Singer-songwriter Akili has officially released “De Bumper,” the vibrant lead single from the highly anticipated sophomore album, Tobago Nights.
Following the sun-soaked energy of the debut album Tobago Vibez, Akili’s sophomore project takes a deeper, more introspective turn. The songwriting process became a mirror, exploring heavy themes of self-worth, loss, and mental health. “It was beautiful, but suffocating,” Akili shares. “By track seven, the emotional gravity felt too overpowering. The album was bleeding, and it desperately needed air.” The breakthrough arrived the next day, inspired by an unexpected source: a New York Times Connections puzzle featuring slang words for the rear end. The spark perfectly aligned with Akili’s strict sonic tradition where the 8th track is reserved for pure whimsy-a nod to Section 8, the artist’s university a cappella roots.
Further creative research led Akili to award-winning poet Diane DeCillis and her poem, “ASS.” “The second I read it, the music bloomed in my head,” says Akili. “I saw the arrangement, cut a frantic demo, and reached out to Diane. She graciously blessed the track, and it is a profound honor to set her brilliant words to a groove.” To ground the track in the artist’s signature style, Akili infused Trinidad and Tobago flavor, swapping the title word for “de bumper.” The result is a vibrant, rhythm-driven track that Akili calls “my favorite song I’ve released to date.”
“De Bumper” is out now and ready to elevate playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. Promotional assets, including high-resolution press photography and official album artwork, are available for media use. Journalists, editors, and playlist curators can access these materials via the Electronic Press Kit (EPK) hosted on Google Drive.
Akili is a New York-based Afro-R&B artist who blends the rhythmic foundations of Afrobeats and Soca with contemporary R&B songwriting. Influenced by foundational artists such as Olatunji and Fireboy DML, his music translates the authentic spirit, energy, and complexity of the Caribbean experience for a global audience.
