Nigeria: Rukmani drops double single ft. Boj

The release sees the Lagos-based artist explore two contrasting styles, with ‘Serial Kisser’ featuring Boj, while ‘HIH (Hot In Here)’ takes a more introspective direction.

According to information accompanying the release, ‘Serial Kisser’ blends alternative R&B and Afropop influences and centres on themes of intimacy, confidence and self-expression. Boj contributes vocals in both English and Yoruba.

Meanwhile, ‘HIH (Hot In Here)’ revisits material originally written several years ago and re-recorded more recently.

“This is me at my most playful. I wanted to make something that felt free and unapologetic, a song where I get to be bold, cheeky, and completely in charge of the narrative,” Rukmani said. “Having Boj on it was the cherry on top. His energy matched the vibe perfectly.

“I was beat surfing on YouTube years ago when I found the instrumental. I saved it, came back to it later and wrote ‘HIH’ almost immediately. It’s intense for me because when I wrote it, I didn’t fully understand what I was writing about yet; it almost feels like my past self-wrote it for the version of me performing it now.”

Rukmani said re-recording the song changed her perspective on its meaning: “My manager later had me re-record it, and hearing the lyrics again hit differently. The song started revealing itself to me in a deeper way. You’ll feel it first before understanding it.”

Born in Port Harcourt and now based in Lagos, Rukmani has built a catalogue rooted in R&B, soul and Afrobeats influences. Her previous releases include the Angel On The Run project and 3XL, which explored themes including love, relationships and personal growth.

The new release follows a series of projects that have contributed to her growing profile within contemporary African music.