Rap star Knucks opens up about his unconventional childhood in Nigeria, where he was sent to boarding school at the age of 12 and struggled to fit in with classmates who had grown accustomed to a very different cultural landscape.
The decision to relocate him to Enugu, a city in southeastern Nigeria, was made by Knucks's parents as they sought to steer him away from behavioral issues that were plaguing his school performance back in London. As Knucks recalls, he felt like an outsider even in Nigeria, where classmates would often ask him why he had left Britain and how he could possibly be "one of us".
For a young boy struggling to find his place in the world, boarding school provided both opportunities for growth but also numerous challenges that tested his resolve and forced him to confront many uncomfortable realities. It was during these formative years that Knucks found solace in friendship with the school cook, who became like a mother figure to him.
In his new album A Fine African Man, Knucks revisits these memories and explores themes of identity and belonging. The music weaves together traditional West African sounds with modern hip-hop beats, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that reflects the artist's roots.
One notable track on the album, "Masquerade", features a cameo from the use of traditional instruments native to Nigerian culture, such as the ogene and ojà flute. Knucks has explained that his intention behind incorporating these elements is to create a deeper connection with listeners who share his heritage.
Knucks's journey towards self-discovery began long before he became one of Britain's most respected rappers. After returning from Nigeria at 16, he found himself immersed in the UK grime scene and later transitioned to hip-hop, influenced by classic albums by Nas and MF Doom.
The decision to relocate him to Enugu, a city in southeastern Nigeria, was made by Knucks's parents as they sought to steer him away from behavioral issues that were plaguing his school performance back in London. As Knucks recalls, he felt like an outsider even in Nigeria, where classmates would often ask him why he had left Britain and how he could possibly be "one of us".
For a young boy struggling to find his place in the world, boarding school provided both opportunities for growth but also numerous challenges that tested his resolve and forced him to confront many uncomfortable realities. It was during these formative years that Knucks found solace in friendship with the school cook, who became like a mother figure to him.
In his new album A Fine African Man, Knucks revisits these memories and explores themes of identity and belonging. The music weaves together traditional West African sounds with modern hip-hop beats, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that reflects the artist's roots.
One notable track on the album, "Masquerade", features a cameo from the use of traditional instruments native to Nigerian culture, such as the ogene and ojà flute. Knucks has explained that his intention behind incorporating these elements is to create a deeper connection with listeners who share his heritage.
Knucks's journey towards self-discovery began long before he became one of Britain's most respected rappers. After returning from Nigeria at 16, he found himself immersed in the UK grime scene and later transitioned to hip-hop, influenced by classic albums by Nas and MF Doom.
. I mean, being sent away from home at 12 and then feeling like an outsider in Nigeria is wild... but also kinda relatable? I've heard some people struggle with finding their place too, especially when they're exposed to different cultures. The way Knucks incorporated traditional Nigerian instruments into his music is pretty cool too - it's like he's giving listeners a taste of where he's from 
. And the fact that his journey started before he even became a rapper... that's some crazy growth right there 
. I'm gonna have to give A Fine African Man a listen, might just be my new fave album 
and it's giving me ALL THE FEELS 
! i love how he's embracing his roots and sharing his story with the world 
. it's so inspiring to see someone turn their struggles into something beautiful 
. and can we talk about that "Masquerade" track 
? the way those traditional Nigerian instruments blend with hip-hop beats is pure magic 
. i'm def adding this album to my playlist ASAP 
- it sounds like Knucks's unconventional childhood experience was a catalyst for his own self-discovery journey! 
i mean his parents moved him to enugu cuz of behavioral issues but it seems like the issue was more cultural adaptability 
:
this is so deep, you know? Knucks's story is like a reminder that our experiences shape us, but they also make us who we are 
. The way he weaves traditional West African sounds into his beats is pure genius 
#AFineAfricanMan #Knucks #Identity #Belonging #MusicToMyEars