I wanted to write a song about the last year, or so, that we have all experienced going through the pandemic but I did not want to make a song about Covid. 

Writing the second verse before the first verse is always unusual but made perfect sense for this song as the 2nd is what I am feeling now and the 1st describes my 2020. However, the song as a whole also narrates my journey as an artist.

I wrote this song with no great expectations and was met with a mesmeric showpiece that divided where I was to where I am. 4 hours on a warm evening in Pretoria, South Africa, after eating a peanut butter and jam sandwich and drinking 3 cups of coffee created something I hope will inspire someone for the rest of their life.

Under the Stars

My entry for the Splice Discord Beat Battle hosted by GRAMMY-nominated producer, Rvssian

Soulful Paradise

It's Just Me

“Is this paradise and I’m in denial” is a question that I have been asking myself quite often as of late. This song is a deep inner thought of my life, my musical aspirations and those that I care about. 

A drum pattern reminiscent of a ticking clock and a heavy acoustic guitar strumming away created a canvas for me to paint something meaningful. Simple and clean strokes (or sentences) was my choice of hand describing my lack of time and direction while placing my confidence and comfort in ‘someone else’s ‘ ability.

Chasing perfection has been my downfall as an artist over the past year or so and slowly I have learnt to take “every step to let it go”. This is why the chorus is a whirlwind of emotions of self-doubt and hope. I confess that I can’t do this without ‘you’ and would rather turn around then continue by myself and almost concede that perfection is not found in me but with whom I find.

Such is that I will never find perfection in my songs but rather those that listen to it.

                                                                                                  Keagan Raphael

The Other Way

‘Can We Talk’ is the new compelling single from Keagan Raphael, an emerging R&B artist and producer from South Africa. As an admirer of  LA culture, style and music, Keagan Raphael blended the LA verve with his soothing, unique vocals, creating a sound that is both fresh and deeply emotive. 

Entirely self-produced, this song reflects over four years of dedication as Keagan meticulously honed his craft and developed his unique musical identity. Following the inspiration of some of his favorite artists. Anderson Paak, Kendrick Lamar and Steve Lacy who are LA natives, the South African singer has laid down his statement. For him, “Can We Talk” isn’t just another release—it represents the real beginning of his career and a statement of intent for what’s to come.

1. Can We Talk

Something I Want

My Life

Slow It Down

Keagan Raphael is a South African artist and producer based in Tokyo, Japan. Keagan blends fluorescent melodies with richly layered vocals to create a fresh perspective on Alternative Pop and R&B.

Keagan Raphael

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