[FEATURE] VIPER PRESENTS: KJ SPIO

KJ Spio is an acclaimed culturepreneur. Following the release of his singles, ‘Jealous’ and ‘Undress You’, we spoke with the Ghanaian musician about his inspirations and his career highlights…

What five words define your sound?

Storytelling, beautiful, emotional, eclectic, passionate.

Tell me something unique about your creative process?

It always starts with a story. I’m a great storyteller, so for each process or each record, I’m really focused on telling a story.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

The remix to ‘Undress You’ which is unreleased at the moment.

What inspired you to make that song?

Naturally it came from a story, the lyrics are narrating a story of an event that happened. It was based on communication between two friends.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

I’m always very vulnerable in the creative process. I feel thats the only way to get out the best emotions. I think my song with Gyakie is the most vulnerable, it talks about a real life relationship.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

A song by Sarkodie ‘Baby’, it’s one record that made me want to make music. It’s such a beautiful song, a beautiful story. The whole entire record is phenomenal. 

What’s the meaning behind your name?

My name is my real name.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

Artist manager. I manage artists as well. Thats what I’ve been doing for a while and still do whilst I make music.

What’s success to you?

Making records, making music that impacts people. Telling a beautiful story, telling a beautiful narrative. My story is the African story, success for me is being able to tell that story and reach as many people as possible.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

A series of events where people were telling me I had to get into making music over a period of time. It wasn’t one particular moment, but was a collection of various moments to change direction.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

https://www.instagram.com/jaykjs

@kjspio (twitter)