mukishi feels remarkably assured. It’s the work of someone who’s figured out his voice and isn’t interested in compromising it. You can hear the progression from his previous releases, particularly The Birth Of Sound, but this album feels like a clear step forward. The question now is where he takes it next.
Listen to Son of Mukishi on Spotify or Apple Music. Follow JP.Kazadi on Instagram and YouTube.
