Kae Sun | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Kwaku Darko-Mensah Jr. |
| Born | Accra, Ghana |
| Genres | R&B[1] |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2006–present |
| Website | www |
Kae Sun is the stage name ofKwaku Darko-Mensah Jr., a Ghanaian-born Canadian singer-songwriter, producer and artist.
Kwaku was born inAccra, his parents had resettled in Ghana after being based in Germany for several years.[2] He immigrated to Canada to studyColumbia International College and later attendedMcMaster University graduating with a degree in Multimedia and Philosophy.[3] In Accra he attendedAchimota School where he first started writing and performing music.[3]
While attending university, Kwaku started using the stage name Kae Sun, performing at local clubs and making demo recordings. He also started playing guitar and experimenting with different styles and sounds.[3] He first gained some recognition when he was awarded a local music prize.
Kae Sun recorded and released his debutLion on a Leash in 2009 largely funded by a grant from theOntario Arts Council. He soon after re-located toToronto, Ontario.Lion On A Leash was well received among critics, garnering further recognition for Kae Sun.[4][5]
Kwaku followed up his debut with theEPOutside the Barcode, a folky, pared-down collection of songs inspired by his return to Ghana after years of living in Canada.[6] The song Firefly Dance from this collection was aKCRW Top Tune of the day.[7]
Kae Sun's second LPAfriyie was released in May 2013 and was co-produced by Kae Sun and production duo Science! (Joshua Sadlier-Brown and Marc Koecher). The record received favourable reviews from publications likeexclaim andAfropunk. AnMTV Iggy profile of the record said, "WithAfriyie, Kae Sun has managed to emerge as one of the most promising singer-songwriters in the international scene."[8] The tour forAfriyie included a set at the inauguralCBC music festival, support for the Toronto stop ofJanelle Monáe'sElectric Lady Tour and solo engagements in Germany.[2]
The song "Heart Healing Pulse" fromAfriyie was included in the Strumbo Hundo 2013, television personalityGeorge Stroumboulopoulos's list of the top songs of that year.[9]The Roots affiliated siteOkayAfrica also laudedAfriyie as one of the best releases of 2013.[10]
In April 2014, Kae Sun made his US debut at theApollo Theatre inHarlem, as part of the theatre's Africa Now Festival.[11]
"Ship and The Globe", the lead single fromAfriyie is featured in several episodes ofIt's Okay, That's Love. The song debuted at number 3 on theSouth Korea Gaon International Chart
Kae Sun has released a collaborative multimedia project featuring a short film and installation with art director Emeka Alams and German filmmaker Simon Rittmeier. The project included a 4-song E.P. released digitally[12][13]
Kae Sun released his third LPWhoever Comes Knocking on March 2, 2018. The LP features the singles Stalk and Treehouse.[14][15]
| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Lion on a Leash |
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| Afriyie |
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| Whoever Comes Knocking |
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| Title | Album details |
|---|---|
| Ship and the Globe (special edition) |
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| Title | EP details |
|---|---|
| Ghost Town Prophecy |
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| Outside the Barcode |
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| Oceans Apart |
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| Canary |
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Media related toKae Sun at Wikimedia Commons
