Kima Otung, the exciting Welsh-Nigerian Pop/R&B artist, had a breakout year in 2022, highlighted by her showcase at the FIFA World Cup 2022 as a “Best of British” representative for UK music. This propelled her into the global spotlight alongside notable figures like Basement Jaxx.
In 2023, Kima continued her ascent by headlining Budweiser’s BRIT Awards showcase, performing at BAFTA and being invited to attend 10 Downing Street to celebrate her contribution to UK Arts and Culture. Her live sets on prominent platforms like BBC Radio 1 and appearances at venues like the Southbank Centre, The Wales Millennium Centre and festivals across the UK have fortified her reputation as a captivating live performer.
Recognised by Google Arts & Culture and TRENCH as a Future Leader in Black British Music and Culture, Kima’s music aims to empower women and girls to be delusional when it comes to their self-belief, a message that has resonated in mainstream media with her tracks from her debut EP, “Note to Self”, featured on ITV’s hit show, Love Island, and shows on MTV, Amazon Prime, BBC, Channel 4 and brands like Budweiser and Zumba. She was recently celebrated by BBC Radio 1Xtra who highlighted her as a prominent woman doing ground-breaking work in the music industry.
Kima is also the co-founder of direct-to-fan subscription platform for musicians, Insidr Music. Insidr allows artists to monetise an asset they have in abundance; unreleased music, and pays them 4000% more than streaming platforms. As a former corporate lawyer, Kima was shocked when she learnt of the inequity artists experience in the music industry. Her mission with Insidr is to help artists flourish financially in their careers through monetising their unreleased music and exclusive content on the app. The app launched this year to critical acclaim and is home to thousands of artists and their fans.
Kima produces most of her music and her rising prominence is underscored by accolades such as receiving the PRS Momentum Award and collaborations at Abbey Road Studios with notable figures like Michael Gracey, the director of Hollywood musical “The Greatest Showman” who describes her as “stupidly talented”.
Kima’s musical journey, which began at the Welsh National Youth Opera at age 14, has matured into a multi-instrumental talent with a sound enriched by classical and gospel influences. Her growing acclaim is mirrored by extensive media coverage in Metro, Google Arts & Culture, Music Week, Wonderland, BBC News, Refinery29, Wales Online and more.
Her debut album, “The Immigrant Kid”, is out now.