Kele Okereke released his first solo album, titled The Boxer on 21 June 2010, through Wichita / Polydor in the UK and Europe and Glassnote Records for the rest of the world. The album was released under the name Kele, dropping his surname. Okereke explained the album title, saying "as a boxer, you have to rely on nobody else but yourself to achieve what it is you want to achieve. Even though you take hits, you have to keep focus on your priorities and keep going. I thought that was an inspiring image". The first single from the album Tenderoni was released on 14 June 2010.
Okereke sees the 'Kele' brand as a way for him to embrace his interest in dance music. "I've been into clubbing for years. I've said from the beginning I'm into dance, it gets me excited and I think this record is going to go some way to prove that to people, hopefully." - Kele Okereke
In September 2011 it was announced that Kele would be releasing a follow up to The Boxer; an EP titled The Hunter.
On 23 July 2014 Kele announced his second solo album, entitled Trick, to be released on his own label Lilac Records via Kobalt Label Services on 13 October 2014.
He released his third album Fatherland on 6 October 2017 under his full name Kele Okereke. The album features the singles Streets Been Talking and Grounds For Resentment feat. Olly Alexander. Fatherland also features the duet Versions of Us with Grammy-winning English singer and songwriter Corinne Bailey Rea
In January 2019, Leave to Remain a new musical written by Okereke and Matt Jones debuted in London. Announced in September 2018, the musical about an interracial gay couple was preceded by the single Not the Drugs Talking which showed a move back towards beats following the more acoustic Fatherland. Telling a love story through the Prism of Brexit, the new show is accompanied by a tie-in album of new songs. Speaking about the subject matter and his feelings on the UK in 2019, Okereke claimed that “It’s not a time that I’ve been proud to be British. It’s an ugly time”.
www.iamkele.com
The Other Side
Kele Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm calling out Your name, yeah
It's been so long since I've heard Your voice
It's driving me insane, yeah
It's driving me insane, yeah
It's driving me insane
Or victim of a nurture
I've been faithful, I've been kind
But still You will not answer
I am turning into the man I used to be
I am turning into the man I used to be
It's driving me insane, yeah
It's driving me insane
It's driving me insane, yeah
It's driving me insane
All the light that was in me
Has poured through my skin, yeah
I paper up all my holes
But still it's just not in me
I am turning into the man I used to be
I am turning into the man I used to be
It's driving me insane, yeah
It's driving me insane
It's driving me insane, yeah
It's driving me insane
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side, we will go
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side, we will go
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side, we will go
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side, we will go
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side, we will go
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side, we will go
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side, we will go
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
Over to the other side
The lyrics to Kele's song The Other Side speak of a man's desperation for communication with the divine. The first verse talks about how he has been trying to call out to God, but it feels as though his prayers are falling on deaf ears. He speaks of the frustration and insanity that stem from this lack of communication. The second verse laments how even though he has been faithful and kind, his prayers remain unanswered, causing him to question if he is being punished for his past actions. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's driving me insane" to emphasize the man's mental and emotional state.
The bridge offers some hope as the man speaks of going to the other side. Here, the other side could refer to the afterlife or a place beyond his current situation. He hopes that by going to the other side, he may find the answers and connection that he has been seeking. The repetition of the phrase "Over to the other side, we will go" provides a sense of determination and maybe even a slight sense of escapism.
Overall, the song speaks to the universal human desire to connect with a higher power, communicate our innermost thoughts, and understand the reasons for our suffering. The lyrics are introspective and soul-searching, making this a song that speaks to a broad audience and addresses a universal human need.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, oh Lord, why can't You hear me?
Asking God why He isn't responding to his calls.
I'm calling out Your name, yeah
Calling out to God for help.
It's been so long since I've heard Your voice
Feeling distant from God and not having any communication in a long time.
It's driving me insane, yeah
This problem is causing an unbearable amount of stress and frustration.
A victim of consequence
Feeling like he is a victim of his own actions and the events that followed them.
Or victim of a nurture
Feeling like he is a victim of his surroundings and upbringing.
I've been faithful, I've been kind
Despite the issues he's facing, he has been a gracious and devoted person.
But still You will not answer
God has not responded to his calls despite being faithful and calling for help.
All the light that was in me
The positive energy and optimism that he once had.
Has poured through my skin, yeah
The energy has left his body, leaving him feeling drained and weak.
I paper up all my holes
Trying to block out negative influences or emotions.
But still it's just not in me
These efforts are still not enough to bring the light back to him.
Over to the other side
Looking towards a new beginning or a fresh start.
We will go
Determined to move forward and overcome the obstacles.
I am turning into the man I used to be
Becoming who he was before changing or growing as a person.
It's driving me insane, yeah
The stagnation and lack of progress are frustratingly overwhelming.
Over to the other side
Reiterating the idea of moving forward and leaving the past behind.
Over to the other side
Emphasizing his eagerness to start fresh and improve his current situation.
Over to the other side, we will go
The determination to move forward from his current predicament.
Over to the other side
Going to a better place or situation.
Over to the other side
Looking forward to a brighter future.
Over to the other side, we will go
Focused on making progress and moving towards a better place.
Over to the other side
Leaving behind the old version of himself and overcoming the previous state of mind.
Over to the other side
Reinforcing the idea of moving past the current obstacle and striving for a better future.
Over to the other side, we will go
Together, we can overcome and reach a better place in life.
Contributed by Aiden J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.