By Oyinkansanyo Wole – Bodunde | April 15th, 2025 | Lagos, Nigeria
All seems set for the global release of SURULERE, a 4 track Extended Play (EP) of Kemi Otekaiye-Colloraffi a.k. a Nkan Eledua but known in diaspora as NKAN, scheduled for Easter Monday April 21st, 2025. The Afro- Pop/Afro-Jazz artiste has been around for a while doing her thing on and off the stage within and outside the shores of Africa.
NKAN is an African Culture activist, an actress, a partner with TheatreMania Africa Festival (TAF) and a multi talented recording artiste with an album and several singles to her credit over the years. She is the MD/CEO of NKAN Media and NKAN Music.
The journey of the current EP started as far back as 2007 when she composed some of the songs/lyrics.
In her words, she said ” The journey to “Surulere” has been long and winding. Some song lyrics were composed as far back as 2007, but the project gained momentum in 2024 and is finally seeing the light of day in 2025. It’s been a labor of love!”, she maintained.
For many in the African diaspora, NKAN’s music has become a source of pride and connection to their roots. Her unapologetic celebration of African culture resonated deeply, offering a fresh and vibrant voice on the global music landscape.
Her captivating yet very rich experience in life has illuminated a path for others to follow, carrying the vibrant rhythms and powerful stories of Africa to every corner of the globe.
When asked about the concept and drive behind the EP Surulere, Nkan has this to say “Surulere” is a vibrant 4-track EP packed with infectious rhythms and melodies. Each song is short, sweet, and uniquely flavored, blending inspiration, unity, love, celebration, and dance. The EP features four captivating tracks: Pepepe, Jangbala, Surulere, and Tipatipa” she proudly concluded.
Also, all hands are on the deck for a (SURULERE) EP NKAN’s Listening Party come Easter Sunday April 20th, 2025 after which the EP would be globally released the following day being Easter Monday April 21st, 2025.
“Surulere” EP will be available on all major streaming platforms globally, so stay tuned and get ready to groove to the rhythms and percussion of African tunes.
Artist Bio:
Nkan Eledua is my stage name; in Yoruba dialect it means “Something from God”. Singer, songwriter and percussionist, my genre of music is Afrocentric with an infusion of Af jazz and highlife. I started making art in order to share my gift of music with the world and to make a positive impact through my lyrics and art. I am from Ondo Stat Yoruba speaking part of Nigeria, West African. She preferred to be referred to as “NKAN”.
My recent events around the Bay Area in California; Performed at Fairfield High School Feb 2023, Performed at the Silicon Vally film Festival 2022, Performed at Awo Drum at the park festival at Las Gatos 2022, Performed at the WAREEM Fashion show San Francisco2021, Performed at the just concluded on-line project Onye Ozi organized by Afro Urban Society 2020. Performed at the US Black Heritage celebration by Suya X Afro Urban Society 2020. Sacramento Veterans day memorial event 2020. Performed with the Zulu Spare Band at San Francisco Art Museum 2019. Perfumed at the Rock Café in Antioch 2019. Performed at Richmond height festival 2019. Performed my solo song with Piwai at Umoja Festival 2019. Performed at the Oduduwa Heritage Award 2019. Performed alongside Gbadun Band opening for Seun Kuti 2019. Performed at culinary school at Napa alongside Zulu Spare band 2018, Performed at Teen Festival 2018.
