In today’s music industry, patience is rare. Artists are often encouraged to release music constantly, chase viral moments, and move on to the next project before listeners have fully absorbed the last one. But Habe Kitine has never been interested in following someone else’s timeline. Instead, he chose to trust the process, allowing his latest project, Bon Appétit, to develop naturally over the course of seven years. That decision may have taken longer than expected, but according to Habe, it resulted in a project that reflects who he is today more than anything he has released before.
“I started creating this project about 7 years ago. I didn’t have a title for the project at first.”
What began as a collection of songs slowly evolved into something much bigger. During those seven years, Habe wasn’t simply recording music. He was growing as an artist, learning from life experiences, navigating the music industry, and discovering new aspects of himself creatively. For many artists, growth happens between projects. For Habe, that growth became part of the project itself. When listeners press play on Bon Appétit, they’re hearing seven years of experiences, lessons, victories, setbacks, and evolution compressed into one body of work. That journey started long before the title was even created. At first, Habe simply focused on creating music that felt authentic. Song after song began to take shape, but there wasn’t yet a unifying concept tying everything together. The music existed, but the bigger picture had not fully revealed itself. Then one day, an unexpected conversation changed everything.
“A friend of mine came to me and said, ‘Damn fam, it’s been awhile since you released some music for the peeps.’ I looked at him and said to myself, yeah he’s right. Peeps must be starving for new music. Bingo! That’s when Bon Appétit came alive.”
In that moment, the project finally had its identity. The title Bon Appétit immediately made sense because it captured exactly how Habe felt. He had spent years creating music without releasing a major body of work, and both he and his fans were hungry for something new. But the title represents more than simply releasing music after a long break. For Habe, Bon Appétit symbolizes feeding the soul.
“Satisfying one’s soul with good music.”
That simple philosophy became the guiding force behind the album. Rather than focusing on trends or trying to create songs solely for playlists, Habe concentrated on making music with purpose. The result is a project built around emotion, connection, and authenticity. Those qualities shouldn’t surprise anyone familiar with Habe’s musical influences. Growing up, he studied artists like Michael Jackson, Prince, Marvin Gaye, Sade, Tupac, Jodeci, and Usher. While each brought something unique to the table, they all shared one important trait.
“They all make soul music.”
That lesson stayed with him throughout his career. Whether he was creating music years ago or working on Bon Appétit today, Habe’s goal has always remained the same: create music that people can feel. Over the course of seven years, however, his approach to accomplishing that goal changed dramatically. The artist who started Bon Appétit isn’t the same artist finishing it. Experience has changed him. Challenges have changed him. Success has changed him. Even his understanding of the music business has changed him.
“I’d say the knowledge of the game. When I first started I went in blindly. A rookie. If I had the knowledge I have now I wouldn’t have made the same mistakes I made before.”
That knowledge wasn’t always easy to acquire. Like many independent artists, Habe learned valuable lessons through difficult experiences. Along the way, he discovered that talent alone isn’t enough to build a successful career. Trust matters. Relationships matter. Business knowledge matters.
“Trusting people. I trusted the wrong people with my craft in the past.”
Those experiences taught him how to better protect himself and his artistry.
“This business is filled with vultures. You just gotta find the right people who care and want to see you win.”
Instead of allowing those setbacks to discourage him, Habe used them as fuel for growth. Every challenge became a lesson. Every disappointment became preparation. Every mistake became an opportunity to improve. That growth extends beyond the business side of music and can be heard directly within the songs themselves.
“My writing is different. The songs are different from what I created in the past. My vocals have a wider range now. I’m not afraid to explore new sounds and create a new style.”
That willingness to evolve is one of the defining characteristics of Bon Appétit. Listeners will hear an artist pushing himself creatively while remaining true to the soul-driven foundation that has always defined his work. The album also reflects Habe’s belief that music should take listeners on a journey. Rather than assembling a random collection of songs, he structured Bon Appétit into three distinct sections: Appetizer, Entrée, and Dessert.
“APPETIZER warms you up. ENTRÉE feeds your soul. DESSERT fills you up.”
The concept transforms the album into more than a listening experience. It becomes an emotional journey designed to leave listeners feeling fulfilled by the time they reach the final track. That attention to detail is only possible because Habe allowed the project the time it needed to develop. Many artists would have rushed a release after a year or two. Habe waited seven. Not because he wasn’t working. Not because he wasn’t creating. But because he wanted the project to become exactly what it was meant to be. Now, after years of dedication, Bon Appétit stands as one of the clearest representations of who Habe Kitine is as an artist. It’s the sound of experience. It’s the sound of growth. It’s the sound of an artist who refused to rush the process. Most importantly, it’s the sound of someone finally ready to serve a meal years in the making. And according to Habe, the feast has only just begun.
Stream Habe Kitine
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Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/habe-kitine/1234741851
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdFdX0beaWHf0jUqDR0t0tg
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