Nikita Kering' and Khaligraph Jones to represent Kenya at COKE STUDIO Africa 2023

The two artists will team up with some of Africa’s finest musicians to reimagine their hits in an effort to create fresh and distinct musical experiences.

First launched in Pakistan in 2008 and re-launched globally in May 2022, COKE STUDIO aims to bring emerging artists from all corners of the world together to create “Real Magic” – Coca-Cola’s brand philosophy that celebrates borderless partnership.

Curated in collaboration with Universal Music Group, COKE STUDIO offers opportunities to artists to fuse genres and experiment with different sounds from different cultures to reach a global audience.

Speaking during the launch of season two in Nairobi on 6 July, Coca-Cola’s managing director East and Central Africa, Isabelle Kariuki-Rostom, said: “COKE STUDIO 2023 returns bigger and bolder this year with new artist collision song releases. This season offers a rare opportunity for Coca-Cola to engage with a new generation of consumers, particularly Gen Zs.

“For a generation exposed to the whole universe at the touch of a button, we are elated to bring the experience of a new cross-cultural fusion closer to home. Through local and international collaborations, we intend to create music that unlocks uplifting experiences by highlighting the real magic that lives in unexpected connections through border-transcending alliances."

Nikita Kering said joining COKE STUDIO is a dream come true, adding that working with Khaligraph Jones for her first-ever collaboration exceeded her expectations.

“I wasn’t sure how our styles would blend, but working with Khaligraph has been awesome,” she said.  “He is not only incredibly talented but easy to work with. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to collaborate with on my first endeavour of this kind. He even came up with original bars despite the uncertainties I had over our voices blending.”

Khaligraph Jones, meanwhile, thanked COKE STUDIO for according him the opportunity to work with Nikita Kering’. “I want to express my gratitude to COKE STUDIO for giving me this opportunity  as I’ve been a fan of her music. We come from different social backgrounds, so it’s an exciting blend, and I can’t wait for people to witness what we’ve created together,” the rapper said.

Since its inception in 2017, COKE STUDIO Africa has established a strong presence in Kenya and has now expanded into a global property poised to foster even greater consumer engagement.

In the upcoming season, audiences can look forward to an array of exciting initiatives, including increased partnerships with festivals, listening parties, and campus tours across the country. Coca-Cola will also unveil a web-based platform that offers exclusive access to behind-the-scenes content and new music releases from partner artists, featuring a diverse mix of global, regional, and local talent.

In June, Coca-Cola announced global collision artists for COKE STUDIO 2023 comprising some of the biggest breakthrough stars from South Africa, Egypt, US, UK, Canada, Colombia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, China, Korea and the Philippines.