Every year, ARMC collaborates with different export offices to bring European talent to the ARMC by Night stage. We are excited to introduce our first international artist, Oke from Luxemburg who will be lighting up the ARMC stage on the 23rd of May. Big thank you to Kultur | lx for providing mobility funding to make this exchange happen!

In this interview, he opens up about his early beginnings singing gospel with his grandmother, the impact of powerful female vocalists, and his drive to use music as a tool for truth, joy, and empowerment. With a sound that blends Afrobeat, R&B, jazz, and dance, Oke is unapologetically carving his own lane. Dive in as he talks creative process, dream collabs, his set at the Africa Rising Music Conference, and what’s next on his musical path.

Hi Oke, hope you are well today! Can you please introduce yourself and tell us about your journey into music? What inspired you to start?

My name is Khalid Oke—also known as ‘Oke.’ I’m originally from Lagos, Nigeria, but I’ve been based in Luxembourg since I was around seven or eight years old. Although I grew up in Luxembourg, my roots and identity are deeply connected to my Yoruba heritage, which continues to inspire me as an artist.

My first experience with music was in Nigeria, with my grandmother. We used to go to church together, and that’s where I was introduced to gospel music. It really moved me and sparked my love for singing. That was the beginning of everything for me.

Growing up, I was surrounded by strong women—my aunties, especially—who always had music playing. Artists like Brandy, Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Westlife, and Aretha Franklin were always on rotation. That mix of gospel and R&B became the foundation of my musical journey.

Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your work?

Some of my biggest musical influences are artists like Fela Kuti, Angélique Kidjo, and Miriam Makeba. What drew me to them wasn’t just their sound—it was their conviction. They believed deeply in what they were saying. They used music to challenge systems, to speak on behalf of the people. That kind of purpose really resonates with me. I don’t just want to create music—I want to send messages. Whether it’s about enjoying life, forging your own path, or standing against corruption and inequality, I want my songs to say something that matters.

I’m also really inspired by sound itself—especially that full, bold energy you get from genres like Afrobeat, jazz, Afro-funk, Afropop. I love drawing from those roots and mixing in the European influences I grew up with. I listened to a lot of EDM in the 2010s—David Guetta was a big part of that era for me. And Nicki Minaj. She’s one of my idols. It’s powerful being able to take inspiration from both sides of my world.

Vocally, I look up to artists like Aretha Franklin, Brandy, and Whitney Houston. They brought emotion, range, and soul to everything they did. A lot of Black artists have paved the way—not just musically, but culturally—and that legacy continues to inspire me. There’s something really beautiful about that.

Can you walkus through your creative process when making a new track?

My creative process flows in different ways—like water, it doesn’t always take the same path. Sometimes, a melody comes to me out of nowhere. I could be walking, cooking, or just sitting with my thoughts, and suddenly I hear something in my head. When that happens, I write it down quickly or hum it into my phone. From there, I start to imagine the full picture—how I would perform it, what it would feel like, and what message I want to share. Because for me, music is not just about sound—it’s about what you’re saying to the people.

Other times, it starts with the beat. I close my eyes, I listen, and I let the rhythm take me somewhere. The beat speaks, and I follow. It might give me words, emotions, or just a feeling—and from there, I build the story. But there are also moments when it comes from inside—when my heart is full, when I’ve been through something, and I need to let it out. That too becomes music.

I also love working with other writers. Collaboration is very important to me, and you’ll feel that in my album. I enjoy creating with people who understand where I come from—my Yoruba roots, my journey, my voice. I know the direction I want to go, but I also believe that when you bring different minds together, the music becomes bigger, richer, more alive. It’s like sitting around a fire and everyone brings their own story—that’s the kind of energy I love.

What has been your most exciting collaboration so far?

One of my most exciting collaborations so far has been with Pat Alvarez—he’s The Blessed Madonna’s right-hand man, and together they form a production duo known as The Godsquad. We worked on a remix of my single “Lonely (Forget About You),” and that experience was just next level. Pat’s worked on big remixes like JADE’s ‘Angel Of My Dreams’ with The Blessed Madonna, HAAi’s remix of Kylie Minogue’s ‘Padam Padam,’ and ‘Cold Heart’ by Elton John and Dua Lipa. To be part of that creative world—even for a moment—is such a blessing.

We got to collaborate more while I was in London, and honestly, just being around someone who’s had that kind of experience, who’s earned a Gold record, and still remains grounded and open—that was so powerful for me. It reminded me that I belong in these spaces too. That kind of energy pushes you, it expands your vision.

But I also have to mention what’s happening now in South Africa. Performing at festivals, connecting with audiences, and just being part of that creative energy—it’s also a kind of collaboration. It’s about sharing, growing, and building something together. I really believe these moments are just the beginning of something even greater.

What can fans expect from your set at Africa Rising Music Conference?

When I perform at ARMC, the audience can expect joy — pure joy. There’ll be dancing, connection, storytelling—history. What makes me unique is that I carry two worlds within me. I represent us as Africans, and I also represent us in Luxembourg. That duality is part of my essence, and I bring it to the stage. So expect a fusion of both worlds—movement, smiles, sweat, and spirit. It’s not just a show, it’s a spiritual experience. And honestly, I can’t wait.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to up-and-coming artists?

Be yourself. Stay true to who you are and build your own village. Surround yourself with people who get you—who understand your sound, respect your vision, and believe in what you’re creating. Trust is everything. My manager is also one of my closest friends—we talk every day, sometimes I drive him a little crazy! But that’s the beauty of it. We’re pushing together, dreaming together, aiming higher. That kind of partnership is gold. And don’t ignore your instincts—they’ll guide you when things get noisy.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or releases we should look out for?

This summer, I’m releasing new music, singles from my upcoming EP. It’s a reflection of the other sides of me — the parts that don’t always get the spotlight. As a Black artist, I often feel boxed into genres like Afrobeat, hip-hop, or R&B. And while I love those sounds, we are so much more than that. There’s funk, dance, even country now—shoutout to Beyoncé for kicking that door wide open.

The EP is about freedom. It’s me introducing different parts of myself through the genres that are inspiring me right now. It’s personal, it’s playful, and it’s me evolving in real time.

Then in 2026, mark your calendars, I’ll be dropping the lead singles from my debut album. That project is going to be the foundation. My story. My roots. Everything I’ve lived through and grown from, in sound. And of course, after that, we’re hitting the stage. My own tour, my own show. That’s the dream, and it’s coming.

How do you want your music to impact people?

I want my music to impact people the way it impacts me. For me, music is therapy—it reflects where I am in my life. Every song feels like an episode, a chapter from my story. So when I’m honest and truthful in my lyrics, I believe that honesty will reach people too. I want people to feel like themselves when they hear my music. I want them to stand up for what’s right. As Africans, we carry so much history—so much richness—and yet, so much has been stripped from us. I remind myself of that every day, because people tend to forget. But through my music, I want to help people remember. I want to remind them to keep fighting, to stand strong in what they believe is true. I want people to feel safe. I want them to feel peace.

And especially, I want women to feel seen. I was raised by women. Most of my friends are women. They’ve always protected me. So in my songs, I try to hold space for that feminine energy. I always try to uplift women, because society doesn’t do that enough. Women are so often objectified, and that’s not the legacy I want to contribute to. I want them to feel strong, to feel like leaders—because they are. They deserve respect.

RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS

If you had to describe your music using only three words, what would they be?

Honest, joyful, and outgoing

What’s your go-to guilty pleasure song?

“I’m The Best” by Nicki Minaj

If you could create your dream festival lineup, who would be your top three headliners?

Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé

Thank you so much, we can’t wait to see you at ARMC 2025!