By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Acclaimed Afro-folk storyteller Richard Kings and producer-composer Banla have joined forces for a deeply moving 12-song project that explores happiness, love, and emotional truth.
The collaboration, now in production, emerges from a shared vision to create music that resonates across cultures, rooted in authenticity and timeless human experiences. This ambitious body of work delves into happiness not as a fleeting moment, but as a deliberate state shaped by vulnerability, memory, and connection.
Drawing from Afro-folk traditions, contemporary acoustic sounds, and global musical influences, the project reflects the duo’s commitment to crafting songs that heal and uplift. Each of the twelve tracks offers a unique perspective, weaving together melodies and lyrics that celebrate joy, intimacy, and gratitude.
The collaboration began organically, sparked by mutual respect and a desire to create music free from pretense. Over months of songwriting and reflection, Banla and Kings shaped a cohesive collection that feels both intimate and universal. Their work eschews fleeting trends, focusing instead on emotions and stories that endure across time and place. The project’s first single, “C’est Toi,” arrives January 1, setting a tender and hopeful tone for the new year.
Sung with sincerity, the song celebrates the person who embodies home and anchors happiness in everyday life. Its gentle instrumentation and heartfelt lyricism invite listeners into a warm, affirming embrace. On Valentine’s Day, the official music video for “C’est Toi” will debut, amplifying the song’s themes of love and emotional closeness.
The video, designed to mirror the music’s intimacy, will focus on shared moments and vulnerability, prioritizing human connection over spectacle. The remaining tracks will roll out progressively, each exploring happiness through diverse emotional and cultural lenses.
Together, the songs serve as a reminder that joy is not stumbled upon but cultivated and shared. Banla and Kings have created a sonic refuge, inviting listeners into a space where love is gentle, and music speaks to the soul. With this collaboration, the duo establishes a powerful testament to the enduring beauty of human bonds, blending Afro-folk, acoustic, and soul influences into a project that promises to resonate far beyond its release.
