Kwabs is a London soul and electronic singer born in 1990. Born Kwabena Sarkodee Adjepong in Ghana, he grows up in Bermondsey in central London and spends part of his childhood in foster care. He is raised on soul, electronica, rock, classical and jazz, and his first break comes through a school music teacher, who introduces him to the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, where he sings lead vocals for three years.

Training and early exposure

After school, Kwabs studies jazz at the Royal Academy of Music. He then appears in the 2011 reality TV series Goldie's Band, in which Goldie assembles a group of young performers from difficult backgrounds for a royal performance at Buckingham Palace. At this stage, he does not plan a professional music career.

YouTube and recording career

Kwabs first attracts wider attention through a stripped-back YouTube cover of Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Like a Star”, which becomes a viral hit and leads to management interest. He uploads a number of original songs online, is tipped by MTV and BBC radio, and signs to Atlantic. His sound is described through the term “Synth&B”, combining his baritone voice with minimal electronic backing.

Releases and collaborations

His debut EP, Wrong or Right, is released in 2014 and features collaboration with London-born, Vienna-based producer Sohn. The songs on the EP are noted for their sparse, melancholy arrangements. A second EP, Pray for Love, follows, along with the more upbeat single “Walk”. Kwabs also works with Plan B and Dave Okumu on his debut album.