The Rise of KAIRO: A Resurgence for Black Boys in Pop

Written By: Yasmine Duhe

Courtesy of UMG

KAIRO, the Nigerian sibling duo of identical twins, AK and EJ Odjighoro, is redefining Black representation in pop. They unveiled their highly anticipated debut album, ARE WE THERE YET?, on Wednesday, November 13th. Their debut marks the emergence of two talented artists and a bold step toward creating a resurgence of Black boys in pop music—a movement that could be called the "Black Boy Pop Renaissance."  

A Bold Vision For Black Boys In Pop

“We want Black boys in pop,” AK declared, with EJ nodding in agreement. “We need new perspectives, new stories, new themes to bite into.” This sentiment resonated on social media, where they posted on X, “No but like genuinely, when was the last time you saw two Black boys at the front face of Pop?”  

The journey of the “SPECIAL” duo began in Naija, Nigeria before they migrated to Houston, TX, a city known for its rich musical culture. Growing up in their father’s church, AK and EJ discovered their voices in the choir, laying the foundation for their musical path.

Effortlessly Genre-Bending

Inspired by 90s pop, Khalid, and BROCKHAMPTON, KAIRO has developed a unique sound that blends R&B, gospel, alternative, and hyper-pop into what they describe as “front-facing”—a fresh approach to modern pop that both honors their roots and pushes boundaries. Partnered with Def Jam Recordings, home to powerhouse artists like Kanye West and Justin Bieber, this genre-bending duo is ready to show the world what they’re all about.

The Road to Are We There Yet? : Balancing School and Music

Achieving this milestone was far from easy. Balancing the demands of academia while recording over 200 demos and narrowing them down to 13 songs for the album tested their resilience.

“A lot of some of the hardships that happened during that time related to us also still being full-time in school,” they revealed. Despite the challenges, their dedication resulted in a cohesive body of work that reflects their soul, vision, and relentless drive.  

KAIRO’s debut isn’t just about breaking into the industry—but transforming it. Through their music and narrative, they amplify the need for diverse perspectives in a genre that has often overlooked voices like theirs.  

As the world tunes in, KAIRO—charmingly eager and undeniably talented—stands ready to redefine the boundaries of pop music. With ARE WE THERE YET? they confidently answer the album’s central question: yes, they are ready to make their mark.

Stream KAIRO’s debut album ARE WE THERE YET? now available on all major platforms.

Stay connected with the duo on Instagram and X: @iloveyoukairo