KuKU

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KUKU creates music with the emphasis on the principle of “less is more”. His music draws from the soul, folk, jazz and African music he heard growing up in Lagos Nigeria. KUKU’s unique brand of soul music, labeled the “Afro Soul Acoustic Experience”, addresses all human emotions that fall under the universal theme of “Love.” He takes music back to its roots with is minimalist acoustic guitar driven approach to performing and recording. Though folksy in delivery, KUKU makes pure "SOUL" music with a five octave vocal range that’s reminiscent of the likes of Terry Callier, Bill Withers, Al Green, and the Richie Haven. KUKU’s, full length album, Unexpected Pleasures, follows his critically acclaim 2005 “Love Sessions ep” is set for release in April 2006. The twelve song album was written and co-produced by KUKU, with much help from his multi-talented friend and acclaimed twin brother, Alexei Tsybine Jendayi a native of Moscow, Russia. Every track is stunner on this offering. Among the album's choice are the West African influenced "Perfect Reality" and "Ife" the first is a feel-good, mid tempo track with an infectious percussion accompaniment, the second pays homage to “Love” in KUKU’s native tongue “Yoruba.” Though majority of the album is song in English, no translation is needed to feel the emotional message in KUKU’s West African lyric tracks. The former US Army Specialist turned graphic/web designer grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where he had his informal education in American soul music while indulging in his parents extensive Motown and Philly soul collections. He began writing songs in the manner of his favorite artists at the time, The Jacksons, Shalamar, Gap Band and Lakeside, to mention a few. In high school, KUKU was mostly into dancing, hip-hop, and the latest American music import. His major request from someone visiting the in States was either a copy of the Right On or Black Beats magazine, or a cassette recording of American’s Urban FM stations. KUKU returned to the US shortly after high school. He worked a series of odd jobs while in college then later joined the United States Army. In the Army, he was stationed at Arlington, VA’s US Army’s prestigious Old Guard unit. Upon living the Army, KUKU musical passion grew. He immerses himself in the DC, U street open-mic scene in 2002, around the same time he picked up the acoustic guitar for the first time. Teaching himself day and night, he developed a percussive finger picking style that’s solely his own. A few months later he had his first acoustic show at the legendary Bohemian Caverns. From that moment, KUKU’s one man band shows took flight in between his day jobs. A series of employment lay-offs followed later, forcing him to make the decision to follow his passion full time. To earn a living he maintained selling is design services on a freelance basis to colleagues in the art scene and to corporate organizations. In 2004, KUKU embarked on a self booked and managed tour around the country playing venues such as DC’s Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, New York’s SOB’s, Los Angeles Temple bar, Philadelphia’s Five Spot and World Cafe, and Chicago South shore Cultural Center while opening for some eminent names in music. The demand for recorded music by his growing fans forced him to release the 2005 ep “Love Sessions” while taking his time crafting his debut full-length album “Unexpected Pleasures.” Now the wait is over, KUKU presents the “Unexpected Pleasures.”