“this project is a luv letter to the woman I am right now. a luv letter to luv in all its forms and me in all of mine. we’ll talk about it more over the next two weeks but for now, save the date!!!”.

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The ‘Luvergirl’ EP will include her recently released singles ‘Different Type Of Love’, ‘Pick Up The Pace’, ‘Pressure Points’, and her most recent, ‘Instructions’.     

This latest playful dance track produced by Malik Ninety Five and Mike Baretz has got fans hyped for the summer, with a TikTok trend following the dance’s directions in their individual dance styles.   

@sheobolu #fyppp ♬ Instructions – Mahalia

‘Luvergirl’ was written across the UK, Jamaica and St. Vincent, with features from Masicka, Tanya Stephens, Bayka, and more. The project follows her 2023 album ‘IRL’, which teased her new sonic direction as she leans into her heritage and explores Jamaica’s music scene. 

The singer has been involved in several projects while writing her new EP, namely the launch of her R&B showcase night, Mahalia Presents, in which she shines a spotlight on the most exciting emerging talents. She spoke to Culted about the foundations of the project and her pride for its ongoing celebration of new artists.

“I used to put them on in Leicester when I was about 16. That was all about bringing artists from out of the city into ours. I always wanted to start it up again, but I didn’t know how and realised it was time to jump back in! It’s still one of the best things I’ve ever done, and I’m so proud of it.” 

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 Mahalia has also launched several clothing lines, from a collaboration with Puma in 2024, to the release of her own bikini collection, ‘Hibiscus’ in July. The bikini is designed with swimwear brand RAQ with the ethos “A bikini for everyone”.  

 

 

 

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Here’s the full tracklist for ‘Luvergirl':

1. ‘Different Type of Love’ ft. Masicka

2. ‘Pity’ ft. Tanya Stephens

3. ‘Pick Up The Pace’ ft. Bayka

4. ‘Instructions’

5. ‘Testing’

6. ‘Pressure Points’ ft. Lila Iké

7. ‘Farewell (Pretty Jamaica)’

Presave the EP and stay up to date on her latest projects and gigs on the artist’s official website. 

Leading the nominations this year is rapper Dave with six nominations. He is nominated for track of the year twice for his hits ‘Starlight’ and ‘Clash’ featuring Stormzy. Both singles also received nominations for Video of the Year. After recently headlining Reading and Leeds, the 24-year-old is also nominated for Male Artist of the Year alongside Central Cee, Digga D and 2021’s Track of the Year winner, Tion Wayne.

Dave has met widespread critical acclaim since his debut album Psychodrama which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart back in 2019. It had the biggest first week of streams for a UK rap album and subsequently took home the 2020 Brit Award for Album of the Year and went on to win the Mercury Prize. His latest album, We’re All Alone in This Together is nominated for the GRM Rated Award for Album of the Year and faces competition from Little Simz, Fredo, Tion Wayne, M Huncho, Knucks and Kojey Radical. The Evening Standard described the album as a ‘masterpiece’ saying Dave is ‘the greatest rapper working in Britain today.”

Also leading the nominations is Little Simz who is featured in three categories. She’s up for Album of the Year with her Mercury Prize Nominated Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. AllMusic described the album as a “master class in modern songwriting with heaps of poise and a beating, soulful heart,” and Stereogum said the release was “cinematic and surreal and overwhelming”. Simz is also nominated for Female Artist of the Year alongside Mahalia, Ms Banks, Stefflon Don and FLO. Her single ‘Point and Kill’ features on the list for Track of the Year with fellow contenders Aitch, ArrDee and Central Cee.

You can see a full list of nominations here. Voting is now open and fans can place their votes for each category until the 21st of September. The hosts, performances and date of the ceremony are yet to be announced.

Mahalia took to her Instagram to share the preview of her new track with AJ Tracey to her 570 thousand followers.

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The 23-year-old then went on to share that she will be going live on her Instagram tomorrow to answer any questions the fans have for her before the release of her new single on Thursday.

 

 

 

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“Roadside” will only be Mahalias 3rd single release this year having already dropped her well-received single “Jealous” alongside American rapper Rico Nasty and “Whenever you’re ready” which was a solo effort from the talented RnB singer which has seen an official remix from dutch artist Jarreau Vandal.

Mahalia new single comes after a busy month that has seen the songstress appear on DJ Targets new BBC three-show “Tonight with target” alongside UK content creators and tastemakers Henrie and Poet. Alongside this appearance, Mahalia was nominated at this years Ivor academy awards for best contemporary song for her feature on Pa Salieus track “Energy” which featured on the Coventry artists debut project Send them to Coventry.

AJ Tracey feature will follow on from his feature on Birmingham rappers M1llionz tape on the title track “Provisional License”, this being his only appearance since the Ladbroke Grove rapper dropped his sophomore project Flu Game, which the rapper dropped independently and saw peak at number two in the official charts staying in the charts for 19 weeks.

The single “Roadside” by Mahalia featuring AJ Tracey is set to drop this Thursday and can be pre-saved here.

The live performances will take place starting from 19th July 2021 within Grassroots music venues alongside the Music Venues Alliance, 19th July also marks the date in which the Government has issued for Grassroots music venues to fully reopen. The scheme’s tour entitled ‘The National Lottery’s Revive Live Tour’ boasts a roster of talented artists and promises over 300 live performances. The array of other music artists joining the pair on their crusade include English singer-songwriter James Arthur, Mahalia, 27-year-old singer Sam Fender and Irish post-punk band Fontaines DC. All artists involved in the ‘Revive Live’ scheme will be working alongside Music Venue Trust and the National Lottery. Both organisations founded the campaign to bring back lost revenue and to support new artists, musicians and the nation’s live music scene.

The National Lottery injected a sizeable donation of £1 million into the scheme which will cover all touring and production costs occurred during the tour and further events. The donation also means that with upfront costs already paid, the grassroots live music industry can start promoting and producing tours and live shows. Along with the donation to the scheme, the organisation is also offering 30,000 tickets for lottery and scratchcard players to win. The 30,000 tickets up to win will make up half of the tickets available, the other half will be on sale to the public.

Nigel Railton, the Chief Executive of National Lottery, part of the Camelot Group has spoken on the organisation’s excitement to be working with the Music Venue Trust within the scheme. “The National Lottery is very excited to be working with Music Venue Trust in what we believe is a truly ground-breaking initiative. The last year has been incredibly challenging for many industries and we hope The National Lottery’s Revive Live Tour will help kick start the return of grassroots live music. With every ticket having a built in plus-one, we hope The National Lottery can bring friends back together this summer to once again share the experiences we’ve all missed, while thanking players for the amazing things they make happen just by buying a ticket.”

Sir Tom Jones will be performing for a limited audience of 800 at one of the three performance spaces within the Cambridge Junction. Ran’n’Bone Man will play for an even smaller crowd of 250 ticket holders, the gig will take place in Kent. The venue, Tunbridge Wells Forum, is famed within the county as the performance space was once a public toilet.

The ‘Sex Bomb’ singer has spoken on how proud he is to be part of the scheme and the importance of the campaign. He also talks about how grassroots venues are a key part of a new artist’s career and states the importance of support for such venues. “Musicians can record in their bedrooms, but they can’t learn to perform in public without a place to play, without that, there is no way you can communicate directly to people. It’ll be tough to hone your skills and you’ll never have the thrill of feeling their feedback. Without a grassroots music venue, the neighbourhood won’t have a place where people can come together to discover and support a new talent”. So, support your local pub, club, gym or church or wherever someone has the guts to bring in some entertainment, it makes all the difference both to budding artists and the community, I’m delighted to be able to perform a special show as part of The National Lottery’s Revive Live Tour and to be celebrating the return of live music.”

Mark Dayvd, the CEO of Music Venue Trust has also provided the following statement concerning the new campaign. “It’s so important to get artists and crew back out and working, to get our grassroots music venues back up and running, and to get friends, families and communities back together enjoying live music. Grassroots music venues play a crucial role in the development of British music, nurturing local talent, providing a platform for artists to build their careers and develop their music and their performance skills, These venues also play a vital role in the cultural and economic vibrancy of any village, town or city. The National Lottery’s Revive Live Tour is a fantastic initiative which will kickstart the return of great events across the country. We can’t wait to get started!”

The Music Venue Trust has been combating the negative effects in which COVID-19 has held over live music and the industry itself since March 2020. They aim to safely reopen all venues using various campaigns and schemes. Their most successful campaign was # Save Our Venues, which saw support and money given to help infuse revenue and business into Grassroots venues. Now with the new scheme, tour of live performances and #ReviveLive, the trust is on a mission to bring live music back.

GO GO GO! Tickets are now ON SALE for This Is Tomorrow! See @DermotKennedy , @GerryCinnamon and @samfendermusic plus many more!
Head to >>> https://t.co/5pGOmwLztg pic.twitter.com/B5CJKmO0O9

— This Is Tomorrow (@ThisIsNCL) May 27, 2021

Announced as the headline acts for this year’s event include Sam Fender, Gerry Cinnamon and Irish singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy. Kennedy will headline the festival with its first day on Friday, along with Blossoms and British rapper Bugzy Malone. Cinnamon will headline on Saturday after performances from Tom Walker and ‘Naïve’ singers The Kooks. The festival’s final day will be closed by headliner Fender, Sunday also includes sets by Fontaines D.C. and Manchester rockers Pale Waves. Other acts to perform include singer Mahalia, Irish rock band Inhaler, Circa Waves, Nadine Shah and 2020’s one to watch act Billy Nomates. Dermot Kennedy also took to Twitter to announce his headline performance as well as express his excitement for his set.

I’m headlining @ThisIsNCL Festival in September!! Tickets are available from 10am this Thursday 27 May from https://t.co/wDXiHSQ1l9 pic.twitter.com/OkFPIMUODT

— Dermot Kennedy (@DermotKennedy) May 26, 2021

The festival was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has changed promoters since allegations of staff mistreatment. The festival was previously promoted by SSD Concerts who were involved in the claims made public on the company review site Glassdoor after their Instagram account was allegedly hacked, the claims stated that SSD Concerts were underpaying staff and making employees feel uncomfortable at their workplace. The festival is now promoted by one of the largest event promoters within the UK, Kilimanjaro Live.

CEO of Kilimanjaro Live, Stuart Galbraith had this to say about the return of This is Tomorrow.

“The pandemic has caused huge challenges for the live industry in 2020 and 2021 and when the opportunity came up for us to get involved with This Is Tomorrow it was a complete no brainer and a very easy decision for us to make, It’s a brilliant festival with huge potential in an area which has been traditionally over-looked as a music market. We’re delighted to be able to get this back in the diary and hope to see everyone in September for what promises to be one hell of a party.’’

The festival will also be putting on a free festival for NHS key workers as a thank you for their hard work throughout the COVID pandemic. The free festival will take place on the bank holiday Monday May 31st 2021 and will be held in Exhibition Park, headliners include Sam Fender, Gerry Cinnamon and celebrated British rockers Royal Blood. The one-off event will raise money for Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, South Tyneside NHS Foundation Trust, Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust and The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Tickets are now on sale for This Is Tomorrow as well as their This Is For The NHS event.

Click here to buy tickets.

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The single ‘Jealous’ will mark the first release from Mahalia, and the second from Rico. Both Mahalia and Rico released albums in 2020: Mahalia’s three-track EP titled ‘Isolation Tapes’ which won Mahalia the award for Best Female Act and Best R&B/Soul Act at the 2020 MOBO Awards, and Rico’s debut album titled ‘Nightmare Vacation’.

NME reviewed ‘Nightmare Vacation’ and said that it was a solid four-star record, stating, “the frenetic Maryland artist will not be restrained by any boundaries – genre, social or otherwise – as this thrilling, wildly charged, star-stuffed debut proves. While Nasty’s catalogue has found her focused on pushing to the extremities of self-expression – baking rock, screamo and punk directly into her rap with reckless abandon – with this record she flexes her chops as an artist with mainstream appeal.” ‘Nightmare Vacation’ also featured on NME’s best 50 albums of 2020.

You can pre-save ‘Jealous’ here.

Of the most popular songs this year, a significant number are collaborations, which has brought new sounds to the limelight. Some have been from breakthrough acts, and all are reflections of the various events of 2020. Here are our top ten songs of 2020.

10. Contagion – Napalm Death
Arguably the highest peak in Napalm Death’s sixteenth record Thores of Joy in the Jaws of Defeatism (Century Media, 2020), ‘Contagion’ is the ruthless manifestation of Napalm Death’s forty-year long crusade against ignorance and social injustice. In a milestone album with influences ranging from signature grindcore to old-school industrial, the track is a straightforward brutal tirade against greed and corruption.

With music and lyrics by bassist Shane Embury and produced by Russ Russell (At The Gates, Dimmu Burgir, Exploited), ‘Contagion’ captures the rage and defiance of the whole record. The song is a fast and precise blend of grind and death metal, with doom feel and hardcore attitude. It is moody and angry, but above all, it is pure Napalm Death and one to remember 2020 with.

- Viktor Balchikliev

9. Strange Girl – Laura Marling
Strange Girl was written by Laura Marling and comes from her seventh studio album ‘Song for Our Daughter’ which was released in April of 2020. ‘Song for Our Daughter’ was co-produced by Laura Marling and long-time collaborator Ethan Johns. The album is a collection of messages Laura wants to convey to her future daughter.

The song addresses this fictional daughter as someone quite like Marling and has given up financial stability to pursue her art. The song is the perfect dance around the kitchen song, it follows the classic folk song style of and undeniable beat with a beautiful message, told through passionate lyrics. ‘Song For Our Daughter’ was shortlisted for the 2020 Mercury Awards and was also nominated for Best Folk Album in the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

- Susan Owens

8. Heat Waves – Glass Animals
Written by Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley and produced by Paul Epworth (Adele, Rihanna, Florence and the Machine), has been pivotal in the band’s career – and this year for fans, gaining over 64 million streams. ‘Heat Waves’ is blends genres in the way that Glass Animals so often do; despite featuring hip-hop beats and influences from trap music, there is ultimately an electro-pop sound running throughout.

This was one of many singles to be shared from the band’s latest album ‘Dreamland’, premiering in June, with the album following in August. Lyrically, the song focuses on combatting the judgement of other people and staying true to one’s own path. Bayley wrote on Instagram, “It’s about realising you can’t make everyone happy. And realising it’s ok to be defeated by something,” going on to say, “being vulnerable should be a positive thing.”

7. Head &Heart – Joel Corry ft. MNEK
Head & Heart by Joel Corry, featuring the widely popular MNEK on vocals, was the UK’s favourite dance-track of the summer after its massive release in July. The single had the added benefit of being mixed by the acclaimed Kevin Grainger who has worked on iconic dance records, including with the late Avicii. Head & Heart was the fun and optimistic club-banger that was sorely needed in a time of isolation and therefore rocketed to the top of the charts in its first week.

Corry is a relatively new artist, only breaking onto the London DJ scene in 2019, so his success with this track has been unprecedented as it sat at the number 1 spot on the UK Single Charts for 6 weeks straight. Corry has come a long way from his reality television days on Geordie Shore as Head & Heart has made him one of London’s most successful DJ’s and producers of the year. It would be fitting to say that Head & Heart makes 2020’s heart go ‘boom boom bah doom!’

- Shana Briddock

6. Ain’t It Different – Headie One ft. Stormzy and AJ Tracey
‘Ain’t It Different’ was written by 13 writers (including AJ Tracey) and produced by Fred (Ed Sheehan, Rita Ora, Major Lazer, Ellie Goulding) and Toddla T (Major Lazer, Sean Paul). The song sees the three rappers trade straight-talking bars about how different their lives are now.

It’s an important message depicting how different their lives have changed since their younger days, which uses samples from M-Dubs’ Bump and Grind and Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Pretty Little Dirty. Sitting at over 60 million streams and peaking at number 2 in the UK charts, these rap and R’n’B legends have hit out with a powerful and immersive song.

- Rory Aitken

5. Obey – Bring Me The Horizon and Yungblud
‘Obey’ is a collaboration between two pop-punk giants; Yungblud and Bring Me The Horizon. Full of battering guitars, hard-hitting drum beats and electric vocals, the song pulls from multiple genres nu metal, electronic dance music and rave music.

Throughout, the song carries a riotous energy, focusing on the oppression and suffering many face due to government control; “Obey, We’re gonna show you how to behave, Obey It’s nicer when you can’t see the chains.”  The track has received universal acclaim from fans and critics alike, being voted Annie Mac’s Hottest Record of the Year for 2020.

- Lily Blakeney-Edwards

4. Rain – Aitch, AJ Tracey and Tay Keith
Two of the biggest names in UK rap, Aitch and AJ Tracey, released their track ‘Rain’ this year on the 5^th of May 2020. The track was produced by Tay Keith, who also featured on the hit single which was premiered on BBC Radio 1 and 1XTRA as Annie Mac’s Hottest Record In The World and DJ Target’s ‘Targo Embargo’.

The LA Filmed video was produced by Arrad. NME says it “sees Aitch and AJ making it rain – both literally and metaphorically – as they hold onto stacks of dollar bills and rock various pieces of iced- out jewellery.” The 3 rap artists roll out their lyrics effortlessly over a heavy piano beat produced by Tay Keith. The highly anticipated track was a brilliant collaboration and it’s therefore no surprise it was a huge hit this year.

- Ashleigh K

3. All I Need – Jacob Collier ft. Mahalia and Ty Dolla $ign
Penned by our very own Jacob Collier, the ‘Clarity’ artist offers a soulful, R&B infused standout single. A creative collision between Jacobs, American rapper Ty Dolla $ign and singer- songwriter Mahalia (formally known as Mahalia Burkmar), All I Need draws upon the three artists’ eclectic and equally strong vocal prowesses.

‘All I Need’ is taken from Collier’s fourth studio album, ‘Djesse Vol. 3′. Released back in August, ‘All I Need’ is a genre-blending, foot-tapping bop, filled to the brim with sounds of both neo-soul and synth pop. Lyrically, the track hones in on the all too relatable feeling of infatuation. Collier sings: “I love the way that I feel when you put your arms over me/(There must be something I could say to make you stay baby)”. He said of the track’s meaning: “In the gorgeous, naive space that exists when one falls in love with somebody, it can really feel like they are exactly everything you need in that moment.”

- Sadie Willis-Falkiner

2. Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa
Released as a single ahead of her successful ‘Future Nostalgia,’ album late last year, Dua Lipa’s ‘Don’t Start Now,’ made a splash which has led to it to becoming one of the biggest hits of 2020. The tune charted at number 2 on the official charts, only narrowly behind her two biggest hits, the UK number ones ‘New Rules,’ and ‘One Kiss,’ and it remained on the charts for a whopping 52 weeks.

Like the rest of ‘Future Nostalgia,’ don’t start now has a retro 80s disco vibe with a great bassline and neat guitar work, the lyrics are in some ways typical of Dua Lipa’s songwriting, dealing with everyday themes like relationships and heartbreak with simple, yet effective delivery. As we head into 2021 ‘Don’t Start Now,’ is still one of the hottest tracks in a hear of British music which has undoubtably been owned by Dua Lipa.

- Felix Leif

1. Black Dog – Arlo Parks
2020 was a breakthrough year for Arlo Parks, and in ‘Black Dog’ the Londoner produced a timely and powerful reflection on mental health which captured the frustrated, longing mood of a nation in lockdown. Parks’ lyrics fuse the mundanity of everyday life stuck indoors (“Let’s go to the corner store and buy some fruit/ I would do anything to get you out your room”) with a dark sensuality, particularly that superb opening line, “I’d like the grief right off your lips/ You do your eyes like Robert Smith”.

It’s a curious and winning combination which has gained over 10 million streams. Sonically, ‘Black Dog’ is sweetly melodic and quietly intense: an indie ballad which blends in folk and R&B influences to stirring effect.

2021 looks set to be another big year for Parks – her debut LP ‘Collapsed In Sunbeams’ is due for release next month – and you wouldn’t bet against this prodigious young talent scaling new heights in the very near future.

- Daniel Parker

A Massive congratulations to all of our 2020 #MOBOAwards winners!

— MOBO (@MOBOAwards) December 9, 2020

Headie One scooped the award for Best Male Act, seeing off competition from nominees including Stormzy, J Hus and AJ Tracey. The  Tottenham trap star also picked up a second award for his collaboration with Young T & Bugsey on Don’t Rush, which secured the coveted Song of the Year title based on a public vote.

A night of MOBOs glory capped off an exceptional year for Headie One (real name Irving Adjei) whose debut album Edna soared to number one in the UK Albums Charts in October. In their review of the record, NME described the LP, which was named after Adeji’s late mother, as “a clear and persuasive bid for transatlantic stardom“; labelling the artist the “global King of drill.”

Leicestershire songstress Mahalia also enjoyed a memorable evening. The British-Jamaican singer, who made her second successive appearance in the US Adult R&B Top 20 this year with single BRB, was named Best Female Act on the night. The East Midlander also came up trumps in the Best R&B/Soul Act category, fending off WSTRN, Tiana Major9, Lianne La Havas and Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka. Mahalia told the RTÉ network that it was “an honour” to feature in an awards show close to her heart, saying “I remember seeing my first Mobos…As a young black female artist, it really is special to be here and to be recognised in this way.”

There were further gongs for North London rapper Nines – aka Courtney Leon Freckleton – who won the Album of the Year award for his third studio LP Crabs In A Bucket, which topped the UK Albums Chart at the end of the summer. Nines also pipped J Hus, Ms Banks, D-Block Europe, Krept & Konan and Potter Payper to the Best Hip Hop Act prize.

Elsewhere there was success for Hackney-born Jme in the Best Grime category; while Samuel Nwachukwu – known by his stage name of  Calledout Music – was named Best Gospel Act. The Nigerian-born, UK-raised singer is a rising star of Christian music globally, and has been touted as a prospective collaborator with Stormzy and Wretch 32 in the past. In a special feature on gospel music last year, The Big Issue described him as “a much needed breath of fresh air” on the scene, with an “infectious sound.”

Other award winners on the night included Lancashire rapper Aitch – who secured a top ten hit in the UK Albums Chart this year with his EP Polaris – in the Best Newcomer category; and Ella Mai, whose eponymous 2018 debut album was recognised as the best LP released over the two years that passed without a MOBO Awards ceremony. There was also a win for East London rap collective NSG in the Video of the Year category; while South Londoner Ego Ella May got the nod for Best Jazz Act. Stratford-based Jae-5 picked up the Best Producer award, telling Audio Media International: “It’s beautiful to be acknowledged and to win an award that promotes what I am.”

Meanwhile non-UK winners on the night included Nigerian Afrobeats merchant Burna Boy (Best International Act) and compatriot Wizkid (Best African Act). Jamaican dancehall veteran Buju Banton also bagged the Best Reggae Act award. The full list of musical winners at the MOBO Awards were:

Best Female Act – Mahalia
Best Male Act – Headie One
Album of the Year – Crabs in a Bucket (Nines)
Song of the Year – Dont Rush (Young T & Bugsey feat. Headie One)
Best Newcomer  – Aitch
Video of the Year – Lupita, NSG
Best R&B/Soul Act – Mahalia
Best Hip Hop Act – Nines
Best Grime Act – Jme
Best International Act – Burna Boy
Best Album (2017 – 2019) - Ella Mai (Ella Mai)
Best African Act – Wizkid
Best Reggae Act – Buju Banton
Best Gospel Act – Calledout Music
Best Jazz Act – Ego Ella May
Best Producer – Jae 5
Best Performance in a TV Show/Film - Micheal Ward (as Marco in Blue Story)
Best Media Personality - Chunkz
Inspiration Award - Steve McQueen

The continued absence of a category to recognise rock music was highlighted ahead of the awards ceremony by Londoners Nova Twins. The self-described ‘urban punk’ duo rightly pointed to the key role pioneers like Sister Rosetta Sharp, Chuck Berry and Little Richard played in the development of guitar music and rock ‘n’ roll as an overarching genre. The MOBOs judging panel responded directly on Twitter by saying they would “…continue to review potential category expansions for future Award ceremonies.”

‘Energy’ was released as the closing track of Pa Salieu’s debut mixtape ‘Send Them To Coventry’, which dropped on the 13^th November. Throughout, artist deals with themes of isolation and austerity, remaining genuine as he opens up about his personal life and wider social issues. It’s a candidness that feels refreshing and intimate, and is made even more impactful by backed by pounding synth beats and deep bass tones that can be heard in each track. “All my songs are based on real-life scenarios,” the rapper explained. “They all mean a lot to me, like memories and moments. They all have a meaning.” 

 

 

 

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The EP has received praise from fans and from critics alike, cementing Pa Salieu’s reputation as one of the most talented upcoming rappers in the UK music scene. “Everything British-Gambian rapper Pa Salieu touches turns to gold right now.” NME critic Dhruva Balram wrote in his 4-star review of the release. “And rightfully so: his sound, which lurches between Afro-swing, dancehall and flecks of UK road-rap, is refreshingly original and inventive.” This release follows the artist previous success with his single ‘Frontline’, which dropped earlier this year. “I’ve been working more, hella work, non-stop.” the artist told i-D Magazine. “I try not to look left or right… just progress.”

You can listen to Pa Salieu’s debut EP ‘Send Them To Coventry’ below.

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Edna out now it’s a movie link in my bio

A post shared by One (@headieone) on Oct 8, 2020 at 4:39pm PDT

Containing a total of 20 songs, the album is a huge achievement for the Drill artist as he shares collaborative tracks with Stormzy, AJ Tracey, Young T, Bugsey, Future, Skepta, Aitch, Mahalia, and even Drake, along with more outstanding creators. His lead single ‘Only You Freestyle’ was released in July and features Drake in a song with a commercial beat and light-hearted lyrics as the artists fuse their individual styles.

The freestyle track was followed by AJ Tracey and Stormzy collaboration ‘Ain’t It Different’, with a heavy beat and a catchy hook sampled from M Dubs’ ‘Bump ‘n’ Grind’ featuring Lady Shaw. Earlier this week came ‘Breathing’, one of the more serious compositions which discusses racial injustice and loneliness experienced by Black people.

Yesterday, just hours before ‘Edna’ was released, Headie One shared his final single ‘Princess Cuts’ on Annie Mac’s Future Sounds radio show, as the Hottest Record In The World. After hearing the R&B-influenced song, the pair were able to chat about the album. He explained that “it felt like a long time coming but I also had to be patient, cause I know that time flies.”

Some amazing visuals have been created to accompany the music; just today, the music video for ‘Parlez-Vous Anglais’ featuring Aitch was released. Already it has reached 19,000 views for its lavish shots of the duo in a mansion.

‘Edna’ is out now, and the full track-list is below.

1. Teach Me
2. Psalm35
3. Bumpy Ride (Ft. M Huncho)
4. Triple Science
5. The Light
6. Ain’t It Different (Ft. AJ Tracey & Stormzy)
7. Mainstream
8. Princess Cuts (Ft. Young T & Bugsey)
9. 21 Gun Salute (Ft. Young Adz)
10. Five Figures
11. Hear No Evil (Ft. Future)
12. Breathing
13. Only You Freestyle by Headie One & Drake
14. Try Me (Ft. Skepta)
15. F U Pay Me (Ft. Ivorian Doll)
16. Parlez-Vous Anglais (Ft. Aitch)
17. Everyting Nice (Ft. Haile)
18. You / Me (Ft. Mahalia)
19. Therapy
20. Cold (Ft. Kaash Paige)