King Promise Opens Up About Mentors It Took to Shape Bad Habits
Ghanaian artist King Promise spent a productive day at The Bridge, crafting content for the upcoming launch of his highly anticipated track Bad Habits, featuring Davido. On set, the conversation drifted from the day’s filming to the people who have quietly influenced his musical voice. In a candid moment, he name-checked two football legends—Michael Essien and Marcel Desailly—as unlikely but powerful sources of inspiration that helped inform the energy and storytelling of his new single.
Bad Habits, slated for release on Friday, 21 November, marks another milestone in King Promise’s ongoing collaboration with Davido, an artist whose global reach pairs well with Promise’s own pan-African soundscapes. The project’s timing, as explained during a brief pause between take-and-breaks on the Bridge set, aligns with Promise’s mission to fuse personal experiences with universal themes. He spoke about how the discipline, focus, and resilience he observed in Essien’s and Desailly’s careers—both known for their composure under pressure—are echoed in his approach to studio sessions, writing rituals, and performance preparation.
The Unexpected Bridge Between Football and Music
For King Promise, the conversation about Essien and Desailly transcended nostalgia. He described their influence as a blueprint for navigating attention, managing expectations, and staying authentic in a crowded industry. “There’s a quiet confidence you can learn from athletes who’ve won at the highest level,” Promise explained. “That mindset translates to recording sessions, where you need to protect your energy, stay present, and trust the process.”
The Bridge, known for its creative flexibility and intimate atmosphere, offered a backdrop that reflected Promise’s blend of warmth and ambition. Filming segments for Bad Habits, he kept the lyrical mood in mind—an exploration of personal limits, tempered with hope and a sense of forward momentum. With Davido’s presence on the track, the project promises a cross-continental collaboration—one that mirrors Promise’s belief in music as a bridge between cultures and languages.
The Creative Process Behind Bad Habits
While the cameras rolled, Promise talked about the day-to-day work that goes into shaping a single that resonates with audiences beyond borders. He emphasized the importance of choosing collaborators who spark energy in the studio and inspire a more authentic vocal delivery. Davido’s influence, he said, complements his own Nigerian and Ghanaian heritage while broadening the song’s appeal to broader audiences in Africa and beyond. The result, he hinted, will be a track that blends melodic hooks with a rhythm-forward beat designed for radio and streaming platforms alike.
In discussing Essien and Desailly, Promise highlighted lessons that can be applied to any creative pursuit: focus, consistency, and the ability to remain grounded under intense scrutiny. He believes these values can elevate the emotional core of Bad Habits, helping listeners relate to the tension and vulnerability expressed in the lyrics and performance.
What to Expect When Bad Habits Drops
With a release date just days away, anticipation is high for a song that promises to showcase King Promise’s evolving sound—anchored by Davido’s dynamic feature and the understated wisdom of his mentors. Fans can expect a track that blends Afrobeat and R&B sensibilities, delivering a glossy yet intimate listening experience. The public’s first taste may arrive through teasers and behind-the-scenes clips captured at The Bridge, offering more context for how Essien’s and Desailly’s influence translates into rhythm, cadence, and stage presence.
As Promise prepares for launch, he remains reflective about the power of mentorship and the role it plays in shaping a musician’s career. The narrative of Bad Habits appears to be more than a catchy hook; it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and the ways in which legendary figures from the world of sport can quietly inform artistic growth.
