Former Britain’s Got Talent finalist Asanda Jezile Releases Self-Empowerment Track, ‘Photogenic’

ASANDA JEZILE‘s debut single ‘Photogenic’ may be a summer charged banger, but beyond the boastful R&B/trap arrangements, there is a serious message that we all need to take note of….

‘Photogenic’ was came to fruition after Asanda appeared on Britain’s Got Talent at the age of 11, when she came under criticism following her first televised BGT audition. Her cover of ‘Diamonds’ by Rihanna was praised by many including the star judging panel consisting of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon & David Walliams…however some viewers criticised the performance for being too mature for someone who was so young, especially given the sexualised theme of the track. Despite the criticism, Asanda went on to capture the hearts of the nation with a series of show stopping performances on the hit ITV talent show. The young talent – who is now 18 years old – made it all the way to the live grand final attracting over 13 million TV viewers.

Speaking out on why the talent show inspired her the write ‘Photogenic’, Asanda said, “I had a lot of negative comments after my BGT performance, but I was just being real. At the time ‘Diamonds’ was one of my favourite songs, and Rihanna is an artist who I truly respect, so why wouldn’t I want to perform it on national TV? I totally understand why some people may have thought that I was pushed into singing that song by the TV company, but the negativity taught me that even if you do the right thing you’ll never be able to please everyone. ‘Photogenic’ is my way of saying “this is me, I don’t care what you think, I’m proud and I’m confident of who I am, I hope you like it, but if you don’t – that’s fine too.”

Citing British urban powerhouse Stormzy and female MC Steff London as inspiration, Asanda hopes that the her inspiring, self confidence fuelled lyrics in ‘Photogenic’ will become the soundtrack to the lives of young people at a time when the “be kind” message has never more relevant.

“We love to capture every moment of our life and look back through the memories in years to come. We all want to look good on the outside, but being photogenic is about inner beauty and confidence as well. In today’s world of social media, you have to be confident in yourself as there’s so much negativity and judgement online”, she says.

Later this year Asanda is planning to take her “be kind, be you” message into schools as part of a nationwide initiative raising awareness of cyberbullying and online safety.

‘Photogenic’ is out now on all major platforms…check it out below…

Ambush Brings Drama With New Track, ‘Eastenders’ + New Video

Northwest London rapper, AMBUSH A.K.A Ambush Buzzworl, slams down the first track from his forthcoming, highly anticipated mixtape ‘A.M.B’, which is set to drop on May 15th.

‘Eastenders’ is a dark track that has Ambush spitting bars about drama on the streets, sending a clear message out, that fights and wars are just not worth it especially over a girl. Ambush adds a catchy bar that repeats throughout the track ‘Beef over gyal is mad’ over a cold, melancholy, polished beat.

The video is more like a movie, telling three different stories with Ambush as the narrator and some famous faces acting such as Scorcher, Paigey Cakey, Vic Santoro and Jasmine Jobson.

Ambush says “The song is named Eastenders in comparison to the drama that happens on the soap which usually stems from matters of the heart. The story is actually a compilation of three different stories where people I know found themselves in between pride, jealousy, love and hate; and the consequences of their heated actions turned out extreme”.

‘Eastenders’ gives fans a little taster of what they can expect from the brand-new mixtape, setting the bar high, whilst giving fans a taster of what’s to come from the full-length project which they have been eagerly anticipating for a while.

Ambush arrived onto the scene in 2017 with his ‘Sauce Freestyle’, followed by ‘Already’. These tracks built him recognition and more singles followed including ‘Jumpy’, the remix to this track features Skepta & Chip and ‘My Size’ featuring Ms Banks. He has also recently featured on Poundz remix track ‘Opp Thot’ along with Snap Capone & Yxng Bane.

You just have to look at his streaming numbers to see his progression -the Jumpy Remix and Man Can’t tracks have both amassed over ten millions streams on DSP’s.

The mixtape is available to pre-order now…but before you head off, check out Ambush’s video for single, ‘Eastenders.’

Rapper/Singer BVNK Takes Accountability On New Single, ‘Situations’

Born in Nigeria, raised in the UK and now residing in North America, BVNK takes 2020 by the scruff of its neck with brand new single,‘Situations’, taken from his forthcoming debut EP, ‘XX/XX’.

Produced by burgeoning LA-based musician and beatsmith Twelve 92, ‘Situations’ sees the Denver rapper/singer/songwriter taking responsibility for failures in his past relationships. The track is led by dreamy R&B guitar licks, minimalist drum arrangements, groovy melodies, and an infectious bassline, over which Bvnk showcases his dual singing and rapping talents.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the ‘Situations’ track, Bvnk says, “In a time where the world is full of one sided stories, and men thinking that taking responsibility is weak for some reason or the other, with women left having to deal with their toxic masculine energy, I wanted to take the truthful route on ‘Situations’. The song is about me looking into the mirror, taking responsibility, and apologising for the hurt I had caused. Amidst it all, ‘two wrongs don’t make a right’ is the perfect quote that explains ‘Situations’, because I’m ultimately asking for a second chance”.

Check it out below…

Avant Pop Artist Fifi Rong Shares the Ideal Isolation Anthem ‘Distance’

In the midst of the unprecedented times that we’re all facing, London-based singer/songwriter/producer FIFI RONG shares new single, ‘Distance’, hoping to offer some comfort for those who are suffering from the emotional effects of being apart from love ones due to self-isolation.

Fifi perfectly encapsulates the feeling of distance and isolation, through her intricately compelling vocals. With soft layers of guitars and bass, which creates a stripped-back feel, ‘Distance’ is the perfect escapism from lockdown as it invites us to fully immerse ourselves into the intimate ambiance of the song.

‘Distance’ follows her self-produced single, ‘Love Is A Lonely Thing’, where Fifi recently unveiled a short film to accompany the release. Taking inspiration from Wong Kar-Wai’s romantic film, ‘Mood For Love’, the video features the multi-talented songstress narrating the events of a tragic love story, delivered in delicate and well-poised vocals. Watch ‘Love Is A Lonely Thing’ full-length video below:

‘Love Is A Lonely Thing’ single was met with raving reviews from The Electricity Club, Fortitude Magazine, Resonate and many more. Previously, her pioneering fusion of Chinese influences and Western pop, which often takes on a melancholic feel, has generated attention from The Clash, Fader Magazine, Pigeon and Planes, BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 6 Music.

As an artist who is not afraid in expanding her musical horizons, Fifi has contributed to Skepta’s Mercury Award-winning album, ‘Konnichiwa’ and electronic duo Yello’s album, ‘Toy’. Fifi reconnects with Yello and features on their current highly anticipated new album.

Available now on all major downloads and streaming sites, ‘Distance’ is part of a collection of individual love stories, which forms her upcoming Album, ‘There Is A Funeral In My Heart, For Every Man I Loved’. The album boasts the boundary-pusher’s signature sound of delicately crafted vocal led downtempo ballads.

Follow Fifi Rong via:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fifirongmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/fifirong
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fifirong/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fifirong/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/fifirong
Website: https://fifirong.tumblr.com/

Duñe x Crayon Shares ‘The One / Ten Years’ Live Session Video

Credit: Paul Perrault

The KCRW and COLORS-tipped Parisian producer duo, DUÑE x CRAYON, have recently unveiled their new live session video for single, ‘The One / Ten Years’, taken from their forthcoming debut album, ‘Hundred Fifty Roses’, out now via Roche.

‘The One / Ten Years’ live session further mines the duo’s penchant for downtempo electronica and tar-thick production techniques, segueing between soul, G-funk, and R&B. Hundred Fifty Roses – as an album – looks to tell the story of the over-connected and often over-stimulating world that we live in. Somewhat dystopian in its exploration, the album, which touches on the sounds of J Dilla, MF Doom and Kaytranada, paints the world of a man out of touch with himself.

Before working together, the pair of producers, who met in 2014 as Roche Musique signings, have forged out successful solo careers with Crayon – previously signed to Kitsuné where he cut his teeth alongside Yuksek – releasing two EPs to-date, securing praise at Pitchfork and more along the way. As well as creating his own music, the artist has racked up a string of production credits working with tipped names from the French electronic and R&B underground scene – Ichon, Blow and L’Or du Commun to name but a few.

Duñe, on the other hand, was championed from the off via Roche Musique, initially as part of the hip-hop duo, Saje, before releasing his own solo material. As well as working on production for the likes of Swing, Julien Granel, and Blow, Duñe has established himself as a prominent live artist on the label’s roster, performing across South Korea, China, Canada, and more.

Sit back, relax and press play on Duñe x Crayon’s ‘The One / Ten Years’ live session video. You can also catch the single via Spotify.