Karpe, the Norwegian hip-hop duo consisting of Magdi Omar Ytreeide Abdelmaguid and Chirag Rashmikant Patel, announced on Instagram that they are splitting up after 28 years. In the post, the duo said they will embark on a final tour this autumn, which they describe as their last chance to perform live together. They made it clear that there will be no reunion after the tour ends. Additionally, Karpe revealed that they will release a selection of moments from their archive at midnight, offering fans a rare look into their history. The duo also stated they will continue sorting through images, texts, demos, voice recordings, and unreleased music until the final concert. Expressing their uncertainty, they wrote, "We have never done anything other than Karpe, so we have no idea who we are without it. Love you."
The Instagram post, however, did not elaborate on the reasons for the breakup, nor did it provide specifics about the tour dates, locations, or number of shows. It also left unanswered questions about any potential new music. The archive release was described only as a selection of moments, with no further details. On social media, fans expressed a mix of emotions, sharing memories and expressing gratitude for the duo's long career. Speculation about the duo's future plans has been rampant, with many wondering if they will pursue solo careers. The duo's devoted fanbase is eagerly waiting to see what the archive release will contain. Some fans have even organized online campaigns to request specific unreleased tracks.
We are breaking up. This autumn we will release our very last tour. And there will be no comeback after that. [...] we are releasing a selection of small and big moments from the archive. We will continue to sort images, texts, demos, voice recordings and unreleased music until the last concert. Thank you for allowing us to do this. We have never done anything other than Karpe (Diem), so we have no idea who we are without it. Love you.
Sandeep Singh, a program host and music reviewer, told NRK that the decision may be wise. According to NRK, Singh described the move as prudent, noting that the duo has been active for 25 years and it might be smart to quit while the game is good.
Karpe, who rose to fame in the late 1990s with their innovative hip-hop sound and socially conscious lyrics, have won multiple Spellemannprisen awards. Their albums, such as "Heisann Montebello" and "Sas Plus/Sas Pussy," are considered classics in Norwegian hip-hop. Magdi and Chirag, who have been performing since their teens, have inspired a generation of artists. The duo's impact on Norwegian culture is widely acknowledged. The announcement brings an emotional close to a 28-year chapter in Norwegian music.
No wonder they think that way, they have been going for 25 years and it might be wise to quit while the game is good.