Sekou Andrews: Voice, Verse & Vision
- Muzikscribe
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Grammy®-nominated spoken word artist Sekou Andrews is re-introducing his powerful 2025 LP, KOUMAMI.
Known for his groundbreaking work that blends poetry, music, and inspiring storytelling, Sekou has captivated audiences worldwide—from TED Talks to stages shared with icons like Oprah Winfrey and Quincy Jones.
With KOUMAMI, Andrews delivers a bold, heartfelt exploration of human connection, courage, and authenticity—timely themes that resonate now more than ever. Join us as we dive into his creative journey, the inspiration behind the album, and the impactful messages he hopes to share through his art.
Q: KOUMAMI feels super relevant right now. What made you want to bring it back out and share it again?
Sekou: KOUMAMI is about timing as much as it’s about story. The world is moving fast, and people are craving connection, courage, and clarity. I wanted to share these songs and poems again to remind listeners that even in chaos, there’s power in reflection, joy in vulnerability, and strength in showing up fully. It’s a work that feels alive now more than ever.
Q: Your music blends so many styles—Afro-beat, soul, hip-hop. How do you decide what sounds or artists to work with?
Sekou: For me, it’s always about what serves the story. Each track has a message, an emotion, a pulse. I listen for the sounds that make that message hit deeper and the collaborators whose artistry enhances the story rather than just adds flavor. It’s a conversation between rhythm, voice, and vision.
Q: Tracks like “The Fortune Teller” and “The Lightning Machine” are really poetic. What kind of stories or messages are you hoping people pick up from those?
Sekou: I want people to see themselves in these songs—to reflect on life’s uncertainties, the moments that feel beyond our control, and how choice, courage, and imagination shape outcomes. There’s a blend of prophecy and possibility in those tracks: the lightning strikes, but we have the power to harness it.
Q: You’ve performed for big names like Oprah and even Presidents. What’s one performance that really stuck with you?
Sekou: Every performance is special, but one that stands out was a private event for Maya Angelou. Her presence demanded authenticity; she listened with her whole soul. In that room, I realized the power of words to transcend fame, politics, and noise—how they can move hearts in the quietest, most intimate way.
Q: You came up with this idea of “Poetic Voice.” How did that come about, and what does it mean to you?
Sekou: Poetic Voice was born out of a desire to bridge inspiration with impact. I wanted to create a way to use poetry not just as art, but as a tool for leadership, culture, and communication. To me, it’s about harnessing the rhythm, emotion, and narrative of spoken word to ignite change and connection wherever I go.
Q: KOUMAMI is all about connection and courage. How do those themes feel especially important today?
Sekou: We live in a time of noise, distance, and division. Connection reminds us we are not alone; courage reminds us we can act despite fear. Those themes aren’t just poetic—they’re necessary for life, leadership, and creativity. KOUMAMI asks listeners to feel deeply and show up fully.
Q: You’ve worked with Omari Hardwick, Jordin Sparks, LION BABE, and more. How do those collaborations shape the stories you tell?
Sekou: Collaborators bring new lenses, textures, and perspectives. Omari, Jordin, LION BABE—they each add a layer I could never reach alone. That dialogue between voices allows the story to expand, surprise, and resonate in ways that feel alive and authentic.
Q: Songs like “Love Don’t Care” and “I Hate” mix humor and emotion. How do you balance those two in your work?
Sekou: Life is a mix of joy and pain, laughter and heartbreak. I try to honor both in my work. Humor opens hearts; emotion opens minds. When you balance them, audiences don’t just hear—they feel, relate, and remember.
Q: When people listen to KOUMAMI, what do you want them to walk away feeling or thinking?
Sekou: I hope they feel seen, inspired, and empowered. I want them to leave with new questions, new ideas, and the courage to embrace their own voice. The ultimate goal is transformation—not just entertainment.
Q: You’ve been a trailblazer in spoken word. What advice would you give someone trying to find their voice right now?
Sekou: Listen deeply—to yourself, to the world, to the spaces in between. Speak from truth and curiosity, not expectation. The voice you cultivate is a reflection of courage meeting clarity; it’s messy, beautiful, and entirely yours.
Q: Was there a moment during making this album that really stood out or gave you a new perspective?
Sekou: Recording KOUMAMI, I realized how much vulnerability fuels connection. One session, I laid a poem bare with no music, no adornment, and the collaborators leaned in, silent, absorbed. That moment reminded me: power comes not from perfection, but from risking honesty.
Q: And finally, what’s next for you? Any new projects or ways you want to keep inspiring people?
Sekou: I’m focused on expanding Poetic Voice globally—working with leaders, creatives, and audiences to make words a force for action. Musically, I’m exploring new collaborations and sonic landscapes that challenge expectations. Ultimately, it’s about creating experiences that move, connect, and inspire, one stage, one song, one listener at a time.
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