If music had the power to exhale the weight of the world, The Black Karl’s latest single Chimbok would be its wistful, melodious sigh.
The rising Montreal-based artist, whose unique blend of R&B, Afrobeats, and Hip Hop has already captivated listeners globally, delivers a track that is as much about escapism as it is about empowerment.
In Chimbok, the term—which translates to "cigarette" in Karl’s native Congolese language—becomes a metaphor for seeking temporary solace during life’s storms. It’s not about indulgence but about those quiet moments we all crave when the world becomes too loud.
The song takes this raw emotion and wraps it in a smooth, hypnotic rhythm, melding Karl’s velvety vocals with a beat that feels like it’s been plucked from the heart of a smoky lounge in Kinshasa and transported straight to a neon-lit club in Montreal.
The Black Karl’s voice is a revelation in Chimbok: soulful, textured, and laced with vulnerability. His delivery is introspective yet confident, like a late-night conversation with a close friend. The Afrobeats influence gives the track a subtle but undeniable sway, making it both a head-bobber and a heartstring-puller.
Lyrically, Chimbok is more than just a song—it’s a lifeline. Karl explores the universal need to escape, reflecting on moments of struggle while offering hope that brighter days lie ahead. It’s a message that resonates deeply, especially in a world still navigating its collective healing process.
Speaking about the track, Karl describes it as a journey of transformation. “Just like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon or a phoenix rising from the ashes, we all have the power to transform and rise stronger after difficult moments,” he says. And with Chimbok, he doesn’t just deliver that message—he embodies it.
This release also showcases The Black Karl’s mastery of his craft. His knack for weaving cultural and emotional narratives into music is remarkable, effortlessly bridging his Congolese heritage with the contemporary sounds of his Canadian home. It’s no wonder Radio Intense called him "the young mastermind who has a lot to offer."
Whether you’re winding down after a long day or searching for a sonic pick-me-up, Chimbok is a must-listen. It’s an anthem for those who’ve felt the weight of life’s challenges but refuse to let it keep them down. And if this is the kind of artistry we can expect from The Black Karl moving forward, he’s not just an artist to watch—he’s an artist to hold onto.
Your music reflects a beautiful fusion of Congolese heritage and contemporary sounds. How has your upbringing in Kinshasa and your life in Montreal influenced the unique blend of R&B, Afrobeats, and Hip Hop that defines your sound?
Thank you for having me and for the great question! Growing up in Kinshasa, I was immersed in the Congolese culture, and I also had the privilege of singing in a church choir, which introduced me to powerful gospel influences. These early experiences gave me a strong foundation in music, for real.
When I moved to Montreal, I was introduced to a whole new world of R&B, Hip Hop, and other contemporary sounds. The combination of my Congolese roots, gospel background, and the diverse musical culture of Montreal allowed me to create a unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and Hip Hop. It’s a sound that reflects my heritage while embracing new horizons, and the gospel’s uplifting energy is always at the heart of it.
In Chimbok, you use the term "chimbok" as a metaphor for escapism and resilience. Can you tell us more about how you developed this concept and what inspired the song's introspective yet hopeful message?
"Chimbok" was born from a time in my life when I was in a dark place, feeling weighed down by challenges. The word "chimbok," which means "cigarette" in my native language, became a metaphor for seeking temporary relief—something to escape the momentary struggles.
But even during those tough times, I always trusted in my power of transformation and resilience. I can always rise from the ashes like the Phoenix I am. The song reflects that inner strength—the belief that no matter how deep we fall, we can always rise again, find peace, and keep pushing forward with hope. "Chimbok" is about embracing our ability to escape, heal, and come out stronger.
You’ve described Chimbok as a song that offers connection and comfort to those navigating tough times. What do you hope listeners will feel or take away after hearing it, especially given its universal themes of transformation and hope?
I want them to have fun and feel uplifted because even in difficult moments, joy and growth are always within reach.
Radio Intense called you “the young mastermind who has a lot to offer.” With over 200K streams and growing recognition, how has your sound evolved since your single, Body on Me, and what can fans expect from you in the near future?
I've always loved my versatility when it comes to music, ngl haha! Experimenting with alter egos like Raja Debel or Da'Quan Corvonte, each representing different sides of my artistry. These fictional personas allow me to express a range of emotions and styles, offering innovation to my listeners. In the near future, they can expect... beautiful surprises! Maybe visuals, maybe Grammys here and there, and maybe an 'Entitled Uppity African.
As I'm stepping into this new era of my life, of course, I wanna inspire but also reclaim the term 'uppity' that I know has a pejorative connotation. It's a way of accepting my African heritage and who I am and showing my people that we have the right to be who we are unapologetically! The journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to share what’s next!
Your music often feels deeply personal and vulnerable while maintaining a sense of strength and empowerment. How do you balance these elements in your songwriting, and how do they reflect your own journey as an artist and individual?
I'd say my alter egos and music allow me to express emotions in a way that detaches me from reality through fictional stories we create. I balance vulnerability and strength by tapping into the raw emotions I experience, but not necessarily drawing from real-life events or people.
Most of the time, my songs are inspired by emotions rather than specific situations, which gives me the freedom to craft a narrative that feels out of my inner reality. My music is my own space to explore these emotions, where I can be both vulnerable and empowered at the same time.
Thank you for having me and tapping into my reality. Sending everyone reading lots of real love cause that's all we need!