Koko Jean Interview

 Koko-Jean's New Album, Love Child: A Soulful Journey from Mozambique to Barcelona, Spain with Koko-Jean & The Tonics! Discover The Essence of Soul, Grit, And Groove as She Makes History. 

Interview by Gina Sedman | The Indie Post Magazine Head Editor 

In this captivating interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Koko-Jean, a dynamic artist originally from Mozambique, Africa, now residing in Barcelona, Spain. Known for her powerhouse vocals and a sound that transports listeners back to the soulful eras of the '60s and '70s, Koko's style has drawn comparisons to legends like Tina Turner. For years, she fronted the popular band The Excitements, but recently, she embarked on a journey to create her own unique voice with her new band, Koko-Jean & The Tonics.  

In our conversation, Koko shares the story behind her latest album, Love Child, and the inspiration and challenges she faced in bringing it to life. From paying homage to the forgotten neighborhoods of Barcelona to crafting songs filled with life, love, and resilience, Koko's music is a testament to her passion and unbreakable spirit. I had the honor of speaking with a fantastic woman to explore the creative world of Koko-Jean and the powerful messages woven into her work. Here's what she shared. 

Gina: Hi, Koko! How are you today? 

Koko: I'm well, thank you. 

Gina: Awesome. First, I’d like to thank you for your time. Your career has been amazing and vibrant, and your voice is both beautiful and powerful! I’m so excited to speak with you about your illustrious career. 

Koko: Thank you! 

Gina: You’re so welcome. Now, you have a unique background, so let’s talk about it. To start, where are you originally from, and where are you based now? 

Koko: Yeah, absolutely. Well, I'm originally from Mozambique, in southern Africa, but I'm adopted Catalan. I was adopted by a Catalan Spanish family. 

Gina: So, you grew up in Mozambique. That's beautiful. 

Koko: Yes, I was born and raised there, and my adoption was there too. I had a very multicultural upbringing. My education was English based, but I spoke Catalan and Spanish at home, English at school, and Portuguese on the streets. I also picked up other languages along the way. But yes, I had an international influence and a multicultural background. Now I’m based in Spain. 

Gina: Awesome! I've never been to Spain, but I hear it’s breathtaking. 

Koko: Oh, you must come! 

Gina: Oh yes, hopefully one day—I would love that! 

Koko: I live in Barcelona, and I’ve been here for about 17 years now. Time passes so quickly; I can’t believe it’s been that long. Barcelona was originally my family’s country, but I grew up in Mozambique and then spent 7-8 years in the US for university, so I didn’t really know Spain growing up. 

I came here for a vacation, to think about life and figure out the direction I wanted to go in, and Barcelona just felt like the city for me. A lot has changed in the music scene since I arrived, but overall, I find Barcelona to be a very complete city. It’s cosmopolitan in a Mediterranean way, with a big music scene, and I haven’t wanted to leave since. 

Gina: That’s fantastic! It sounds like you’ve truly found your place there, Koko. You mentioned the lively music scene in Barcelona, and it’s clear you’ve embraced it fully. But before becoming this incredible artist, there must have been a time when you first discovered your passion for music and decided to pursue singing. Let’s step back and explore how your musical journey began and how it’s shaped you into the artist you are today. Could you share a bit about your path and how your music has developed? 

Koko: Sure! "The Excitements" formed in 2009. I was the first singer they tried out, and they were very specific about the type of music they wanted to do. I was around 25 at the time. Music had always been in the back of my mind, but more as a hobby, not something I considered a serious career. 

But I like to say it was a happy accident—music chose me; I didn’t choose music. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. And it worked out well. There was a big soul revival happening in 2009 and 2010, with acts like Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings in the US and Amy Winehouse in the UK. In Spain, we kind of filled that niche. 

We were doing an Ike and Tina Turner, early-to-mid 60s-style soul, more in line with Stax Records than Motown. They were two different styles, and we received great attention. We were fortunate to find a booking agent who took us international. 

I always call that band “the never-ending tour” because once we started, it was non-stop every year. We were on the road 70% of the year, recorded two albums, but it eventually took a toll on me. I started feeling worn out. 

It was a hard-working band, business-minded but not very warm. It was just me and six guys on the road all the time, but it was an invaluable experience. I learned how to work professionally, how to perform on any stage, big or small. One day, we’d be at a festival in front of 30,000 people, opening for artists like Iggy Pop and The Stooges, Elton John, or sharing stages with legends like Erykah Badu and Sting. The next day, we’d be playing in a club for 200 people. It taught me humility, flexibility, and the importance of being professional for every audience, no matter the size. 

But after ten years, I felt it was time to spread my wings and pursue my own path. 

Gina: And that’s where Koko-Jean & The Tonics came to be? 

Koko: Yes! I formed Koko-Jean & The Tonics about ten years ago as a side project, a breather from the intensity of "The Excitements." Eventually, I left "The Excitements" to dedicate myself fully to The Tonics, my own band. They’re my musicians, and it allows me the freedom to sing what I want. 

It’s been about 2 to 3 years since I went all-in with The Tonics. Our first album was released just before the pandemic hit in 2020. Since then, we’ve managed to keep performing regularly. Now, four years later, we’re gearing up to release our second album, Love Child. 

Gina: Koko, that is amazing! What an adventurous story and journey in music. I love hearing how each person’s journey led them into where they are today. Thank you for your transparency and honesty regarding your musical journey. Now, let's talk about your album Love Child. Can you tell me a little bit about how that came about and, you know, what was your heartbeat and your inspiration behind it? 

Koko: Well, Gina, that's a very tricky question because we had to record an album because the record label was like, "Girl, it's been 4 years, so you better release something because that's how it works." (laughs) And I get it because you need material to tour. But one is not always in the mood, nor ready, nor inspired to suddenly make an album and start writing songs. Songs don't come that easily sometimes. I write all my own lyrics and everything I sing. 

So, as a woman, if for some reason you're personally not going through a great experience, it's hard to focus on writing. But I had to somehow, with the help of my guitarist Danny, who is kind of like my right hand or my vice president, if I were to say. He was helpful in working out ideas with me, getting together every week to extract something from me. At first, we didn't know what the album was about. I always like to compare it to a writer when you write your first bestseller, and you think, "OK, my first novel is out there," and then you don't think that people will be asking for a second novel. You've poured so much into the first one that it's kind of hard. Now, what do I got to say? You really got to search, dig in, and trust the process. It will come to you. But the trickiest part is always how to write songs that aren't cliché. 

There's nothing new under the sun. So, it's like, how can I make a song without it sounding like something people have heard before? What's special about Love Child is that I touch upon different things. 

There’s a song called “Frank’s Zone,” which is very dear to me because it’s kind of an homage to the forgotten people and neighborhoods of any city, but especially in Barcelona. It's about the contrast in our society, like tourism and all the wealth, and then these neighborhoods that aren’t talked about. We rehearse in that neighborhood. I really wanted to pay tribute to those forgotten zones, which is why it’s called “Frank’s Zone,” which is Zona Franca. 

It became a protest song against cheap tourism, the cost of living, and how expensive it's becoming in any city. Rents are going up, practically pushing us out, making it feel like Disney World for tourists who come, spend their money, and leave, while that really affects the people who live and love being here. 

Then there's a love song, the ballad, which pays homage to my mom, who was very much a 60s- and 70s-woman. It’s about those revolutionary parents that were activists in the hippie era. I wanted to write the kind of ballad she would have liked. 

For the first time, I’ve incorporated violins and different elements. It’s got a little more maturity to it. I think this album is more intentional. We’ve even dared to explore new areas. “Frank’s Zone” is more urban, with a groove that could be placed in the 70s but also resonates with today’s urban life. It’s a little like Amy Winehouse. It’s got a groove that could be considered funky and it’s a bit out of our usual style, but it worked because it’s genuine. All the songs carry messages of life because hope is what keeps the world moving. That’s the thread that ties the album together. There’s just a lot of great songs on this album. 

Gina: That’s truly wonderful! I am particularly moved by the heartfelt compassion you show for those who are less fortunate. It’s such a beautiful sentiment, Koko, and I’m genuinely wishing you all the best with this project. The message of caring for others is incredibly important, and I believe this album will resonate deeply with people. It’s exactly the kind of hope, encouragement, love, and compassion that we need to hear right now. Can you share where people can purchase this album? Also, please provide your website so everyone knows how to access it. 

Koko: Our album was released on all digital platforms in October, and to find out more about us, they can visit the website at www.bluztrack-productions.com. 

We’re excited. We hope that people enjoy the fruits of our labor with our new album, Love Child. 

Gina: Absolutely. I have no doubts that your supporters will love this powerful message and voice. Thank you again for your time and gracious conversation. 

I pray that the Lord will bless the works of your hands, be it done according to His will for your life. May your family, your friends, and your band be blessed. May the Lord keep you all safe through your travels. May God send wonderful people into your life who are integral, in your corner, and who mean well for you throughout your life. Thank you again for your beautiful time. 

Koko: Thank you so much for that blessing, Gina. Thank you. 

Gina: You are so welcome. Have an amazing evening and thank you for giving me a slice of your time. 

Koko: Oh, absolutely. Anytime. Thank you so much. 

Gina: All right, dear. Thank you. Have a wonderful evening. 

-THE END OF THE INTERVIEW -