Twin-Duo, KAIRO Illuminates Chicago’s Lincoln Hall with Enlivening and Soulful Set
- Anaïs Turiello
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
Twin brothers, Ej and Ak Odjighoro, better known as KAIRO, are the opener of the night at Chicago’s iconic Lincoln Hall, but despite not being the main act, their claim over the crowd is instantaneous. The Nigerian-born, Houston-raised duo bring about an enveloping energy that the audience is quick to engage with. With only 30 minutes to their set before the main act, Hope Tala, they had very little time to turn observers into true fans. It is clear, however, that they were able to accomplish just that.
Their debut album, ARE WE THERE YET? was released in November in 2024, showcasing a refreshing blend of R&B, alternative, soul, and pop. Each track is layered and sprawling with harmonically-rich vocals and dynamic yet polished instrumentals— making one wonder just what a live performance from the duo would look and sound like. The audience, however, is immediately captivated by the opening song, ‘FRONT LINES,’ with its luscious harmonies that blend seamlessly with one another as well as the dizzying beat change that evokes an eruption of cheers.
KAIRO forms a bond with the audience not only with their artistry but with their openness and vulnerability— being sure to take the time to discuss the meaning behind nearly every song before beginning. They talk into the mics as honestly and organically as if they were speaking with an old friend. It’s met with equal emotion, as the entire crowd holds up their phone lights, illuminating the venue for the tender and poignant, ‘HEAVEN.’
In the most moving segment of the night, the two brothers discuss their Nigerian roots and the importance of their mother’s love and guidance in not only their lives, but their careers. With the evening being not long before Mother’s Day, it is a beautiful moment, leading up to a beautiful and introspective song appropriately titled, ‘MAMA.’ With lyrics, “Mama always prayed for the kid / Always worked late for the kid / There’s a sunshine in her voice / When she calls, know everything’s gonna be alright,” a heartwarming image is painted, giving us a better glimpse into the lives and upbringing of two young men with the utmost respect for where they came from, perfectly painting the path for the bright opportunities ahead.
As they inch closer to closing out the night, they play ‘HANDLEBARS,’ which consists of a dreamy guitar and the impressive usage of a loop pedal, making every note hang in the air with an electric twang. They compliment each other well in every regard, and one can tell a lot of energy, attention, and care has not only gone into the craft itself, but to the live presentation as well.
As they move towards the end of the set, KAIRO appropriately hypes up the crowd to dance and sway, shouting, “Chicago, we gotta move! To your left, to your right!” For the rest of their set, not one person appears to falter in these instructions. For the final song, ‘BRAND NEW,’ everyone was jumping to the exuberant beat, which was heavy but not overwhelming their melodic voices which switch with ease into rap. With the audience bouncing, jumping, and clapping, the song fades out and they briskly exit the stage, leaving everyone wanting more.
In a moment of reflection after the show, Tonitruale got the opportunity to get a statement from the brothers. When asked for their thoughts on playing for Chicago, Ak said confidently, “Chicago has the most energy out of all the shows we’ve done.” Ej, following his comment, added, “D.C. was close but Chicago inched past at the end. Y’all were moving!”
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