How Kapo’s Mindset Transformed His Journey from Living at a Gas Station to Achieving Global Success

Kapo, a Colombian artist with two viral hits “Ohnana” and “UWAIE” is experiencing a breakthrough moment in his career. But his rise to fame is far from an overnight success story; it’s the result of 15 years of relentless hustle and determination in the music industry.

Kapo’s journey into music began when he was just 12 years old, growing up in a small town called El Cabuyal. There, música popular a genre akin to regional Mexican music was the soundtrack of everyday life. “I lived at a gas station where that was the only type of music people listened to,” Kapo told Billboard. His early performances took place in modest settings—singing at small stores and parking lots near the truck stop, where passersby would reward him with coins. These humble beginnings fueled his ambition to become a global artist.

At 13, Kapo recorded his first urban song, “Yo Tengo Un Sueño” (I Have a Dream), which quickly became popular among his schoolmates. By the time he was 16, he had saved enough money by selling his motorcycle to move to Bogotá, Colombia’s capital. There, he invested in a music video and a promotional tour, taking his first major steps toward a professional music career. Despite briefly pursuing studies in mass communication, Kapo never lost sight of his true passion for music.

His early efforts were supported by Big Daddy “El Negro,” a Cali-based artist who introduced Kapo to other musicians and producers in the industry. In search of additional income, Kapo also participated in the reality show Yo Me Llamo, where he imitated Puerto Rican rapper Cosculluela. For two years, he served as a background vocalist for Dominican-born, Panamanian-based artist Mr. Saik. In 2019, Kapo’s persistence paid off when he signed a record deal with La Industria, Inc., home to major artists like Nicky Jam and Manuel Turizo. He released tracks such as “Pelinegra” with Nánpa Básico and “Bulevar” with Esteban Rojas and Pirlo, gaining some local recognition, but he was still searching for his global breakthrough.

Reflecting on his journey, Kapo realized that he needed to make music that truly resonated with him, rather than simply following trends. “I made romantic music all my life, but I kept it to myself,” he explained. Influenced by his mother’s wisdom and the principles she instilled in him, Kapo embraced his “bohemian vein” and decided to focus on creating feel-good, reflective, romantic music—a style he felt was missing in the industry. He also underwent a personal transformation, changing his appearance, focusing on his health, and adopting practices like reading and yoga.

A pivotal moment in his career came after a trip to Jamaica and a personal heartbreak, which inspired his hit single “Ohnana.” The song was born during a music camp with dancehall artist Lion Fiyah and Colombian producer Gangsta. Influenced by his visit to the Bob Marley Museum, Kapo channeled a new vibe into his vocal tones. “Ohnana” translates to “trust everything will be fine,” and the Afrobeat-infused track with poetic lyrics quickly became Kapo’s first global hit, reaching No. 21 on the Hot Latin Songs chart and peaking at No. 60 on the Billboard Global 200.

Simultaneously, his single “UWAIE” meaning “I’m in love with you” in his self-created “Kapito Language”—has also gained traction, debuting at No. 35 on Hot Latin Songs and at No. 138 on the Global 200. The song, a tribute to the women in his life, has already inspired over 1 million video creations on TikTok.

Kapo’s journey from performing at gas stations to charting on global music platforms is a testament to his perseverance and unwavering belief in his dream. His success is not just a moment but the culmination of years of dedication to his craft.