(Alobo Ayemi)
Kito Swu is a 20-year-old country singer from Nagaland. He recently debuted with his single, “I’m Just a Man”, penned by his brother Pito Swu.
The young singer acknowledged his producer, Kevi Pucho, for his crucial support, while attributing all his success to the divine guidance.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music at Tetso College, Dimapur, he looks forward to the journey ahead as he explores new musical horizons.
Here is an exclusive interview with the promising artiste.
Eastern Mirror: Give us a brief introduction to those who have not heard of you yet.
Kito Swu: Hello, I am Kito Swu, a 20-year-old country singer. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music at Tetso College in Dimapur, which is a newly introduced course taught by experienced teachers. I recently released my debut single, “I am Just a Man,” with the help of my brother, Pito Swu, the composer, and my producer, Kevi Pucho. I believe my journey is just beginning, and I am excited to see how and where it will lead me.
Easter Mirror: How did you feel when your debut single was released?
Kito Swu: I felt both excited and grateful. It was a moment of great pride to see something we (my brother and I) had worked so hard on finally being shared with the world.
Easter Mirror: What inspired you to work on the song, and how did you find time to do so while also pursuing your academic goals?
Kito Swu: My brother wrote the song ‘I am Just a Man’. This song was inspired by his personal experiences and reflections on life. As a composer and singer, it was my responsibility to bring his vision and emotions to life through my music. We started this project immediately after my class 12 exams during the holidays, so I spent the majority of my free time working on it.
Easter Mirror: Who are some of your musical influences, and how have they shaped your artistic style?
Kito Swu: My musical influences include Don Williams, Alan Jackson, and other classic country artistes. From a young age, the country music genre has strongly influenced me to write country songs and draw inspiration from their storytelling and melodies. I strive to honour their legacy while also contributing my own distinct voice and perspective to the country music genre.
Eastern Mirror: Is there a line from “I am Just a Man” that you felt particularly connected to? If yes, please tell us more about it.
Kito Swu: Indeed, there is. I feel connected to the line “I am just a man, in this wild world,” because every day feels like a journey into the unknown as I seek my purpose and identity. It reminded me that, despite our differences, we are all just humans seeking comfort in this world. We are all just trying to survive and make sense of it all.
Easter Mirror: At what age did you begin singing, and how did your early life influence your decision to pursue this career?
Kito Swu: I started singing at the age of nine. During a holiday in my small hometown, my brother and I were singing songs we had learned at school when our father overheard us. He encouraged us to perform at our church, which was our first public appearance. The encouragement and support from the church community had a significant impact on me, cementing my commitment to singing ever since.
Eastern Mirror: Top five songs in your playlist.
Kito Swu: The current top five songs in my playlist are “I’m Just a Man” by Kito Swu, please stream it; “Livin’ on Love” by Alan Jackson; “Everything that Glitters (Is Not Gold)” by Dan Seals; “Coward of the Country” by Kenny Rogers; and “This World is Not My Home” by Don Williams.
Eatern Mirror: Any advice you would like to give your younger self?
Kito Swu: I would like to encourage my younger self to continue embracing his love of music. Every performance, big or small, is a step closer to realising your dreams. Believe in your talent, stay committed, work hard, and let your passion lead you. Your journey is just getting started, and great things are in store for you.
And for the young musicians out there, it is possible to excel at both academics and music. If you believe in your talent, put in the hard work, dedication, and master time management, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Eastern Mirror: Any future projects or collaborations?
Kito Swu: In upcoming projects, I am enthusiastic about pursuing new musical collaborations to enrich my artistic journey. I aim to create more original compositions and delve into various themes and emotions, seeking to resonate deeply with listeners. This includes potentially releasing a collection of songs, such as an EP or full album, that reflect my growth as an artiste and showcase diverse musical influences.
I am also keen to collaborate with talented individuals in the industry whose creative approach and expertise complement my own, aiming to create music that is both authentic and impactful. I am eager to utilise my time and skills effectively to successfully manage both my academics and my career.
Also read: Rhythm of Love: In conversation with YNJ
