Earlier this month, Miss Boss Entertainment’s Haitian Music Awards was the dominant conversation on #TeamHaiti’s social media radar. One of the topics of chatter from that award show was Kowkow, whose parka-themed outfit was deemed one of the highlights of the event by many observers.
But who’s really the man who calls himself Kowkow? And what is it about him that’s making so many youngins emulate his hefty-leather-belt-on-the-forehead-style? To begin, his real first name is Davidson. Curious about how he got the moniker Kowkow, or about what he has in store for his devoted fans? Catch up with Kowkow!
Kreyolicious: Tell us more about yourself Kowkow.
I’m also known as Bote Lavi—I’m studying Business Administration at Miami-Dade College. A lot of people don’t think I go to school [Laughter]. If only they knew [that] I’m a genius when it comes to education, they would pay me millions to school them. I’m a very intelligent guy. Besides attending school, I’m an entertainer, a poet, and I often rap. No, I don’t rap. I just kowkow on beats, which I call rap. I’m also a stylist and a walking billboard in the Haitian music industry.
With the legendary Steven Tyler of Aerosmith.
Kreyolicious: How did you get the name Kowkow?
The name Kowkow was discovered from my writing skills as a poet—K.O.W [standing for] King of Words. A year later, I decided to change K.O.W to Kowkow which became more appealing and unique to myself and [my] fans.
Kreyolicious: Where did you get your sense of style?
I have a love and passion for fashion. Anything that is unusual and unique suits my creative ideas. Honestly, I don’t really look up to anyone for inspiration but myself. I basically put all my imagination in use, and continue to think about what’s next to bring to the plate, that others haven’t invented. Or should I just say reinvent? “Nothing’s new underneath the sun.” In this case, this is how my different ideas come to pass. For example, the watch on my chain and the belt I rock on my head isn’t something easy to be different with, but as for someone like myself that practices “savwa lib”—which means learning how to be free—I love it.
Kreyolicious: Being different is not always celebrated. What gives you the courage to stand out?
I would always remind myself that I live in my own world practicing savwa lib—being free to wear anything that satisfies me. If today I decide to paint my nails, or wear my shirt inside out with tags all around, [or with] fur, or even wear two different types of shoes, that’s just Kowkow. Let me be me and keep it pushing. People don’t get that, but as long as I do, that’s all that matters. I don’t care what others think or say of me. People judge anyways. This is just the beginning, and I will continue to be myself.
This concludes PART I of the interview with Kowkow. Stay tuned for PART II. Meanwhile, stay connected to Kowkow, by FOLLOWING HIS INSTAGRAM HERE!
