Today I released “True Colors” from my EP Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.  I am beyond proud of this song, this video and everything that went into making this collection. Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood was and is a way to showcase the parts of me, musically, that aren’t limited to classical music, cello or beatboxing.  The songs, overall, have very little in common, except for the way they touch me, creatively inspire me, and make me feel.

Specifically, “True Colors” is a song that is, as timeless and universal as it is, deeply personal to me.  I am a black man raised by a Nigerian father and Grenadian mother, born in Pasadena and grew up in suburban Kentucky, private schooled in Massachusetts, attended an Ivy League college, and studied Mandarin in Beijing, China.  I play the cello, I beatbox, I cellobox, and I’ve also trained in classical saxophone and piano.  And while all of that is written on my wikipedia page summarized neatly into every bio that my label or management sends out to showcase my uniqueness, it’s also always going to be a reminder that I was, am and will never be exactly like anyone else. And that, for me, has always been hard, sad, confusing (for me and for others), frustrating and, often times, incredibly lonely. Don’t let me be misunderstood, I am insanely proud of my accomplishments and I’m so very thankful to be blessed with so many amazing opportunities and with parents, coaches, teachers, bandmates, and professionals who’ve helped to see me through. But still, not being completely understood is hard.

So, in the spirit of togetherness, oneness, humanity and knowing that it never, ever feels good to be misunderstood, defined or unseen, I dedicate this song to the kid in all of us who maybe just craves everything to be a little bit nicer every once in a while.

I love you all. Thank you for supporting me.

KO

Ps. I worked very hard to find the courage and confidence to sing these songs for you all and I am not even a little bit done.  More - original - KO music to come. Promise :)