I am not an avid fan of the indie group Bloc Party. I know a few words to about two or three songs. However, I am very intrigued by the group. It’s lead vocalist Kele Okereke who has got me! There is something subtly fascinating about him. Okereke was born in and raised in the UK to Nigerian parents. While growing up, Okereke was faced with racism, struggled with religion, toiled with grudges and discovered himself through indie rock music. And with that Bloc Party was formed with his college mates.
Kele Okereke is said to be very shy and a bit ‘stand-offish’. In an interview with Skyscraper Magazine, he said “Why is it important to know what I had for breakfast? Or who I went to bed with? Or what sneakers I am wearing? If it’s relevant to understanding my music, then so be it. But if it’s purely to satisfy the media’s obsession with celebrity, then no thanks. I don’t want to play that game.” If it was up to him, I don’t think he would participate in any media campaigns to promote himself as a solo artist or for his band!
Bloc Party is currently on hiatus. However, Kele Okereke has used the opportunity to go solo with recent release of his debut album THE BOXER, which adopts dance inspired influences from Bloc Party’s latest work. I have heard a few songs from the album and I am not sure about it. I don’t think I like it! But my fascination with Kele is overclouding my judgment. I think I just admire the fact that Kele is a British-Naija boy who is the lead singer of an international indie rock band. You don’t come across that very often!!!
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