My Freedom by Kingsley Ibeneche

Kingsley Ibeneche's revolutionary love song My Freedom is out today on Astro Nautico. In his words:

"My Freedom has definitely evolved from over a year ago when I first wrote it. It was innocent, simply about love in its purest.

"I didn’t know it would turn into the monster and the medicine. I never thought each word recited would have a need in this moment. I didn’t know the importance of this truth would stand so firm.

"I think because the timing and evolution of this song is so perfect, it scares me. I prayed that this song wouldn’t be a mournful song. But it would be a song of uplift, and conscious bravery.

"I’m even scared to take the people's attention away from what’s going on. Something in me doesn’t want to soothe the people. I rather them burn anyone who stands in the cause's way. I want them to feel every blow and let it fester.

"But of course I am a prophet and a king. The wise man cares not about the fruits of action or inaction. He makes a choice, and stands by it. So I stand by the healing of the people, and I am glad that god bestowed upon me this message over a year ago. I am honored to be a servant to the cause. 'My freedom' is a choice!!"

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My Freedom was executive produced by Lee Clarke and features saxophone by Jarrett Gilgore, whose Lilypicker solo project is forthcoming on Astro Nautico. All proceeds generated by the release of My Freedom benefit Atlantics X, a mutual aid fund providing financial assistance to artists impacted by COVID-19 in Astro Nautico's extended community.

Kingsley Ibeneche is a Nigerian American performing artist based in Camden, New Jersey. Enticed by a vision of using multidisciplinary creative energies to highlight social change, Ibeneche’s work aims to connect African people and the African diaspora through movement and sound. His debut album Udo was released in September 2022.