In a world where poignant violin strings beckon hip-swaying Afrobeats, YKB merges the sombre with the soulful in his catching new single, “San Siro”. With euphoric synths and spine-tingling crescendos, YKB’s soundscape effortlessly mimics the feelings associated with falling in love — when the world begins to shine a little bit brighter. Filled with YKB’s infectious spirit, the single evokes a giddish nostalgia that is at once innocent and joyful, plummeting listeners entirely at the hands of his dance-along approach to tune-crafting.
Released alongside a similarly optimistic music video, “San Siro” places us right at the crux of burgeoning love — sharing the perspectives of two prospective lovers. While YKB allows himself to indulge within his daydreams, the visual shows the pair coming together in an upbeat harmony, celebrating the out-of-control, unpredictable yet magical nature of finding the one.
To celebrate the release of the single and music video, we sat down with the singer-songwriter to discuss the making of “San Siro”, what prompted him to write the track and the inspiration behind his blended sound. Head below now to read the full interview and watch the music video…
Hey YKB! How are you today? Can you sum up your vibe today in one sentence?
I’m well, I feel blessed today. As always. My new song and video are doing really well. I’ve been getting texts and calls about how people love it so yeah… god is with me.
First of all – talk us through your name: YKB!
YKB is an acronym for Yusuf Kan Bai which is Yoruba for “one Yusuf like that”. It’s because of the fact that, where I grew up, there were a lot of people named Yusuf.
Congratulations on “SAN SIRO”. What was your main goal when you were creating the track?
I made “SAN SIRO” to impress a girl. She likes when a song has really good writing so I took my time.
“SAN SIRO” is your first single since “Superstar” in July. Where do find you yourself now in the YKB journey?
I’m at a place where I’m really focused on the quality of my output. My main goal with everything I do is to be remembered for as long as possible. Shelf life.
What would be the ultimate setting to enjoy “SAN SIRO” in?
I think “SAN SIRO” will be best enjoyed when you’re in love.
You meld a lot of different sounds in your work – Indie, R&B, Afrobeats, disco – what was the first genre of music you remember really enjoying as a child?
I enjoyed a lot of hip-hop and fuji music growing up. Fuji at home and hip hop at my cousin’s place (where I used to go spend my weekends and holidays).
You’ve already collaborated with some amazing artists, including Melon on “Superstar”! Who would you love to get in the studio with asap?
I’d love to get in the studio with Wande Coal, but just to watch his process.
Tell us one thing about you that we wouldn’t be able to read on a press release?
I love to cook. Cooking is therapy for me.
What’s your ultimate idea of success?
I think success is achieving a goal you set for yourself.
