Toronto’s Kairo McLean, a two-time JUNO Award-winning artist, is ready to make moves once again with his highly anticipated single, ‘Right Now’, set to drop on December 15. At just 17 years old, McLean has already proven himself a force to be reckoned with on the Canadian reggae scene, and this latest release promises to open doors internationally.
“Right Now is more than just a track—it’s a rallying cry for unity and self-awareness. “The title reflects the energy and urgency of the track,” McLean says. “It’s not just a statement about Toronto or the world—it’s a call to action for disenfranchised people to unite and act consciously.”
For McLean, the song strikes a deeply personal chord. “As I head into the middle of grade 11 and continue to learn more about myself, I’ve been feeling that drive—that will leave a mark. This song is my way of channeling that feeling,” he shares.
‘Right Now’ represents a distinct evolution in McLean’s artistry. As part of his upcoming mixtape, ‘The Times: InI Mixtape’, the track combines the vibrant energy of Toronto with a timeless reggae sound. “There are two main goals I had for this mixtape,” he explains. “First, I wanted to give people the new music they’ve been asking for—something they can enjoy on classic riddims while showcasing my musical range. Second, I wanted to teach my peers and the youth in Toronto about reggae music and its history, using examples they might already recognize and connect with.”
McLean sees ‘Right Now’ as embodying the spirit of his city: “It represents the swag, the hype, and the attitude of the youth—while also encouraging them to reflect on their actions and plan for something better.”
In a significant milestone for McLean, ‘Right Now’ marks his first foray into self-recording. “This single is a big milestone for me—it’s the first time I recorded myself, and it’s pushed me to grow creatively in ways I didn’t expect,” he says.
McLean’s dedication to authenticity shines through in every aspect of the track. He penned his own lyrics, handled backup vocals, and collaborated with Pablo of Soul Survival Studio for the final mix.
The broader project, ‘The Times: InI Mixtape’, delves deep into both personal and cultural narratives. “The mixtape reflects these pivotal moments in Canadian—and more specifically, Torontonian—history, as well as my own formative years,” McLean says. “Midway through high school, that feeling of becoming, of growing into myself, all culminated in the creation of this project.”
While McLean’s message remains rooted in peace, love, and righteousness, ‘Right Now’ takes a slightly edgier approach. “The sound on this track is more rugged, aiming to evoke the essence of the old-school reggae sound while blending it with a modern twist,” he says. It’s a reflection of McLean’s desire to honor reggae’s rich history while making it accessible to a new generation of listeners.
For McLean, ‘Right Now’ is just the beginning. As fans eagerly anticipate ‘The Times: InI Mixtape’, he promises more music, more videos, and an unwavering commitment to quality. “Everyone can look forward to more songs, more music videos, and more quality,” McLean assures.
He encourages fans to stay connected and follow his journey on TikTok at @kairo_mclean.
