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”.
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Where She Came From
Kele Lyrics
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Yes, yes, it's true
You know, it is right, tell it what it is
I grew up in an area, where the expression is that
People who grew up in this area can never be anybody's servant
So they go for the best
So, you have to aim real high
Oh my god
Oh, hahahaha!
In these lyrics, Kele is reflecting on his upbringing and the values instilled in him. The opening line, "So tell me about it," suggests that Kele is inviting someone to share their own experiences or perspectives. He wants to hear their story and understand where they're coming from.
The next two lines, "Yes, yes, it's true / You know, it is right, tell it what it is," indicate that Kele acknowledges the truth and validity of a certain perspective or mindset. He seems to be agreeing with the idea that where he comes from, people believe they can never be subservient to anyone. This could be a reference to an area or community that values independence, ambition, and self-determination.
The following lines add more depth to this notion. Kele explains that in his area, people strive for greatness and aim high in their pursuits. The phrase, "So they go for the best," suggests that individuals from this area are driven to excel and achieve their goals. It could imply a mentality of not settling for mediocrity, but rather striving for excellence in all they do.
The lyrics then continue with a lighthearted and joyful exclamation, "Oh my god / Oh, hahahaha!" It's possible that this laughter represents a sense of pride or amusement in reflecting on his roots and the determination instilled in him. Kele appreciates and celebrates the mindset of his upbringing, recognizing the strength and ambition it has given him.
Overall, these lyrics convey a sense of pride and determination in Kele's background. They highlight the belief that individuals from his area have a strong drive to succeed, aiming high and refusing to be subservient. Kele's playful laughter at the end suggests a fondness for his roots, finding joy in the values and mindset he was brought up with.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Rowland Kelechukwu Okereke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind