Harrow Rapper Kibo Brings 'Kwengletarianism' to UK Rap With Debut Album

Kibo, a 26-year-old rapper from Harrow, northwest London, has released what he describes as an exploration of finding magic in ordinary surroundings, according to an interview published by The Guardian.

Speaking during an interview at a local Irish pub, Kibo discussed the ideas behind his debut album, Kwengletaria: Ragamyff, which The Guardian described as one of the year's most inventive UK rap debuts.

The rapper explained the concept of 'Kwelengletarianism,' which he described as 'the idea of being in a place that's very grey, and trying to find a prismatic iridescence in it,' according to the interview.

Kibo told The Guardian he traced this outlook partly to childhood influences, including a preference for the video game Fifa Street over standard football simulations. 'If I'm gonna play a video game, I want to do some shit I can't do in real life,' he said, citing players known for spectacular, unconventional skill such as Mario Balotelli, Didier Drogba, Ronaldinho and Eric Cantona.

Kibo said he can recite from memory Cantona's 2019 UEFA president's award speech, which he described as a blend of King Lear and philosophical reflection. He called Cantona a 'Kwengletarian to the nth degree,' according to the interview.

According to The Guardian, Kibo has risen through London's rap scene with public endorsements from established artists including Skepta, JME and Dave. The publication noted that Harrow, his hometown, has previously produced musicians such as Kate Nash and Jai Paul but has not been known for producing rappers.

Kibo described the town's lack of rap tradition as advantageous, calling it 'a complete blank slate' that allowed him creative freedom, according to the interview.

The album reportedly reimagines mundane experiences through a fantastical lens. On the track Bakerloo Dragon, an ordinary London Underground journey is transformed into an imagined ride on a fire-spitting train. During the interview, Kibo asked whether the reporter's train to Harrow had produced sparks, noting that such effects reportedly occur 'after Stonebridge Park,' a station on the Bakerloo line.