The Story Behind the Song
Mwen Bouke began as a concept in December 2022 for the Vilamar Records platform. At first, I wasn't planning to sing it myself. I imagined a woman's voice carrying the melody, accompanied by a guest rapper. I didn't see myself in it yet.
By May 2023, I had created the beat and recorded a demo. It was pitched higher than usual so that a female vocalist could follow along. But the deeper I got into the project, the more I realized it would be hard for anyone else to interpret the emotions exactly the way I felt them.
So I made a decision. I kept the project for myself and lowered the key to fit my range. I still wonder what it would sound like with a higher tone, but the emotions had to come from me. No one else could deliver the little nuances I put into my music.
A Personal, Painful Project
This song reflects the way the world has treated me. The ones I've loved most are the ones who stabbed me in the back. I've carried people, helped people, and gotten nothing but ingratitude. Mwen Bouke means 'I'm tired', tired of betrayal, of pretending to be okay, of fighting alone.
That weight is all over the track. And to make the message stronger, I brought in Wisman Homie, an old friend and classmate who added his verse to the story. Everyone I shared the song with before it was even released agreed that Wisman was the right choice.
Final Touches
Near the end, I added violin and saxophone. The violin almost didn't make the final mix. It felt too heavy at first. But I kept it, just toned it down, because that blend of beauty and sadness was important.
Mwen Bouke was released as a single in November 2024. It will also appear on the La Cigale album in 2026. For me, it is one of the most honest songs I've ever recorded.