One of Nigeria’s most promising musical innovators, Olubunmi Lawrence Bakare, known professionally as Kaliteros, has vowed to continue pushing the creative boundaries and reshaping the sound of contemporary African music.
In an exclusive interview, the Lagos-based producer and sound engineer reflected on his journey from DJ deck to studio booth, a transformation that has positioned him as one of the fastest rising forces in Nigeria’s evolving soundscape.
“I want to continue to raise my standards for myself,” Karlietelos said. “Every sound I create has to be better, deeper and more intentional than the last one. For me, growing is real success.”
Known for his emotive and rhythmically layered fusion of Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop, KarlyTeros has developed a sound that bridges cultures and generations. His work is instantly recognizable for its soulful depth, intentional layering, and immersive sonic textures.
“My goal has always been to make music that speaks to your emotions, not just beats that move your body, but sounds that connect with your soul,” he explained.
KarlyTeros began her journey as a DJ in 2013, performing on various platforms before transitioning to full-time music production. That bold move, he said, comes from a deep desire to create, not just mix.
“As a DJ, I was interpreting other people’s work,” he recalls. “But as a producer, I wanted to build something from the ground up. I wanted to create something that could be bigger than me.”
His breakout moment came with Ayox’s ‘The Walking Dead’ featuring Zlatan Ibile, a powerful song praised for its emotional weight and technical brilliance. He said the song’s success reaffirmed his belief in the power of vulnerability through music.
“That song changed everything,” he said. “It showed me that pain and purpose can exist in the same sound. That message connected with people in ways I never expected.”
He then produced Iox’s “AYO” featuring Dr. Yinka Ayefele, which blended traditional Yoruba influences with modern melodies. This is a testament to his ability to blend traditional and modern sounds without losing authenticity.
“I love combining culture and innovation,” added Carliteros. “Our roots are strong, but the world deserves to hear them in new ways.”
Other notable works such as “Pray for Me” (Ayox ft. Otega), “Need You to Stay” (Ayox), and “My Life” (Ayox ft. Balloranking) further showcased his mastery of emotional storytelling through music.
Critics and industry insiders have described his work as sonically rich and technically sophisticated, a testament to his sound design and attention to detail.
“I spend hours on transitions and percussion,” he admitted. “Every kick, snare, chord has to have a purpose. Sound is a language. I don’t like noise, I like meaning.”
Drawing inspiration from world greats such as Avicii, Saaz, Don Jazzy and Feltz, Carliteros insists his identity remains Afrocentric.
“They are legends and I respect their artistry,” he said. “But my sound will always have an African heartbeat. I’m proud of where I come from and I want the world to hear it.”
In addition to creating hits, KarlyTeros also invests in mentoring and discovering young talent. This he says is a personal mission.
“The next generation needs not only fame but also guidance,” he emphasized. “I want to see a wave of creators who understand the sound and the purpose, not just me rising up.”
As the collaboration grew and the vision sharpened, it became clear that KarlyTeros wasn’t just making music, he was curating the emotions, the culture, and the sounds of the future.
“I’m still evolving,” he concluded. “This is just the beginning. My dream is to take African sounds to the world through innovation, not imitation.”
