Akeem Ali, also known as Keemy Casanova, is the musical mastermind reviving the magic of 70s soul, RnB, and hip-hop for a modern audience. Hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, Akeem burst onto the scene in 2020 with his viral single that garnered over 8 million streams without the backing of a major label. With a keen eye for groovy fashion and a penchant for dance moves reminiscent of the 70s, Akeem's music transports listeners to a bygone era.
Quickly amassing a dedicated social media following that grew from a modest 14k to an impressive 149k fans, Akeem continued his retro-infused journey with the release of his second single, 'Shugga'. Staying true to his Keemy Casanova persona, 'Shugga' is rife with nods to 70s culture, instruments, and vocal stylings, making it impossible not to groove along.
In recognition of his success, Akeem signed with indie music label Winners United, where he is poised to reach even greater heights with the help of professional producers. Eager fans eagerly await the release of more EPs and a full-length album.
While rap music is Akeem's greatest passion, his unique approach sets him apart from his contemporaries. Akeem prefers to perform with live bands, incorporating oldies-style live instrumentation into his performances to create a truly immersive experience.
Despite his meteoric rise to fame, Akeem remains grounded and connected to his roots, crediting his strict upbringing and past struggles as essential stepping stones that shaped him into the artist he is today. Akeem's core musical style, which he describes as a blend of trap and boom bap, emerged from intense experimentation and ultimately gave birth to his alter ego, Keemy Casanova.
Akeem's love for music blossomed at the tender age of 11, when he discovered his talent for writing and poetry. Initially a form of emotional release, his passion for music soon became the driving force in his life. The inspiration for his alter ego, Keemy Casanova, came from a film about Muhammad Ali, with "Ali" translating to "champion," "noble," or "exalted." Through this persona, Akeem fearlessly voices his opinions and remains unapologetically true to himself.
Immersed in the captivating allure of the 70s, Akeem Ali seamlessly blends this nostalgic aesthetic with a contemporary edge. As reported by Growth Illustrated, the rapper expertly fuses trap and boom-bap styles, creating a unique sound that sets him apart. This innovative approach is prominently showcased through his alter ego, Keemy Casanova, where Akeem masterfully combines clever wordplay and rhythmic cadence to captivate his audience.
As seen, the nostalgic allure of 70s music resonated deeply with Akeem, despite not having lived during that era. Embracing this genre allowed him to feel connected to a powerful cultural movement that inspired his work. For Akeem, family and community bonds hold a special place in his heart, and their influence is evident in his music and writing.
