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Kojo Rigault 

One Liner:

“Kojo Rigault is the soulful torchbearer for the 2026 relaunch of the legendary Hot Vinyl imprint, debuting with the Smokey Joe-produced anthem ‘Cruisin’—a track that bridges the golden era of Lovers Rock with the future of British Soul.”

Short Bio:

Kojo Rigault is the new voice of the legendary Hot Vinyl label. Hand-picked by UK Reggae pioneer Smokey Joe, Kojo bridges the gap between the golden era of Lovers Rock and the modern UK soul scene. Following a historic performance at The Tabernacle in Ladbroke Grove, Kojo is leading the charge to bring independent British heritage music back to the Official Charts with his debut single, “Cruisin”

The Full Story

The story of Kojo Rigault is one of destiny and musical continuity. It begins with the revival of Hot Vinyl, the boutique heritage label founded by UK Reggae pioneer Smokey Joe (TJ Records). After a 20-year hiatus from the forefront of the industry, Smokey Joe returned to the studio with a singular mission: to find a voice capable of carrying the sophisticated, soulful blueprint of Lovers Rock into a new generation.

In Kojo Rigault, he found that voice. A West London native with a deep reverence for the pioneers who paved the way, Kojo possesses a vocal tone that feels both timeless and urgently modern.

Their debut collaboration, “Cruisin'”, is a high-fidelity masterclass in British soul. Recorded with the legendary guitarist John Kpiaye (noted for his work with Linton Kwesi Johnson and Janet Kay), the track is an intentional nod to the 1970s “Golden Era” while standing firmly in the sonic landscape of 2026.

The movement reached a fever pitch on February 6, 2025, at the historic Tabernacle in Ladbroke Grove. In a packed-out launch event that served as a “passing of the torch,” Smokey Joe and Kojo stood side-by-side behind the decks to play the first spin of “Cruisin'” on vinyl. The reaction from the West London crowd was unanimous: the “Hot Vinyl” sound is back.

Currently leading an independent charge toward the Official UK Charts, Kojo Rigault is not just releasing a single; he is spearheading a cultural reclamation of independent Black British music. For Kojo, the mission is simple: honor the architects, elevate the sound, and keep the culture moving forward.