Bawo - It Means Hope Where I’m From (Album)
Emerging as one of the most exciting and pioneering voices in UK rap in recent years, West London, by-way-of Nigeria, rapper Bawo releases 10 track project It Means Hope Where I’m From via his Say Nothing Records label.
Coursing through It Means Hope Where I’m From are themes of self actualization, determination and community. These themes are represented in the project’s visual assets which relay a narrative that sees Bawo transform from mild-mannered office worker into a superhero bearing the Say Nothing logo on his chest. The messaging here is not that Bawo is a saviour of the people, but instead that he hopes to empower others to unlock the hero within themselves, rather than projecting impossible ideals onto public figures and celebrities.
It Means Hope Where I’m From is brimming with all the qualities that have previously captivated audiences across the UK and beyond; Bawo’s astute storytelling and wry observations taking centre stage, with songwriting that transforms life’s difficult moments into lyrics that are catchy, relatable and empowering. With 2023’s Legitimate Cause being the world’s introduction to Bawo’s unique musical talents, It Means Hope Where I’m From develops on these foundations, continuing to push his sound in new and interesting sonic directions. Known equally for his stellar lyrics as avant-garde beat selection, the project’s tracklist covers a full spectrum of styles and emotions, including immediate, head-bobbing bangers such as ‘Kneecaps’ and ‘Man Of The Yeah’, glitchy, introspective musings like ‘Gladstone Broke Ltd.’ and ‘Tricky Stepper’, the hazy, guitar-driven ‘When The End…’ and the emotionally arresting project closer ‘Hope You’re Listening’. As an artist rapidly on the ascent, it is clear that Bawo’s current status is underpinned by years of experimentation and diligent work, culminating in a body of work that will equally move and excite listeners.
Highlights for Bawo over the past 12 months have included: featuring on tracks with a range of contemporary talents including Oscar #Worldpeace, Ashbeck, tn_490, Deema, Sam Wise and ATRIP, reinforcing his status as a formidable MC with an appearance on the Red Bull Raise The Bar Cypheralongside Capo Lee, Reek0 and Namani, premiering ‘Hope You’re Listening’ in a moving A COLORS SHOW performance and dazzling fans internationally at packed shows in Osaka and Tokyo. Singles put out prior to the project’s release (‘Magnifique’ ft. Jordy, ‘Belly Like Homer’ and ‘Hope You’re Listening’) have all been met with an astounding reception across DSPs, radio and press. Further to this, in the lead up to the project release, Bawo set up a blog where he shares his thoughts, BTS pics, memes and playlists, hoping to make a deeper connection with his audience.
Spanning as far back as 2020, a string of singles including ‘No Sleep’, ‘Starts With A Text’, ‘Headtop Buss From Luss’ and ‘SKATE’ set the foundations for Bawo’s organically accumulated fanbase, resulting in millions of organic streams across DSPs. It was at the start of 2023 that he released the Legitimate Cause EP, a mission statement on which he proclaimed himself as an artist to be taken seriously. Working with a close-knit team of collaborators, the 7 track EP featured rappers Reek0 and Oscar #Worldpeace as well as singer Ayeisha Raquel. Met with praise across the board, the record garnered impressive levels of support, including EP track ‘Not Just Yet’ being playlisted by BBC Radio 1Xtra, ‘Grace Is Calling’ being supported by Benji B, as well as ‘Stay Close’ receiving plays from Clara Amfo and Sian Eleri on BBC Radio 1. Further support came from DJ Target and CassKidd on 1Xtra, with Jack Saunders praising Bawo as “one of the most exciting prospects in UK Rap at the moment”. The project was hailed by The Guardian as one of the year’s best, stating, “best of all is this 25-minute release by west Londoner Bawo, who uses crisp trap, R&B and garage backings but whose doleful delivery casts them under grey weather.”
With the release of It Means Hope Where I’m From, audiences witness Bawo’s light continue to burn brightly, as he offers listeners a beacon of hope and self-discovery amidst increasingly difficult times.