Cairo - Double Love (Official Video)
Emerging artist Cairo announces his debut EP ‘Double Love’, set for release September 27 via Los Angeles-based independent label Cascine. Alongside the news, he shares the first track of the same name.
Cairo is a north London bred-and-based musician who combines his love of R&B, soul and jazz to create a timeless take on pop music. The Double Love EP marks his debut - a distillation of the Black queer experience viewed through a UK-focused lens. The first track ‘Double Love’ stands out as a modern R&B anthem, where Cairo’s velvet-smooth vocals glide over intricate lyrics and a rich, textured melody that blends lush strings with a dynamic percussive groove. The track is more than just a song—it’s a narrative that delves into the complexities of navigating love and identity, particularly within the context of the Black and Brown queer community. The concept of ‘Double Love’ draws from the idea of the ‘Down Low’ or ‘DL,’ a term used to describe men who have not publicly embraced their sexuality. Cairo reflects on this theme, noting, “Being Black and gay remains something of a cultural taboo, often pushing effeminate gay men to form relationships with those who are still closeted.”
Cairo’s musical roots run deep. Growing up in a Caribbean household filled with the sounds of Stevie Wonder, he taught himself to play the keyboard and write songs from the age of 12. By 16, he was honing his craft at East London Arts & Music (ELAM), a school known for producing talents like Flo, Tendai, and Sekou. His extraordinary talent was further recognised at the London Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP), where he was mentored by Gabriel Stebbing, who has worked with artists such as Metronomy and Christine and the Queens.
With the release of ‘Double Love’, Cairo is set to establish himself as a vital new voice in contemporary music, offering a fresh perspective on themes of love, identity, and self-discovery. Cairo will also be celebrating the release of his EP with a launch party at The Forge @ The Lower Third on 10th October.