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Artist Spotlight 3rd Edition: Khatumu
Indie's rising star breaks boundaries and defies expectations 🎵🔥
Blacknalt
April 19, 2025
Blacknalt Artist Spotlight 3rd Edition: Khatumu
Introduction
In a world where blending in is the norm, a bold few dare to stand out, disrupt expectations, and carve their own paths. Welcome to Blacknalt’s ARTIST SPOTLIGHT—a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of rising BIPOC musicians who are reshaping the alternative music landscape.
Music has never been one-size-fits-all, and neither are the artists we highlight. While we embrace the alternative spirit, our spotlight isn’t confined to a single genre. From the electrifying riffs of rock to the hypnotic beats of K-pop, the soul-stirring melodies of R&B, the raw emotion of indie, and everything in between, we celebrate the innovators, the rule-breakers, and the storytellers who challenge the status quo.
This series is more than just a showcase—it’s a movement. It’s about recognizing the cultural depth, artistry, and resilience of BIPOC musicians who are pushing sonic boundaries and bringing fresh perspectives to the music industry. Each feature dives deep into their creative journeys, struggles, triumphs, and the influences that shape their sound.
So, whether you’re looking for your next favorite artist or simply love discovering music that defies expectations, Blacknalt’s ARTIST SPOTLIGHT is your front-row seat to the future of sound. Stay tuned, because these artists aren’t just making music—they’re making history.
Listen to the artist spotlight playlist here:
This is Khatumu
Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and what do you create?
I am from Queens, NYC/Sierra Leone, and I create electrified folk music.
What first inspired you to start making music?
Boredom during the COVID pandemic. I wanted to fill my soul with something—music was the only thing that moved me at the time.
How would you describe your sound in three words?
trap, electrified,& folk
What’s a dream collaboration for you?
Maddison Cunningham
It's my first name, and I already had both the TikTok and Instagram handles, so I thought, "Okay, this is going to be my artist name too." It's Sierra Leonean and means "daughter of Muhammed."
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?
pinegrove, Dayglow, Tyler Childers, and Big Thief.
Was there a specific moment when you knew you wanted to pursue music seriously?
Yes. I sang at my class graduation for Yale University 2024 commencement.
What’s something you wish more people understood about being an up-and-coming artist?
BRO I am BROKE! so like...yeah that's really it I'm grinding but its super tough out here for real for real.
What message or impact do you hope to leave with your music?
I want people to feel guided to their decisions by my music. You know when you have a problem and you approach a friend about it already kind of knowing what you should do but wanting that gentle nudge in the right direction from a trusted friend? I want my music to be that for people who don't have that friend. <3 Spending kindness and good vibes and cool tunes.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or releases?
Yes! I have a single coming out April 2nd and an EP coming out in June :)
Conclusion
Whether you’re walking through a blooming cityscape, journaling at a coffee shop, or watching the world go by from your window, Khatumu’s music becomes the perfect soundtrack. There’s a vulnerability and intimacy in their songs that feels rare—like they’re not just performing for you, but sitting across from you, guitar in hand, sharing pieces of their soul.
What makes Khatumu truly stand out isn’t just their talent, but their intention. They aren’t trying to fit into the mainstream—they’re creating an entirely different lane, one where emotion leads, and authenticity echoes in every note. In a time where much of music is driven by algorithms and virality, Khatumu offers something slower, something real. And that’s what makes them unforgettable.
Follow Khatumu on all Platforms
That’s a wrap for this edition!
Thank you for joining us in another issue of Blacknalt. We hope the stories, insights, and perspectives we’ve shared today have inspired, informed, and entertained you. As always, we’re committed to bringing you the latest and greatest from the alternative spaces where people of color are making waves.
Until next time, keep supporting, keep creating, and keep shining in your own unique way. We’ll be back soon with more stories that need to be told.
Stay weird, stay real, and as always—stay Blacknalt.
With love and respect,
The Blacknalt Team