Okito - Oh Mandy
Orlando, Florida-based Okito recently released a new single, “Oh Mandy,” taken from his just-released debut LP, 'Dystopian Heart,' a collection of 15-tracks infused with flavors of blues, reggae, and hip-hop.
Okito
Dystopian Heart channels the ambiance of nostalgia, going so far as to slot in retro savors of the ‘50s and ‘60s rock and roll he grew up listening to. Okito merges his formative recollections with the emotional ache of a recent fragmented relationship, giving birth to a rush of fluent stylish songs rife with the swagger of both old school and new school elements.
The son of Guyanese immigrants, whose love for calypso music and poetry filtered through to Okito, along with the persuasive sounds of soul and world music, Okito’s distinctive and genre-defying sound amalgamates tinctures of his influences with his own original interpretations.
Since then, over the last decade, Okito has become a pillar in the edifice of Orlando’s music scene, performing in venues throughout the city, demonstrating his gift for skillfully wrought productions, attracting attention from high-profile media outlets such as WaxPoetics, Okayplayer, and PopMatters.
“Clear blue sky / On open highways / Permanent vacation / Oh Mandy, hop in my caddy.”
Previously known as Synopse, prior to assuming the exclusivity of his birth name – Okito – he’s dropped three EPs with soul singer Moziac, founded the collective Doxside Music Group, and followed by further developing his extraordinary fusion of musical elements.
“Oh Mandy” opens on a cool and low-slung bassline accented by oozing horns flowing into delicious skittering guitars reminiscent of Isaac Hayes. Once the soul-flavored R&B rhythm takes over, the tune melody radiates polish vogueish washes of sensuous R&B atop a potent hip-hop beat, while Okito’s scrumptious falsetto infuses the lyrics with luscious erotic tones, warm and alluring.
“Clear blue sky / On open highways / Permanent vacation / Oh Mandy, hop in my caddy.”
“Oh Mandy” delivers tasty soul/R&B washes of color, a mood of optimistic joy, and the velvety tones of the plush voice of Okito.
