KUKU: Unexpected Pleasures

KUKU

Unexpected Pleasures

© 2006 MR KUKU (837101151788)

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US based Nigerian soulful acoustic singer-songwriter KUKU infuses traces of his heritage in his brand of soul music reminiscent of names like Bill Withers and Terry Callier in the follow up to his 2006 critically acclaimed ep "Love Sessions"

notes

Once a basketball-playing schoolboy in Lagos, Nigeria, dreaming about NBA success in the U.S. In the U.S., once a minimum wage fast food worker, warehouse laborer, club bouncer working to attain a college degree. Once a soldier in the United States Army hoping to use his military background as a stepping stone for bigger and better future career aspirations. Once a bankrupt college student waiting to take the corporate world by storm.” Those were the first few lines from the last biography written about Nigerian soulful acoustic singer songwriter, and guitarist, KUKU, since then a bit, or maybe, a lot as changed. He released is debut short CD (EP) Love Sessions, and a few thousands have been sold with raving underground reviews. He has had several performances on premier stages such as the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, New York’s SOB’s, Los Angeles Temple bar, Philadelphia’s Five Spot, and DC’s legendary Bohemian Caverns while robbing shoulders with some of today’s elite performers. Spreading his brand of soul with just a guitar in hand and with over a 100 performances in the year 2005 alone, KUKU is redefining what soul music, the singer songwriter style, and world music is all about.

Now, on the verge of the release of his debut full-length project “Unexpected Pleasures” more is about to change. Co-produced by KUKU (Nigeria) with help from long time friend, brother and multi-instrumentalist, Alexei Tsybine Jendayi (Moscow, Russia), the record is a sizzling two-man international affair. The select insiders who have had the opportunity hear this project, refer to it as an “Acoustic Masterpiece.” The six-foot four, five-octave vocal range soul man calls it the best musical work he can possibly create at this point in time.

A native of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, KUKU intends to educate the world about the infectious culture of his homeland. At live performances, songs such as “Ife” have already begun schooling audiences on the Yoruba language. As a matter of fact, folks from regions such as Asia have requested KUKU to sing that particular song for their main wedding dance. “Unexpected Pleasures” is definitely an album that requires no fast-forwarding, every track hold its own. The point is the man can sing, he can write a song that will make the devil repent in 10 different religious denominations and he can deliver a song in optimum quality both live and in the studio.

The comparisons to many of the greats is endless, Richie Haven, Bill Withers, Nat King Cole, Al Green, Marvin Gaye, etc… KUKU is not surprised, he will be the first to tell you he takes from whatever inspires him, drops it in his Gumbo Pot and then serves it to the world with his personal signature, “The Afro-Soul Acoustic Experience”. He quotes, “Aint nothing new under the sun, every thing is recycled.”

In today’s mainstream music, love has taken a back seat. It’s time to get back on board the love train with this rising new star. With each song, KUKU promises to deliver Unexpected Pleasures.

reviews

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  • Can hardly wait for more
    author: DeAnna Dutton

    I thought that after the first time I listened to this album. And his second disc confirmed for me that there is much more to come in the way of great songs. This first was simply a precursor of many more great songs.

  • UNEXPECTED PLEASURES
    author: INDIGO

    KUKU, I MET YOU IN OAKLAND AT THE JAHVA HOUSE IN JUNE OF 07, MAN THIS CD LEAVES ME SPEECHLESS, I LOVE IT, I LISTEN TO IT EVERYDAY,YOUR LYRICS, THE MUSIC, YOUR VOICE. THIS CD MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU'RE IN LOVE EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT AND IF YOU'RE NOT IT MAKES YOU WANNA GO FIND SOMEONE TO LOVE--I'M TOO SERIOUS, LOVE IT CAN'T WATI FOR THE NEXT ONE. LOVE IT, LOVE IT--INDIGO

  • Music that UNITES
    author: Ellington's on Eighth

    ... My favorite songs are IFE and LOVE because they make me SMILE!!!! KUKU always gave a crowd pleasing peformance at Ellington's on Eighth where he played numerous times. KUKU is an fantastic musician, brother and energy force. Purchase this CD ... you will not be DISAPPOINTED!

  • GREAT! WORK!!!
    author: Bro Torrain

    Bro KuKu, this is a great piece of work, It is nice to see great!! local musicians producing outstanding projects. Some CD's you get about two or three songs that really interest you, but this one is packed full of great listening tones. It's was a pleasure writing this review your CD is worthy!! Peace Bro Torrain

  • Thank You!
    author: KUKU

    I am greatly honored to read all the great comments about my music. It's a blessing to have listeners like you all. I am full of appreciation, have a blessed year!

  • Great
    author: Dub-l D

    Can hardly wait til he comes out to Portland in February,just wish he was going to be in Seattle. The cd is all I expected and more. I have his first EP and that was how I became hooked on his sound. Great voice, great sound, but above all very addictive!

  • don´t call it "worldmusic"
    author: Linda Koennecke

    His music is so... creative on a very high level. Very mininmalistic arrangement because the artist wants you to concentrate on his vocal skills and diversity in lyrics and melodies. Yes, the guitar is somehow is speaker to the world. But not in an aggressive way, very smooth he comes along. Yes, he is truly a full enrichment to he international music scene (don´t you dare call it "worldmusic"). Linda

  • Absolute Favorite!
    author: aQTforever

    The most amazing music ever! I'm addicted to KUKU. I sampled the cd and then immediately purchased it. I listen to it all the time and everyone always asks who it is. The bonus track on the cd was a nice surprise, too. I think my top favorite tracks are "You Free Me", "She Said I'm Gone" & "Unexpected Pleasures"....all the tracks rock! You can even find him on myspace. Love your work KUKU and can't wait for the next cd! ~Jess~

  • WONDERFUL....
    author: The Anacostia Gazette

    You may not know of Mr. Kuku, but once you take some down time and listen to Mr.Kuku, you will love Mr.Kuku. Trust me, turn off the phone, unplug the door bell, tell people you are running away for the weekend, and put Mr. Kuku on your box. Then you will know why his ratings are as nice as they are. The man has a gift, and he is using the gift in a wonderful way. Tyree Amala Editor, The Anacostia Gazette

  • wow... wonderfull!!!!!!!!!
    author: patrick ezekwem

    love your music so much. i find it very comforting. I have not heard any album that sounds quite like this one. I am a big fan of the music that comes from coal city. i wish you the best. Patrick

  • author: Did'ZY from france

    fabolous thank you !!!!

  • Beautiful Music
    author: Karaam

    The acoustic guitar is wonderful. Easing and soulful. My baby girl loves IFE! She's one and a half and sings with it as she goes to sleep. You've done a wonderful job. Keep up the good work and look to hear more. A collaboration might be in order.

  • Sample
    author: steve

    Sampled the album nd is awesome!

  • Big brother am so proud of you,i always knew,u would be a great singer.luv u & G
    author: kuku Abimbola

    love all the songs especially the intro

  • So proud of you
    author: Sunmi Kuku

    I love this CD. So proud to be a Kuku...Anthony Hamilton has nothing on you...keep up the good work.

  • Private Concert to Inspire Love!
    author: Obayemi Idowu

    Mr. KuKu, the pied piper of acoustic love! This CD is so awesome that I can't get it out of my head. I'm singing Ife when I'm ready to sleep and Call It Whatever when I wake up and all through the day. Thank you for making it personal to me. It is powerful and definitely an inspiration for an aspiring acoustic guitarist. My Yoruba language is marginal but for people who don't understand any, the parts where he uses it in his songs, you understand that it is all about the love, sweet sweet love! The kind we all crave! Continue to bring it just like that, real, honest, sweet and basically intense!

  • Might be the best CD I own
    author: Kevin

    I had the fortune to meet Kuku last week, and I am buying 10 copies of his CD to give to all of the people I saw him with. It is that good! It is truly from the heart music that you will actually feel, not just hear. I had owned his Love Sessions CD prior to this just after hearing it for a minute in an art gallery. Unexpected Pleasures is truly a work of art.

  • Truly blesses my spirit, heart, and ears!
    author: DSJ

    This CD is fabulous! I dance to it, pray with it, laugh thanks to it. I play "Perfect Reality" to start my day off right. I would play "Ife" to a baby new to the world, and to an older person laying in bed getting ready to pass to the next world. And "Sunrise in Bed" . . . well, I'm sure you can figure out some situations where this song might work right nice. These days, it's rare to find a cd that doesn't require you to hit the "skip" button - UNEXPECTED PLEASURES IS THAT RARITY!! Buy it today and hear some real music!

  • author: Jackie

    Well, I say first that CDBaby in my opinion has provided Fantastic service to me...I've used the service, so far, twice,each order came to me with the SPeed of Lightning and in tiptop shape.I say Thank you very much!!!!!I have to say the arrival of a Sweet, Sweet CD Unexpected Pleasures...the music, prepares you to Be Love, to Be in Love, to Marvel in Love, to Keep Love, and to Let Love Go,...the words are simple and Very Sweet. I love it. When listening to it I feel like I'm listening to my Big Brother tell me about his LOVELIVES...very close and personal. GReat, Great Music..Mr. KuKu. Unexpected Pleasure..:)

  • Wonderful follow up
    author: Mayo

    I love this follow up to Love Sessions and am especially taken w/the hidden track. Ife is a beautifully written song and the music is very tranquil. Continued success to Kuku.

  • author: Sade

    Love the CD... but my favorite is definitely "Ife" which is a must buy and the words to the songs are beautiful...Mr Kuku, you have come a long way... great job!!!

  • A Soulful Masterpiece
    author: alexei tsybine jendayi

    Truly a masterpiece! Kuku's music is sooo soulful. The melodies are elegant and the lyrics are thoughtful! Kuku's approach, which strips music down to its basics, is refreshing. The tracks are built around acoustic guitar, bass, and bongos, with occasional sprinkling of a flute, organ, or piano. Definitely not overproduced. JUST Right! The CD starts with a melodic title track, where Kuku sings, "Unexpected Pleasures, that's what I'm going to give to you." Next comes "Perfect Reality," an uplifting blend of acoustic music and a house/downtempo arrangement – unexpected indeed. Every time I see Kuku in concert, it seems like fans especially love "Ife." It's a beautiful Yoruba song that draws you in and keeps you singing along. Kuku's sensual journey continues, from the melancholic "She Said I'm Done," to the uplifting "After the Rain," funky “Love,” feel good “No Raindrops,” and the beautiful "You Free Me" -- a song that is on its way to becoming the new anthem of all romantics. I've been waiting for this CD for quite a while and it's certainly worth the wait! Kuku's accented vocals are strong and melodious. His 5-octave range is amazing (on "It's alright" you'd think he's Louis Armstrong). A truly amazing CD! Pick it up today!!

  • you are a real gem to home ...NIGERIA
    author: akingbemi

    I have just listened to samples of this cd and its a must buy!!.Its such a pleasure to hear real music from the soul in a world of 'gangsta music',everything is gangsta now,no one sings about love anymore.My broda i hope you make it to the top and will surely let our people in the uk, know about you and your music.'ijebu omo alare'...

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