Instagram/@in.iko
INIKO singer brought in a robust release of personal and artistic rebirth with a new teaser accompanied with the caption, “I’m ready to be human again.” That was a piece of video with piercing lyrics about identity, clash, and spiritual fatigue that marked this turn in the artist’s creative life.
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From this musical teaser, we saw into the very soul of INIKO. Illuminating internal pictures were painted with the lines: And I was everything he was in / And he hated me for what he liked / He said be an angel that I felt / Now I don’t got no soul to sell.” The terrible confession then came realization, “It wasn’t my fault, wasn’t my plan / Now I’m in the midst of sinking sand,” and just simply, “I’m ready to go human again.”
This is being released when the tour looks prosperous, with several commenters referencing a couple of recent live performances. The depth of emotion in the music was felt instantly by many, and that led to waves of completely individualized reactions.
An emotionally moving tribute follows: “I was part of the Montreal crowd-I would never imagine to be so close to you & to cross your gaze with mine whilst you were singing so powerfully. That voice of yours is not just for singing; it is meant to make people feel alive and rethink many things. You are a real enlightenment; I wish you to light up even more people.”
That healing orthodoxy kept going in the comments. One other listener followed with their soulful share of experience: “Oooof this hits deep & heal little parts + compounded grief of past experiences which were really just lessons & initiations. We will always have our soul… even when we don’t feel it. I deeply admire your ability to shape shift & meet people at all walks of life.”
There was a rush on the music: “I need this on my playlist right now, I beg please,” screamed one follower as numerous others were caught through felt emotion of that one snippet.
Such energy of positivity was also present with many others remarking on how fortunate they felt to have shared that experience, one stating, “Watching your growth doing this tour has been a privilege.” Another added, “It was such an honor to hear this for the first time last night in Toronto! Beautiful soul.”
The discussion went animated, with one saying, “Everybody: 😍👏 Me: Dreaming @in.iko in featuring with @willowsmith 😢🔥🔥.” Another person expressed wonder at the multifaceted nature of INIKO: “Your voice sounds so different but yet so awesome 😍 you got so many facets to show, I appreciate that so much.”
Even the light-hearted banter was interspersed with earnest compliments: “DEAREST!! It was too early in the day for me to be called out like this!😭 Fabulous song nonetheless!”
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The overwhelming response to INIKO’s post shows the great connection the artist has with the audience. Cemented by this raw address “to be human again,” INIKO has somehow not only dangled the prospect of new music ahead of us all but has also invited us into the healing space wherein many of their listeners reside a little bit themselves. This is a huge turning point for an artist who clearly feels ready to embrace the next chapter-as real life, real-artistic expression. The raw position to be human coupled with such a spirit-filled expression practically guarantees that INIKO will be walking into one of the most exciting seasons of their career.