Alik Bulan: The East African Artist Bringing 24 Hours of Rhythm to the World

E Monthly News Contributor

By: Sarah Summer

For Alik Bulan, music is more than sound. It is motion, color, and connection — the heartbeat of a generation discovering the energy of modern Afrobeat. The Los Angeles-based, Rwandese artist has spent the last few years shaping his own lane, and with his new album 24hrs, he is ready to bring East African rhythm to global audiences.

Released under Kauris Music and distributed by Koko Productions, 24hrs is a bright, 8-track collection that captures the spirit of nonstop movement. “Every day feels like a celebration,” Bulan says. “This album is my way of sharing that energy with the world.”

A Sound That Moves

Born in Congo and raised in Rwanda, Alik Bulan grew up surrounded by the sounds of high-energy dance music and traditional African percussion. His style — a fearless fusion of Afrobeat, dancehall, and pop — reflects both his roots and his global outlook. “I always wanted to create something that feels good everywhere,” he explains. “Music that moves people no matter where they’re from.”

The album 24hrs appears to live up to that idea. Songs like Gake Gake, Show Me Show, and the title track 24hrs are summer-ready anthems built on pulsing beats and layered harmonies. Each song captures a different time of day in the same joyful cycle, a soundtrack for motion, celebration, and resilience.

Produced with Yeweeh, Muriro, and Mandex, the project blends precision and playfulness. The production sparkles with live instrumentation and crisp electronic textures, while Bulan’s voice glides effortlessly between English, Kinyarwanda, and Swahili.

A Global Groove from LA

Now based in Los Angeles, Alik is part of a new generation of East African artists expanding Afrobeat beyond borders. His performances at The Peppermint Club, The Baobab in San Francisco, and the Hollywood Beauty Awards have introduced U.S. audiences to the vibrancy of East African sound. Each show feels like a cultural exchange — part concert, part community gathering.

“Performing here taught me how universal rhythm really is,” he says. “Even if people don’t understand every word, they feel the emotion. That’s what music is supposed to do.”

From “Bendi” to “Gud Vybz”

Before 24hrs, Alik had already built a loyal following with a string of successful singles. I’m Sorry, Chanella, Bandi, and Sad Feelings showcased his emotional range, while Bendi and Gud Vybz helped solidify his reputation as a creative force in Afro pop.

“Gud Vybz is one of my best works because all the decisions were made by me — from the vision to the look to the details,” he shared on social media. “It takes a community, I’m not self-made.”

The Gud Vybz video, directed by Ikon Media and choreographed by Januwine, was filmed at The Beverly Hills Sunset Estate Mansion. With dancers, vintage cars, and electric choreography, it captures the essence of what makes Bulan’s artistry special: confidence, joy, and collaboration.

Bendi brought a new layer of global sound, featuring fellow Koko Productions artists Vex Prince and Yeweeh. Produced by Yeweeh and Mandex Beats, the single combines Afrobeats and Amapiano influences, giving fans a track that celebrates both unity and originality.

“Working with artists like Vex and Yeweeh is easy because we share the same dream,” Bulan says. “We’re building something bigger than ourselves.”

The Making of 24hrs

The idea behind 24hrs came from a simple realization — that life, like music, never stops moving. “I was thinking about how fast everything goes,” he recalls. “Sometimes you wake up, and the day just disappears. I wanted to make something that reminds people to dance through it.”

The album balances party energy with introspection. Tracks like Show Me Show celebrate connection, while Gake Gake and 24hrs channel gratitude and confidence. Even the quieter moments retain rhythm and warmth.

Behind the scenes, Alik worked closely with a small, tight-knit team of producers, stylists, and choreographers to bring the visual world of 24hrs to life. Every detail — from costumes to choreography — reinforces the theme of togetherness.

Representation and Reach

As an artist born in Congo, raised in Rwanda, and now thriving in the United States, Bulan views his journey as part of a larger cultural story. “East Africa has so many sounds people haven’t heard yet,” he says. “I want to be one of the artists who brings those sounds to the world.”

That goal has earned him respect not only among fans but also among fellow artists. His blend of Afrobeat and pop resonates across audiences, bridging language and geography with rhythm. For Koko Productions, his success reflects the company’s mission: spotlighting African and diaspora artists whose music deserves global attention.

Joy in Every Beat

At its heart, 24hrs is a celebration — of life, of sound, and of creative independence. From the first beat to the last chorus, the album feels alive, constantly in motion, and impossible to sit still to. “When people listen, I want them to feel free,” Bulan says. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from. For those three minutes, we’re all in the same moment.”

The reaction so far suggests the message is resonating. Streams have grown steadily across major platforms, and the Bendi and Gud Vybz videos continue to attract new viewers daily. Fans often comment on how the songs make them feel more energetic, more confident, and more connected.

The Next Chapter

Bulan’s path forward appears just as dynamic as his music. With live shows in planning across North America and East Africa, and a series of collaborations in the works, he’s focused on keeping the momentum alive. “This is just the beginning,” he says. “There are so many stories I still want to tell through sound.”

In a global landscape where Afrobeats continues to rise, Alik Bulan stands out for his clarity of purpose and his fearless fusion of style and substance. 24hrs isn’t just an album title. It’s a statement of intent — a reminder that every hour is a chance to dance, create, and connect.