Zelo shapes a new sound beyond K-pop formulas — Korea Herald
Former B.A.P member, rapper and solo artist Zelo is developing a new musical direction, combining Latin rhythms with R&B and pop music. As Korea Herald reports, the foundation of this sound came from the singles “Cola Comigo,” released in March, and “Ela,” released in late July.
The artist explained that after completing military service, “Cola Comigo” introduced him in a new creative image, while “Ela” continued this exploration in a more mature and freer form. Going forward, Zelo plans to explore pop music rooted in Latin American sounds, which interested him as early as the South American leg of B.A.P’s world tour when he was a teenager.
From rap to vocals
Zelo debuted in B.A.P in 2012 as the youngest member, a rapper and dancer. He left the group in 2018 and began his solo career the following year. Rap was long a central part of his creative identity, but the performer later began to question whether hip-hop could fully express him as an artist.
Watching Michael Jackson videos and returning to his own love of singing and dancing gradually led Zelo toward R&B and soul. He now describes himself as a performer who is in the process of developing as a vocalist.
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According to the musician, after many years in an idol group, he had to abandon familiar approaches to composing songs and performing. In a K-pop group, songs are often structured so that every member has a distinct individual moment, whereas Zelo wanted to create music focused on groove, dance and movement.
Performance at Waterbomb Seoul
This summer, Zelo tested his new direction at the Waterbomb Seoul festival, where he presented “Ela” before its official release. The performer noted that the audience’s response, including both long-time fans and people who may not have known him before, gave him confidence in his chosen musical path.
The artist also wants to expand his international audience, particularly in Latin and North America. Both of his latest singles are primarily in English. Among his future musical experiments, Zelo named R&B soul, trap soul and Brazilian funk, while performing on a carnival stage in Brazil is his dream.
