Rapper and singer-songwriter to release genre-bending EP

A South London rapper and singer-songwriter aims to break down genre boundaries with his debut EP, set to be released this month.

Born in Johannesburg and raised in Balham, Liam Mera Kai has been turning heads with his unique melodies and mixes since his debut 2023 single ‘The View’.

The young artist is now ready to unveil his first six-track collection, ‘it’s fine once you’re in‘ on May 29, ahead of his live show at Soho’s Gibson Garage on July 15.

Mr Mera Kai said: “I’ve always found that writing is when I’m at my most vulnerable but also my most expressive and this EP felt like a way to speak without pressure. 

“It’s wild to think that the project is finally here. I wrote it over the last 18 months with just one thing in mind – it had to be honest. 

“It really feels like my most explorative work both lyrically and sonically. Sometimes painful and reflective, but a real pleasure to make.”

At the heart of this new project is ‘wishbone’, a standout first single fusing alt hip-hop and neo-soul with jazzy beats and introspective rhymes. The follow-up single ‘I WANDER’ pushes further into experimental territory, straddling the boundaries between rap and melody while incorporating some alternative R&B.

He said: “The sound of this EP is a cocktail of dream-like soundscapes, vocals and rapping that isn’t solely rap, R&B or alternative. Maybe people haven’t heard much of those elements colliding, that’s why I was so heavy on doing it.”

This final track draws inspiration from artists like Dijon, Mk.gee, Bon Iver, and Frank Ocean, creating a vulnerable atmosphere that lingers long after the EP comes to its end. 

Creating, evolving, and pushing personal boundaries is what ‘it’s fine once you’re in’ is all about, according to the artist.

He said: “It’s fine once you’re in, so dive in”.

To celebrate the release, Mr Mera Kai has confirmed live performances at several upcoming shows, including a visit to The Camden Club on May 28 and The Gibson Garage on July 15. 

Pre-save the EP HERE

Pictured top: Liam Mera Kai who will release his EP on May 29 (Picture: Kayla Raquel Middleton)