The latest single from Rotimo brings a flare and reggaeton smoothness and brings on an R&B overtone that all comes together into a colorful and vibrant single.
"Shockolate" is an absolute blast and really lets Rotimo shine with layers of vocal harmonies and a catchy rhythm that is 100% sure to get your ass shaking in seconds flat.
The track bounces and showcases the artists character and energy as a performer.
This release has its intricacies and also lets you see his attention to detail, but it never loses that rhythm or that groove.
Rotimo was born for this, and the sheer pop flow of this single shows it.
It's insanely danceable and comes through as just a completely good time.
It's awesome for the club or a party as well and if you bring your woman with you, her hips will start moving to the beat in seconds flat.
The song also has a killer video that also shows the artists presence even more and the way it was shot was quite fun and brilliant as the colors of this shoot were spot on with the colors of the song so to speak.
It all goes together nicely, and you get a great feel for what Rotimo can do.
With the release of such a wonderful banger, we wanted to have a chat with Rotimo to see where this came from and how it all worked.
Here's what happened.
RAG: Okay so let's start with "Shockolate". The track had a very smooth feeling undertone and came through vibrant and colorful! Where did this song come from?
Thanks :), I wanted to write a happy up-tempo Afro-pop love song and I've always had a thing for chocolate. Growing up in Nigeria, quite a few people pronounce chocolate as 'Shockolate'. In this song, I'm expressing a new way to say the person you love 'turns you on' using the phrase 'shock my shockolate'.
RAG: I'm hearing some great styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Gosh I have so many! Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Fela Kuti, Prince, Maxwell and many others. Basically take all that Rnb/Pop and stick it on an Afrobeats song and you've got Rotimo.
RAG: The video was super fun for this one! Did it come out how you expected?
Yeah, the video was super fun! Shout out to the Director Luke Biggins who shot it (R.I.P). It turned out even better than what we had in mind.
RAG: So how did this all begin for you really? When did you fall in love with music?
Music began for me listening to my mother's collection of sounds. The greats like M.J., Stevie Wonder etc. For some reason, the old school voices just resonated with me a bit more. Michael Jackson music videos particularly took my love for music to a whole new level.
RAG: What's next for you as an artist?
Well along with the Shockolate song, I launched my own brand of Shockolate Chocolate bars on www.shockolateshop.com so that's keeping me very busy also. It's currently in the UK only but will be expanding to the rest of the world soon. I'm also lining up a few shows in the UK from June until the end of the year with the aim of doing a tour in 2023. In addition, more music of course. At least two more singles this year and many more major plans to announce.
RAG: What inspires you to write a song?
I love music so I'm a big fan of the process of creation. Each song is inspired in different ways. Sometimes it's carefully crafted based on real situations, sometimes I create a scenario in my head but either way, I just let it hit me.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
Well these days, it's running my shockolate chocolate bar business, spending time with my loved ones, watching a good series on Prime or Netflix, going to nice restaurants. Most of all, I just try to spend a lot of time with my girl. After the events of the last couple of years, being around those who matter most to me is the highest priority along with my music.
RAG: Who are you listening to right now?
I'm currently listening to a lot of DVSN, Gallant, Wizkid, JP Cooper, Maxwell, and way too many more. Lots of Spotify playlists going on lol.
RAG: Are you doing live performances?
Yes, as I mentioned earlier, I have a few coming up; a UK festival in June called the Hanwell Carnival and a headline concert in London in July which will be announced at the end of this month along with other dates to follow.
RAG: This single seems like a big undertaking. What kind of advice might you have for other up and coming artists out there?
I'd just say to other artists to be persistent, resilient, and independent (even if signed, just do it and don't wait around for strings to be pulled). Just as important as that, I'd say know who you are and have an unshakable belief in that person.
RAG: Before we go, what would you all like to say to fans of the music?
Massive thanks to all fans of music, you make it all worth it. Keep supporting and spreading love, there's plenty more to come. Peace!