Kola Bello: A Steadfast Rise to Success

by Loli Lucaciu

Kola – the name is resonating and memorable; the British accent, charming; the charisma, disarming. However, Kola “KiiBoard Kid” Bello’s haunting presence is due in large part to his unique musical skills. King of the keyboard and synth, the young artist started his musical career at the age of sixteen when his childhood friends provided him some propelling first projects with the likes of Tinie Tempah and Wretch 32. More so, they were a strong support system, guiding him over a period of four years and teaching him everything from repertoire and technique, to touring and business etiquette.Ever since his early committal to music, Kola had a fast and blossoming artistic trajectory in which he expanded his expertise into the realms of artist and brand development, musical direction and live event production. Today, he boasts collaborations with other big names like Naughty Boy, Bonobo, Alex Clare and Gentleman’s Dub Club. Kola’s main influences include Hip Hop, Soul and Rock, but his end musical products cover a wider spectrum of genres that encompasses Funk, House, Prog Rock and Reggae. Kola’s music encourages a sentimental immersion into the sounds he produces: “Music to me is just a vibe, it’s energy and an expression of how you feel. Do you know that feeling [you get] when you listen to something on the radio and think ‘every word was meant for me, that was my last week.’” Kola openly confesses that one of his main motivations in the music realm is his ability to change people’s emotions.And so he does. I remember being much engulfed into the power of his sound as he was skillfully enchanting audiences in Alex Clare’s “Three Hearts Tour” show in Atlanta, Georgia, this last December (2014). The experience was so heart-felt and Kola’s talent and presence were so striking, that I ended up joining the tour for two other shows, in New Jersey and in New York City.  Each performance proved to be a private delight as I let Alex Clare, Kola and the rest of the team play with my soul. Complex and harmonious alternative rock, electronica and dubstep rhythms, combined with honest lyrics, fiery dedication, and audience engagement seemed to be the perfect mix to reach beyond the physical presence of listeners. Looking back to the 2014 journey alongside Alex Clare, Kola declares that the highlight of the tour was travelling to Washington, D.C. for the menorah lighting at the White House. There, the musicians played for politician Joe Biden and the 100 million viewers watching them live worldwide.

[pullquote]Do you know that feeling [you get] when you listen to something on the radio and think ‘every word was meant for me, that was my last week’”[/pullquote]

Kola’s musical creations are personal – he translates his daily sentiments and moods into sounds that are then shared with his listeners. He declares that he feels compelled to push himself further in his passion by always competing with his mind on what he thinks is acceptable: “I’m always trying to go above and beyond.” Kola remembers a specific episode in his past that infused him with a renewed sense of dedicated ambition: “I was preparing for the Wretch 32’s Black & White Tour (2012). During rehearsals, the music director called me up and frankly told me that I needed to do better, that what I was doing was enough, but that I needed to do better. Those words will stay with me for an eternity.” While music is life for him, Kola needs to constantly make concessions in order to further his career. “Family, friends, relationships, health, I sacrificed it all. It’s all about finding the right balance, so that you can enjoy life as much as you do your art. I’m still working on this.”Kola’s future projects include building his Rockstar Etiquette Brand and “breaking America” with Gentleman’s Dub Club on its tour to promote its second studio album, Big Smoke. He is also collaborating with various producers to further his personal ideas. Living by the motto “Say what you think, act how you feel, live what you believe,” Kola is sure to continue rendering his genuine passion for music and living into powerful sounds.