By Alusine Samuel Kargbo (A.S.K)
Kabba Sesay, widely known by his stage name “ApriiiL,” is an emerging artist from the eastern part of Freetown, born in April 1997. Growing up, he attended the Sierra Leone International Mission Secondary School (SLIMSSS), where he completed his senior secondary school examinations. Initially experimenting with the name “Goodboy” when he began exploring music, he later decided on “ApriiiL” by creatively adapting the spelling of his birth month to make it unique and memorable.
Early Music Journey and First Recorded Song
ApriiiL’s passion for music led him to record his first song—though he admits he’s since forgotten its title and lyrics. The song, he recalls, was a prayer for guidance and blessings as he entered the music world, resonating deeply with his friends. This song was especially significant, as he had to give up the flash drive it was saved on to obtain his school results, unable to afford the payment otherwise.
First Album Release: A Lesson Learned
In 2020, ApriiiL released an EP titled Never Better. However, with limited exposure, it struggled to reach a wider audience. He now reflects on this experience as a learning moment, recognizing that emerging artists benefit more from building a fanbase through singles rather than full albums, which demand considerable promotional support.
Musical Influences and Unique Style
Though ApriiiL discovered his talent naturally, he grew up inspired by global and African icons like Lil Wayne, Olamide, and Adekunle Gold. While these artists sparked his interest, he consciously developed his own style, blending rap and melody with an authentic voice that resonates with his background and vision.
Challenges and Aspirations
ApriiiL sees talent, vibe, and potential hits within his grasp but faces challenges, especially in gaining support within Sierra Leone. He strongly believes that if Sierra Leoneans focused on supporting local talent, artists like himself could achieve national and international success.
Upcoming Projects and Future Goals
Grateful for recent achievements, ApriiiL has exciting releases lined up. On November 8, he’s set to drop “My Baby,” a collaboration with Samza, who also featured him on his album. In December, he plans to release another favorite track, aiming for major performance opportunities that will allow him to share his music far beyond Sierra Leone. Confident that these projects will elevate his career, ApriiiL hopes to inspire others and showcase his music on prominent stages, marking a turning point in his journey by God’s grace.
