At just over 70-seconds long, Kidepo's "One" video is a short but breathtaking introduction to a new artist and his voice. "I'm never lost, I just lust for the world" he sings in a rich, deep baritone as the camera pans back to reveal more and more lush forest greenery. The song, which falls somewhere between soul and R&B, plays as we see natural beauty of stunning waterfalls and trees.
The 25-year-old artist was raised between London, Uganda, and Philadelphia and took his name from the Kidepo Valley National Park in Uganda. His current home is alongside Lil Silva and Francis and The Lights as part of the Good Years label roster.
Speaking to The FADER via email, Kidepo said: "I was working with a medical charity in Karamoja, Uganda (by Kidepo Valley National Park). I have ancestors from there, and look strikingly like the people of that tribe, but couldn’t communicate with them. A friend of mine had just told me about hiraeth— a Welsh world meaning “homesickness for a home you can’t return to,” and the lyrics struck me as we were riding back home. I recorded this at 6 a.m. the next day, and this project was born. This song is about longing for roots, so for the video, I chose to plant myself in the one place I love the most.”
Check out the short but sweet intro to Kidepo above and keep your eyes out for an EP coming soon.