REBLAH‘s latest project was actually inspired by a divine encounter with the Holy Spirit in July 2020, unveils a transformative musical journey titled ‘Holy Impact.’ The revelation of this title lingered in Reblah’s mind until 2023 when a divine directive came to manifest it into a 12-track album, a number deeply symbolic in Hebrew, associated with power and the establishment of God’s Kingdom. Amidst the creative process, the artist faced personal loss, including that of his Christian mentor, Bishop, Reverend Bennett Olabayo who discipled Reblah.
‘Holy Impact’ not only pushes the boundaries of Reblah’s artistic expression but also signifies a commitment to elevate studio quality and production. Esteemed in Christ, the artist embarked on a global collaboration effort, reaching out to Gospel artists worldwide. Miraculously, each petitioned features, including Jenge, Coco Dupree, Marie Love, Becca Folkes, Rehmahz, Ryan Hylton, Marizu, Shirlvin Desir, Nashbi, and Zelijah Tishbite, became a reality by God’s sovereign grace.
‘Holy Impact’ is not just an album; it’s a spiritual offering aiming to glorify the name of King Jesus (Yahweh saves) and leave an indelible mark globally. Reblah, alongside the faithful collaborators, invites audiences to experience the divine resonance and impact of this musical journey. Why not have a listen below…
I’m absolutely chuffed to have caught up with London’s emerging singer/songwriter NIA CHENNAI, who is – in my opinion – one of most exciting acts to come out of the capital’s alt-R&B scene. She released her debut album EP, ‘Diary Is A Waste of Paper’ last November which stormed straight to #8 on the NEW LEASE MUSIC’s Top Ten Albums of 2023 list. So sit back and relax and take time out to find more about this very promising songbird and her blazing project…
NLM: Hey, thank you for taking part in an interview with NEW LEASE MUSIC. How is 2024 is treating you so far?
NC: Hey, Thanks for having me! 2024 is treating me great. I’ve been loving all the support I’ve been receiving on my EP ‘Diary Is A Waste Of Paper’. I’m super excited to drop some new music this year.
NLM: You released your EP, ‘Diary Is A Waste Of Paper’ back in November 2023. What is the public perception on the project so far?
NC: The feedback has been super sweet on the EP. Everyone has been tagging, listening, and telling me their favourite lines and stories within the project. I think it allowed my fan base to get to know me a little bit more and was a good introduction to me as an artist
NLM: How would you describe the EP’s sound to potential fans?
NC: The EP sound is what I like to call Nia-soul. It’s a mix of soul, neo-soul, r&b! And I’ve got so many influences so you’re just gonna have to take a listen!
NLM: What inspired you to produce the EP?
NC: Making the EP I wasn’t going into the studio, thinking “oh we’re making a project”. I just went into the studio and was making songs that I loved and it came to a point where we were thinking this would be a great time to drop a project.
NLM: What is/are your favourite single(s) from the EP and why?
NC: My favourite songs on the project change all the time, but my current favourite is ‘Call It Quits! That song has attitude, and I love it.
NLM: What message would you like the listeners to take away from your EP?
NC: I would like to take them through a journey of self-discovery, as that’s what I was going through whilst making the project. Hopefully, they can relate to my lyrics and make some better decisions than I did.
NLM: If you had to feature one mainstream artist on the EP, who would it be and why?
NC: I would love to feature Raye, I’ve been obsessed with her 21st-century blues album and I just got it on vinyl. I think she would make a sick feature!
NLM: So what plans do you have for the rest of 2024?
NC: 2024, expect singles singles singles!
NLM: How can potential fans find you?
NC: Everyone can find me @niachennai on all socials!
NLM: Finally, any special shout outs to those involved in the production of ‘Diary Is A Waste of Paper’?
NC: Yes, a massive shout out to my manager who helped me and guided me through it all. I literally couldn’t have done it without him and all the producers that worked on the project. We made magic in the studio!
Highly acclaimed singer, songwriter, rapper, producer and South London native JESSICA WILDE kicks of her 2024 by joining forces with the incredible Josh Barry for a soulful release, ‘Love Like This’.
Packed with soaring emotions and infused with smoky orchestral atmospheres, ‘Love Like This’ is a striking nu-soul gem which will be released on Wilde’s forthcoming album and follows her recent singles ‘Freak Out’ and ‘Feathers’ ft. Zoe Kypri. The two 2023 singles saw her pick up many spins on BBC Radio 1’s Future Artists with Jack Saunders, BBC Radio 1 Introducing with Jess Iszatt, John Kennedy’s X-Posure Daily on Radio X, playlist support across the board from Spotify, Apple, Youtube and Tidal amongst other acclaim. Josh Barry has also been picking up serious heat, recently featuring with Rudimental and Sigma, collaborating with Nile Rogers and opening for Rag ‘N’ Bone Man on tour. Josh Barry brings a dynamic force to the collab as he embodies the spirit of legendary icons like James Brown and Jimi Hendrix.
Following the release of ‘Love Like This’, Wilde and Barry have begun to unveil a 4-part Instagram & TikTok reel series, released every Monday, beginning 19th February. Tune in to see the pair explore the new track’s steamy and romantic themes in more depth through nostalgic aesthetics.
On the series, Wilde explains further- “With the ‘Love Like at his visuals…Myself and Josh wanted to lure people into our world of romance and desire, create a love story through visuals and sounds that feel very now but also have a nostalgic essence, emulating tones of Marvin Gaye ‘Sexual Healing’ with teasing visuals that call in feels of classic film scenes like ‘Grease’, the finale, when Sandy turns into a baddd b and John Travolter is completely hooked! We wanted to capture that slightly tongue in cheek playful edge but still keep it alluring, grown and sexy af!”.
2024 looks set to be an exciting new year for Wilde. With her album on the horizon, she has been gaining growing support from not only BBC Radio 1 but also 6 Music, BBC Radio London, KISS, editorial playlist support across DSPs, as well as features in CLASH, Complex, Wonderland, The Independent and many more. Listen to ‘Love Like This’ below…
UK R&B queen SHAÉ UNIVERSE shares the her timeless new project ‘Love’s Letter’ via The Orchard. A release steeped in R&B nostalgia, the ten track project explores what it would mean for love to send you a letter for every phase of life.
Collaborating with producers from both sides of the Atlantic, the project combines Shaé’s once-in-a-lifetime raw vocal talent with sultry guitar melodies, old-school-flows and modern gritty bounces. Covering romantic love, self-love, lack of love and the role of love in spirituality, ‘Love’s Letter’ is a transformative project crafted to help listeners process their pain.
Love’s Letter opens with inspirational words from Shaé’s mother, taken from one of their real life heart-to-hearts on self love, identity and owning your spirit. The sultry guitar melodies and relaxed groove of ‘Love Self’ set the tone for this intimate, vulnerable sonic journey. Shaé made her much-anticipated COLORS debut last year with radiant ‘Summertime’, a soulful paean to a lost love. Ethereal 00’s R&B cut ‘LOML’ is next, which landed last year to acclaim from CRACK, NME and spins across BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra, KISS Fresh and more. Empowering new single ‘Oh, Wait…’ details Shaé finding her inner strength after a betrayal.
Speaking on making ‘Oh, Wait…’, Shaé said – “The unpredictability of each musical section is reflective of how caught off guard I was when I wrote this song. I’d just found out my ex had cheated on me and I was still in absolute shock. This song is extra dear to my heart because at the time I didn’t speak to anyone about it immediately, but Ari Pensmith (songwriter) and Akeel Henry (producer) created such a safe space in the studio that day, I felt comfortable enough to outwardly express my feelings on the situation for the first time.”
Recent single ‘What’s Luv?’ is a sun-dappled tune shot through with breezy guitar licks and Shaé’s ethereal vocal runs, as she muses on the importance of self-love. Bittersweet breakup tune ‘Passenger Princess’ is next, which landed last year with a video featuring frequent collaborator Kojey Radical and drew heat from the likes of NME, Vibe, Wonderland, COLORS, GUAP, DMY, Complex UK, TRENCH and DJ Mag. Stripped-back interlude ‘Warzone’, meets vulnerable spoken word verses with Shaé’s honeyed runs as she deconstructs the turbulence at the end of a relationship. Imbued with honesty and the importance of understanding your own self worth, ‘No Capacity’ (produced by Sean Hamilton, Darkchild’s protegee) combines nostalgic dreamy essences with gritty bounces.
Feel-good anthem ‘More Than Enough’ features the only guest on the project – legendary US R&B star Lalah Hathaway, a true testament to just how far this rising talent has come with the single opening with an intimate voicenote as the two singers arrange to meet in LA. Closing out the project is the cinematic, soulful goodbye ‘Sincerely,’ which layers Shaé’s vocals together with final words from Shaé as she says – “nothing in life is linear / it’s ok to be ok and then not be ok and then be ok again / it’s ok to meet yourself where you’re at everyday / and sometimes you’re going to have to learn that lesson again / and again / before you overcome it / but the most important thing is that you overcome”.
Since bursting onto the scene in 2017, British-Nigerian artist Shaé Universe has made waves in the UK, West Africa and beyond making music that engages, enchants and inspires. Her mother a gospel singer and her father a pastor, Shaé weaves her spirituality, faith and sensuality through her work. Shaé is an artist who can both sing and rap, has been co-signed by the likes of Lalah Hathaway, Jorja Smith and Little Simz and has remained entirely independent – navigating the industry on her own terms.
Now in her new era following performances at legendary festivals around the world including Glastonbury, SXSW, Roskilde, De Roma Festival, The Great Escape and a lead feature on Phabo’s latest album ‘Don’t Get Too Cozy’, Shaé has truly taken her music to a global stage. With fans at the likes of British Vogue, NME, VICE, Rolling Stone, BET, Billboard, Highsnobiety, Complex, Wonderland and NOTION, and recently announced as a Pandora Artist to Watch for 2024 – this year has Sha Universe written all over it. Check out ‘Love’s Letter’ below…
Must Listens: Self Love; LOML; Oh Wait…;More Than Enough,
CK LDN‘s his first single of 2024, ‘Menorca’ is a smooth mid tempo Rap, RnB track with melodic strings that’s so compelling. The drums are hard hitting and provide the bounce, and positive energy. ‘Menorca’ was inspired by a recent trip to the beautiful island and will fit into any UK Rap, RnBor summer playlist.
Previously supported by Reprezent Radio, Capital Xtra, BBC Introducing and BBC Radio 1Xtra, CK LDN is an artist hailing from North London who has an impressive skill set as a singer, songwriter, rapper, producer and drummer. CK LDN’s tone and melodic sound is infectious and makes him stand out in today’s music scene and takes inspiration from the likes of Drake, Bryson Tiller and Brent Faiyaz.
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