KUKII releases debut EP ‘RARE BABY’, a reintroduction of sound and self

RARE BABY is the electrifying debut EP from KUKII, an artist whose journey through identity, sound, and culture has been anything but ordinary. Formerly known as Lafawndah, KUKII emerges from the vibrant streets of Cairo, blending personal evolution with bold artistic transformation. This six-track collection is her first as KUKII, and it’s nothing short of a sonic reinvention, carving out a new space in the global pop landscape.

Raised between France, Tehran, and Cairo, KUKII’s multifaceted background is the foundation for her dynamic new sound—a fusion of pop, punk, electronic music, and Middle Eastern influences. Her return to Cairo was the catalyst for this shift, reconnecting with her roots and unlocking an artistic freedom.

RARE BABY is a raw, unapologetic exploration of sound, where KUKII’s voice takes center stage—punctuated by the avant-garde use of autotune, an instrumental of choice across much of the Middle Eastern music scene. The result is a set of bold anthems that defy easy categorization. Tracks like “Daylight Heist” and “Tongue Torment” are infused with a sense of urgency and raw emotion, while the title track “RARE BABY” is a testament to the artist’s defiance, both personal and creative.

Drawing inspiration from the shifting tides of global politics, from the Iranian ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ uprising to the post-pandemic world, KUKII channels these moments of turbulence and resistance into a soundscape that is both electric and intimate. Her EP serves as a reflection of this time, shaped by collaboration with renowned artists such as Sega Bodega and Cecile Believe, alongside rising talents like Happa and Loubenski.

KUKII’s sound—part grunge, part punk, and part pop—is a direct challenge to the conventional. With RARE BABY, she breathes new life into her musical language, crafting a space where cultures collide and genres dissolve. It’s a statement on her terms, unfiltered and unapologetic.

The tracks on RARE BABY are undeniably designed for the stage, brimming with energy. From the opening intensity of “Pact” to the infectious rhythm of “Snug Harbour,” each song represents a facet of KUKII’s evolving identity, one rooted in resistance and self-discovery.

KUKII’s transformation into this new persona comes with a clear vision: to redefine what pop can be when it is free from borders—both geographical and artistic. Her music is not just a reflection of her journey, but a fresh blueprint for a genre that is evolving, embracing innovation while staying deeply rooted in its cultural origins.

The EP, produced across various global locales—including Cairo, Los Angeles, and the Cayman Islands—carries the weight of a changing world on its shoulders, while presenting a bold, new sound that’s uniquely KUKII’s. As she continues to chart her own path, one thing is clear. Her music will speak to anyone searching for something both new and deeply familiar.