Kunde (Joram Kunde Boumkwo) is a Belgian-Cameroonian rapper, producer, and multi-instrumentalist that blends his own brand of hip-hop with elements from jazz, P-funk and Afrobeat. Dandelion, his debut album released on W.E.R.F. records February 9, 2024. Listen to Dandelion here.
In this introspective concept album he uses storytelling, rap, spoken word and field recordings of his trip to delve into the complexity of his Afropean identity, intergenerational trauma, toxic masculinity and neocolonialism. His razor sharp and poignant narrations are counterbalanced by the soothing and soulful sonic textures with influences ranging from hip hop and jazz fusion to electronic afrobeats and spoken word, with touches from neo soul and bossa nova.
All tracks were composed, recorded and produced by Kunde, with contributions from Susobrino (BAD MAN) and Helena Casella (You Should Know), and Creo Cristoria on the saxophone (Twenty, Everytime, Ancêtres and You Should Know) and Pieter Vanoverberghe on the drums (Unwanted Flower and Blowing in The Wind).
Like the little bud of the dandelion that is blowing through the winds of time, Kunde invites you to join him on his journey, looking for a place to call home.
Music Video's
Twenty (2023)
Early 2020, Kunde travels to his father’s birthplace of Cameroon for the first time in two decades. Only a few months later, the worldwide Black Lives Matter demonstrations followed. Twenty is a personal musical reflection on these intertwined events and released on November 3, 2023.
'CRY' (2024)
In CRY Kunde explores the emotional landscape as the grandson of a Cameroonian independence activist, offering a firsthand account of the interplay between intergenerational trauma and toxic masculinity. A pivotal track from his upcoming album Dandelion, CRY is a powerful journey of struggle and healing. Infused with jazz chords, an energizing stepper beat, and a storytelling rap style, he carries you through the depths of this sincere story.
Live Video's
You Should Know (feat. Helena Casella)
Twenty
LIVE BAND
Kunde is known for his vibrant and energetic performances on stage. Now he expands his solo-project to have a full live band. Simon Derover (Gaïda, Abrahamblue, GIJS), Léa Kadian (Aprile, Ola, Lyna Lahbiri), Creo Cristoria (KMFD, OPMOC), Jérôme Pringiers (OPROER, Tristan, monokimono).
Press
Zo worden er in België geen dozijn gemaakt - Knack Focus ***
Als volledig autodidact creëerde hij zijn unieke sound die doet denken aan artiesten als Anderson .Paak, Patrice Rushen, Quincy Jones, Fela Kuti en Kendrick Lamar - Frontview Magazine
Kunde at Time out Radio 1
Previous releases
Meanwhile ( San-kofa Rhythm Records, 2021)
From Roots to Fruits (Mellow Minds, 2018)
Other Video's
Notable Shows
Ancienne Belgique Brussels (2024)
De Centrale releasehow Gent (2024)
Ancienne Belgique Brussel (2023)
Dansand Oostende (2023)
Specktaculo Festival Halle (2022)
Fifth Eindhoven (2022)
Stormkop Antwerpen (2021)
Zomer van Asiat Vilvoorde (2021)
Jardin Rooftop Brussel (2021)
Signaal Festival Brugge (2021)
Opera Gent (2021)
Les Halles De Schaerbeek (2020)
Beursschouwburg (2020)
Concertzaal N9 Opening for Blu & Exile (2019)
All City All Star Jam Gentse Feesten w/ Grazzhoppa (2019)
Viernulvier Concertzaal opening for Arrested Develepment (2018)
Viernulvier Balzaal opening for The Color Grey (2018)
NEST From Roots to Fruits Release Party (2018)
DILLA DAY Opening for Illa J (2018)
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Fun facts
Kunde is a word form the Bassa People of Cameroon. His name means freedom and serves as an hommage to his grandfather who was involved and died in the independence struggle from the colonial rule of France.
Kunde first started out beatboxing, a skill he translated into beatmaking. He never went to music school and taught himself how to play the piano through Youtube.
Did you know Kunde started making beats way back when youtube was still kinda weird and we didn't have 'type beats'... A couple of his instrumentals went worldwide to generate millions of views. To this day Kunde still doesn't understand how that happened...