By: Petra Dally

There’s a new rhythm rippling out of Los Angeles, and it carries the unmistakable warmth of East Africa. At its heart is Alik Bulan, the Rwandan-born Afrobeat and Afropop artist whose sound captures both the pulse of Kigali and the glitter of California nightlife. His latest project, 24hrs, released under Koko Productions and Kauris Music, cements what fans across continents already know — Alik is a force of nature whose music transcends geography.

“Every day feels like a celebration,” Alik says. “Even the struggles, the lessons, they’re all part of the rhythm.”

It’s a simple statement that sums up his musical identity. His songs are vibrant, emotional, and deeply connected to the everyday movement of life. With high-energy beats, catchy hooks, and seamless genre blending, he’s crafting a sound that brings people together — on dance floors, in headphones, and across cultures.

From Kigali to California

Born and raised in Rwanda, Alik’s journey to the global stage wasn’t a straight line. Growing up surrounded by traditional rhythms and community celebrations, he learned early on that music was more than entertainment. It was communication. “Music was how people expressed joy, sorrow, hope. It was part of every story,” he says.

When he moved to the United States, that rhythm stayed with him. In Los Angeles, he found himself surrounded by new sounds — hip hop, pop, reggaeton — and a new kind of energy. Rather than choosing one lane, he fused them all. The result is Afrobeat for the world stage: modern, polished, yet unmistakably rooted.

The Koko Productions Family

Behind much of Alik’s recent work stands Koko Productions, the creative powerhouse shaping a new generation of African diaspora artists. The label has quickly become known for producing genre-crossing projects that highlight authenticity and storytelling. From studio production to stage design, Koko’s approach is collaborative and deeply artist-focused.

“Working with Koko Productions is like being part of a creative family,” Alik explains. “They don’t just care about the sound. They care about the message and how it connects with people.”

Koko Productions has also worked with a growing roster of artists across Afrobeat, R&B, and pop, emphasizing cultural fusion and emotional storytelling. Their partnership with Kauris Music has helped amplify Alik’s reach across global streaming platforms and live performance venues, giving him the infrastructure to grow while maintaining his unique artistic control.

‘24hrs’: A Sonic Passport

Alik’s latest single, 24hrs, captures everything he stands for — joy, motion, and connection. The song’s hypnotic beat and magnetic chorus invite listeners to lose themselves in the moment. It’s not just a dance track. It’s an anthem for living fully, a reminder that time is precious and every hour carries potential.

The track builds on the success of earlier releases like Chanella and Sad Feelings, which introduced Alik’s ability to balance tenderness with rhythm. Chanella was an Afro-pop love song that moved with elegance, while Sad Feelings explored emotional complexity through a softer beat. Together, they showcased his versatility — an artist equally at home crafting dance floor hits and introspective slow burners.

“24hrs is about gratitude,” he says. “It’s about waking up every day and feeling like you have another chance to do something meaningful, to celebrate life no matter what it throws at you.”

A Global Stage Presence

If his records build the sound, his performances bring it to life. In recent months, Alik has performed at The Peppermint Club in Los Angeles, Baobab in San Francisco, and even appeared at the Hollywood Beauty Awards in Beverly Hills — venues that represent both artistic credibility and cross-genre appeal.

Fans describe his shows as electric, immersive, and inclusive. They noted that his style makes it feel like he’s having a conversation with the crowd, creating an experience where the audience doesn’t just watch but feels deeply involved.

That energy has made Alik a promising diaspora voice in Afropop’s new wave, a scene increasingly dominated by artists who bridge continents with sound. He’s part of a movement that includes artists from Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, but his East African roots give his work a distinctive melodic texture and storytelling sensibility.

The Sound of Connection

What makes Alik’s music stand out isn’t just the beat — it’s the balance. His sound moves fluidly between continents but never loses its sense of place. There’s a distinctly Rwandan undercurrent in his melodies, even as the production leans into global pop polish.

He credits that to his upbringing and his community. “My people taught me that every sound has a purpose,” he explains. “Even silence is music if you listen close enough.”

That philosophy carries through his creative process. Whether he’s recording in Los Angeles or collaborating with producers overseas, he approaches each project as a dialogue — between cultures, between emotions, between past and present.

Koko’s Expanding Vision

As Koko Productions continues to grow, its mission remains clear: elevate African and diaspora talent while breaking down industry barriers. The label has been building bridges between African producers and North American markets, ensuring that artists like Alik can operate globally without losing their authenticity.

Their success with 24hrs is a clear example. The song’s rollout strategy, handled jointly by Koko and Kauris Music, blended digital storytelling, social engagement, and live performance in a way that felt organic — no gimmicks, just connection. It’s a model they plan to replicate with more artists across their expanding lineup.

Beyond Music

For Alik, success isn’t just about charts or streaming numbers. It’s about creating art that travels. “If someone in Kigali and someone in Los Angeles can dance to the same song and feel the same joy — that’s what matters,” he says.

He’s currently developing a live show concept that blends dance, visual art, and storytelling to highlight East African culture on a global stage. The upcoming performances, expected to roll out across the U.S. and select international venues next year, promise to push the boundaries of what an Afrobeat concert can be.

The Next Chapter

The story of Alik Bulan isn’t just about one artist’s rise. It’s part of a wider movement — the global recognition of African creativity as a central force in modern music. Labels like Koko Productions are giving that movement infrastructure, while artists like Alik are giving it heart.

“Music is freedom,” he says simply. “It’s the one language we all share. I just want to keep speaking it in my own way.”

From Kigali streets to California stages, Alik Bulan is proving that celebration isn’t a destination. It’s a rhythm that never stops — a 24-hour heartbeat connecting the world, one song at a time.

Learn more about Alik and other Koko Productions artists  at www.kokoproductions.us