Welsh-Nigerian Pop/R&B artist Kima Otung has released her highly anticipated debut album, The Immigrant Kid. Produced, written, and performed by Kima, this project is not only a raw, personal narrative about overcoming but also a testament to her extraordinary talent and vision as an artist.
“To be an immigrant kid is to be caught between two cultures, two sets of expectations and to battle for your self-esteem in a society that consistently reminds you that you don’t belong.” – Kima Otung
Rooted in her experiences growing up as an immigrant in South Wales, The Immigrant Kid explores themes of identity, parental expectations, and the unrelenting racial abuse that shaped her childhood. She recently published a piece to her website telling her story in full of growing up as an immigrant kid. Kima reflects on the fact that little has changed in the UK, evidenced by the riots we witnessed throughout the country this summer. Yet amidst the struggle, the album also reflects the unshakeable self-belief that Kima carried with her from a young age.
“This project is entirely me—my story, my sound, my voice,” Kima explains. “I wrote, produced, and performed every song. It’s an honest reflection of who I am, both musically and personally. From being a delusional little kid who was convinced that she was a superstar while growing up in a difficult environment, to now living out my dreams of being a music artist” Kima reveals with a smile.
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Listeners are drawn into the vivid scenes of her childhood in Pontypridd, where Kima and her family faced constant racism—from children spitting on them at bus stops and shouting racial slurs to teachers who denied them awards stating that they had to “look after their own”. One of Kima’s most poignant childhood moments comes from Kima’s discovery of the meaning behind her school nickname, “Minstrel,” which was in reference to “The Minstrel Show” which aired dehumanising stereotypes about black people. She had innocently embraced the nickname as a term of endearment until she learned its true meaning years later. Kima emphasises that while it was not everyone, it was everywhere.
“Every instance of racism felt like a freight train to my soul,” Kima reflects. “But this album isn’t just about the pain—it’s about overcoming it and finding my greatness and the incredible life I currently live.”The stories of first generation children of immigrants are nuanced. Kima’s album reflects on her parents desire for her to follow a traditional route and become a lawyer, doctor or engineer. Kima’s passion for music was sidelined when she studied law at university and became a corporate lawyer. But Kima realised the importance of going beyond the survival mentality many immigrant parents have to adopt, and elevating into a space where she is thriving.
From a sonic perspective, The Immigrant Kid showcases Kima’s extraordinary musical range. Drawing from her classical and gospel roots, she has crafted every element of the album herself—from the lush production to the intricate songwriting. The result is a sound that is uniquely hers, blending pop, R&B, and soul with her rich vocal performances at the forefront. Even the recording of the album required Kima’s resilience as she fought through losing her voice for months due to recurring acid reflux and the painstaking process of trial and error to get her voice back. She decided not to re-record the vocals as they’re an immortalised sign of her ability to get through difficult things and come out better on the other side.
The stories of first generation children of immigrants are nuanced. Kima’s album reflects on her parents desire for her to follow a traditional route and become a lawyer, doctor or engineer. Kima’s passion for music was sidelined when she studied law at university and became a corporate lawyer. But Kima realised the importance of going beyond the survival mentality many immigrant parents have to adopt, and elevating into a space where she is thriving.
From a sonic perspective, The Immigrant Kid showcases Kima’s extraordinary musical range. Drawing from her classical and gospel roots, she has crafted every element of the album herself—from the lush production to the intricate songwriting. The result is a sound that is uniquely hers, blending pop, R&B, and soul with her rich vocal performances at the forefront. Even the recording of the album required Kima’s resilience as she fought through losing her voice for months due to recurring acid reflux and the painstaking process of trial and error to get her voice back. She decided not to re-record the vocals as they’re an immortalised sign of her ability to get through difficult things and come out better on the other side.
Stream ‘The Immigrant Kid’ Album
Having already made waves on the global stage, Kima’s breakout performances at the FIFA World Cup 2022, BAFTA, and Budweiser’s BRIT Awards showcase have solidified her status as an emerging force in the UK music scene. Her music has been featured on prominent platforms such as BBC Radio 1, MTV, and ITV’s Love Island, with a growing fanbase inspired by her empowering message of self-belief and resilience. Her mission with her music is to help women harness their greatness.
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Beyond the deeply personal narrative, The Immigrant Kid also speaks to broader societal issues. The album serves as a reflection on the persistence of racism in the UK, echoing the tragic events of this year’s riots and reinforcing the importance of allyship in the fight against systemic injustice.
“My words to allies are simple: use your voice. Protect the immigrant kids in your community. If you see something good or beautiful in someone, tell them. Don’t assume they already know. Trust me when I say that the people who see the bad in them will make it their life’s mission to let them know repeatedly” Kima urges.
About Kima Otung
Kima Otung is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter who has captured the attention of the music industry with her blend of powerful vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and genre-defying sound. Recognized as a Future Leader in Black British Music and Culture by Google Arts & Culture and TRENCH, Kima is also co-founder of Insidr Music, a platform dedicated to empowering musicians by helping them monetize their unreleased work. Her work has been celebrated in major outlets such as BBC, Metro, Refinery29, and more. You can read her full biography here.
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Having already made waves on the global stage, Kima’s breakout performances at the FIFA World Cup 2022, BAFTA, and Budweiser’s BRIT Awards showcase have solidified her status as an emerging force in the UK music scene. Her music has been featured on prominent platforms such as BBC Radio 1, MTV, and ITV’s Love Island, with a growing fanbase inspired by her empowering message of self-belief and resilience. Her mission with her music is to help women harness their greatness.
Beyond the deeply personal narrative, The Immigrant Kid also speaks to broader societal issues. The album serves as a reflection on the persistence of racism in the UK, echoing the tragic events of this year’s riots and reinforcing the importance of allyship in the fight against systemic injustice.
“My words to allies are simple: use your voice. Protect the immigrant kids in your community. If you see something good or beautiful in someone, tell them. Don’t assume they already know. Trust me when I say that the people who see the bad in them will make it their life’s mission to let them know repeatedly” Kima urges.
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About Kima Otung
Kima Otung is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter who has captured the attention of the music industry with her blend of powerful vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and genre-defying sound. Recognized as a Future Leader in Black British Music and Culture by Google Arts & Culture and TRENCH, Kima is also co-founder of Insidr Music, a platform dedicated to empowering musicians by helping them monetize their unreleased work. Her work has been celebrated in major outlets such as BBC, Metro, Refinery29, and more. You can read her full biography here.
