Mariam Davina’s new single, ‘Couldn’t Imagine’, is a heartfelt Christian ballad, a love song of gratitude to Jesus. It honours His sacrifice, constant presence, and faithful friendship. More than a Saviour, he’s a Friend who carries our burdens and loves without limits. Life without him is unimaginable.
Mariam draws inspiration from artists such as Mary Mary, Tamela Mann, Kierra Sheard, Koryn Hawthorne and Ahjah Walls. Growing up leading worship and ministering regularly in church, this shaped her distinctive style, her confident stage presence and developed her vocals into the powerful sound she exhibits today. Attending Elam, for college helped her solidify knowledge as an artist and in navigating the music industry.
‘Couldn’t Imagine’ is now available across all leading music platforms. Why not listen below
UK artist BONNIE FREECHILD returns with ‘1993’, a heartfelt R&B track that pays tribute to the golden era of love songs while showcasing her own modern, soulful edge.
Opening with gentle piano chords, dreamy strings, and twinkling textures, the song eases into a laidback percussive groove, setting the stage for Bonnie’s rich, buttery vocals. With lyrics like “love me like we’re stuck in 1993” and “rollerskates holding hands in the summer, mixtapes made just for your lover,” the song captures the sweetness of old-school romance – when love felt real, vulnerable, and lasting.
‘1993’ blends Bonnie’s signature sultry vocal delivery with classic R&B influences, echoing the lush soundscapes of the ‘90s while staying grounded in today’s scene. It’s a nostalgic love letter to an era defined by red roses, butterflies, and the kind of music that made you believe in forever love.
Speaking on the track, Freechild says “I just want to be loved like they loved in 90s R&B! That raw, simple, passionate romance- the videos were intrinsically romantic, the lyrics emotionally intelligent, the melodies silky and smooth. I wanted to write something that feels like being wrapped in nostalgia but still makes you move- soft, intimate vocals, a sexy slow-wind breakdown, all over rose-petal energy.” It’s a sentiment she’s also taking to local press: at a time when dating often feels chaotic, disconnected, and more about swipes than slow dances, ‘1993’ offers an antidote- a reminder of when love was simple, honest, and real.
Co-written with producer and artist Kwest, ‘1993’ draws inspiration from a foundational year in R&B, when timeless songs like SWV’s ‘Weak,’ Mariah Carey’s ‘Dreamlover,’ Janet Jackson’s ‘That’s the Way Love Goes,’ and Toni Braxton’s ‘Breathe Again’ defined a generation. Bonnie Freechild is no stranger to acclaim, either. She has performed at the BBC Proms, been recognised as a finalist in BBC 1XTRA’s Performing Arts Fund, and had her music featured across TV and radio in Southeast Asia. With ‘1993,’ Bonnie Freechild cements her place as one of the UK’s most compelling emerging voices in Pop-R&B, delivering a timeless ode to the beauty and allure of old-school love.
This release is as homegrown as it gets – with a music video on the horizon filmed on an iPhone in a vintage car garage, put together with friends, community spaces, and Bonnie’s own hands-on touch. It’s “iPhone and a dream” energy, much like the 90s R&B that inspired it: simple, direct, and full of heart. No gloss, just real romance and connection.
That same spirit runs through everything Bonnie is doing around 1993. She celebrated the release with a live performance on October 23rd at Go East Vintage Market – bringing music into community spaces, with food, and culture. With 90s-inspired merch (from cassette-shaped keyrings to physical CDs with personal messages) and a string of creative collaborations, Bonnie is focused on creating experiences that feel personal and unforgettable. It’s all building towards the launch of her debut EP in December 2025, where she’ll expand on the same themes of intimacy, nostalgia, and fearless self-expression.
“I just want to be loved like they loved in 90s R&B! I have always loved 90s R&B, and in amongst me navigating the complexities of technology and chaos of dating in the 2020s I’ve often thought, man I wish I could have that type of love they seemed to have back then. That raw, simple, passionate romance – that 90s R&B kind of love.
I had the idea of writing a song about it – a nostalgic vibe, with a fresh take. The videos from that time were intrinsically romantic, the lyrics emotionally intelligent, the melodies silky and smooth. I wanted to write something that feels like you’re wrapped in a blanket of that nostalgia, but still makes you move. The kind of track you don’t just hear, you feel – soft, intimate vocals, a sexy slow-wind breakdown, all over rose-petal energy. Gentle and romantic but still a bop you’ll need to rewind.
I met producer and artist ‘Kwest’ when we both performed at a gig last year, and as instant fans of each other’s music we started doing some writing. When I shared this concept, we vibed on the piano, riffing around ‘love me like R&B’ and well…1993 rhymes with R&B! When we looked into it we realised that although we are referencing the entire decade, 1993 was quite a foundational year. Some of my favourite songs ever came out then: SWV’s Weak, Mariah Carey’s Dreamlover, Janet Jackson’s That’s the Way Love Goes, Toni Braxton’s Breathe Again, Tevin Campbell’s Can We Talk, Xscape’s Just Kickin’ It. Jodeci dropped Cry for You and Feenin’. Even De La Soul released Buhloone Mindstate, a more grown and experimental record – there’s really no 90s R&B without hip-hop running through it. Mariah even built her signature sound from that blend. And in the UK, Eternal made their debut with Stay. Even Poetic Justice came out that year with Janet and Tupac – the music, the film, the culture all intertwined.
There’s just this essence in 90s R&B that’s missing in today’s digital world. It’s raw, grounding, and honest. And the truth is we all deserve that kind of love!! This song is for anyone who is lucky enough to have it, anyone who craves it, and everyone who wishes love still felt that way.” – Bonnie Freechild.
NEW LEASE MUSIC has unearthed some of the raw talent from true Troubadours of late – first with Nick Edwards, whose 2024 EP ‘Live At Yellow Arch’ currently holds the blog’s Album of the Week title over on Instagram. Then there’s Ben Reel whose single ‘I Will’, offers a rich fusion of indie rock, soul and disco, with an intimate, singer-songwriter feel.
Now the blog introduces the remarkably robustly raw talent of South London’s singer-songwriter JAMES O’HURLEY. His rich authentic fusion of folk, blues, rock and country roots, which echoes some of his idols, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones has earned him over 50K streams on Spotify alone with single ‘Red’.
To keep the fiery glow going, James O’Hurley shares his live EP, ‘A Moment Alone’. Recorded at The Factory Studios, the latest collection includes stripped-back and compelling versions of some of James’ favourite singles from his well-received debut album ‘A Certain Stranger’. From the very beginning, you’re greeted with the warm grit of guitar plucks, which serves as a perfect platform to really home in and take in James’ soul-drenched vocals – reminiscent of a more rugged Michael Hutchence of INXS. No embellishments are needed here; the simple pairing of voice and guitar hits that rare balance of vulnerability and strength.
It’s hard to believe that, after extensively touring and performing in various different bands and working in the live events industry, James was ready to hung up his guitar and turn his back on music for good. Burnt out and creatively stagnant, he hit a personal low. But at that breaking point, he found something deeper—his true voice.
‘A Moment Alone’ is now available on all leading platforms. Why not have a listen below…
Must Listens: Four Long Days, Lighthouse, Wolves, Red.
After making her entry on the blog, scooping the Song of the Day spot with single ‘House Wife’, singer/songwriter EMILI returns with a stunningly ethereal single, ‘Izabela’, released last Friday (19th September), across all leading platforms.
The single is arguably Emili’s most personal work to date as it was written for her sister. While it touches on heavy themes of domestic violence, ‘Izabela’ serves as a love letter and a comforting hug to her sister, wishing her a safer, happier, more magical life.
‘Izabela’ is the second glimpse into Emili’s upcoming album, slated for release in early 2026, and follows the release of the project’s first single, ‘Just Chill’.
Rising Afro-fusion artists 705 and Big Femzy have joined forces to release ‘Enjoy’, a vibrant new single that’s destined to become a staple of summer playlists and nightlife scenes.
Blending infectious Afrobeat rhythms with smooth melodies and contemporary fusion influences, ‘Enjoy’ is a sonic invitation to let go, live fully, and feel the music. The track pulses with tropical percussion, layered harmonies, and catchy hooks that bring instant energy and good vibes. 705, known for his rich vocals and dynamic delivery, effortlessly complements Big Femzy’s confident flow and rhythmic cadence. Together, they create a synergy that feels natural and elevating — a true collaboration rooted in rhythm, joy, and authenticity.
‘Enjoy’ was released last Friday, 1st August across various music platforms. Not to be missed; check out this smooth bad boy below…
New Lease Music 