Song of the Day: Believe In Love – Danni Tesfay

Introducing London-based R&B talent DANNI TESFAY with her exquisite single titled ‘Believe In Love’. The track comes on the back of Danni’s well-received summer single ‘Hit The Road’, as well as recent support from BBC Radio 1 and Reprezent Radio. Written by Danni and progressive R&B babe Kemi Ade, and produced by Grammy Award-nominated musician Likklejay – who has also worked with Chris Brown, Capella Grey, and Kojey Radical, among others, with Ramera Abraham (Adele, Little Mix, TianaMajor9) engineering the track – ‘Believe In Love’ is an emotionally resonant offering that speaks to the universal apprehension of plunging into the depths of love, with Danni trying to assure her lover that they are safe and secure with her.

Birthed out of Platoon’s latest ‘She Runs The Board’ program and writing camp held in London, where Danni Tesfay connected with producer Likklejay and songwriter Kemi Ade, ‘Believe In Love’ is an exquisite R&B offering driven by captivating guitar arrangements, lush synths, and minimalist drum patterns excellently crafted by Likklejay, over which Danni offers a yielding and enthralling vocal performance. The track is further enriched by some very relatable songwriting from Danni and Kemi Ade. Thematically about trying to love someone with deep-seated fears of fully embracing love, the song is Danni’s support for everyone struggling with falling in love and letting go, as she delves into the intricate complexities of love and the reservations that arise from past disappointments.

Recommended if you like the sounds of Kehlani, Victoria Monet, or Kiana Ledé, Danni Tesfay is an exciting new talent that is bringing a breath of fresh air to the UK R&B scene. Acclaimed by industry insiders like Victoria Jane on BBC Radio 1, and Rellik on Reprezent Radio, she stands out as a rising star in a crowded musical landscape. Hailing from Coventry and now thriving in the vibrant heart of London, this British Eritrean songstress is showing that she’s a force to be reckoned with. Drawing inspiration from iconic acts such as Destiny’s Child, Mya, and Cassie, Danni Tesfay seamlessly fuses classic R&B elements with her innovative flair to create mesmerizing soundscapes. Whether you’re in the mood for alluring melodies or poignant ballads, Danni is the artist that will enchant your senses. Why not check out the video for ‘Believe In Love’ below…

Song of the Day: Florida Water – Asha Imuno

LA-based genre-defying artist ASHA IMUNO‘s single, ‘FLORIDA WATER,’ is a soul-stirring offering which sees the breakthrough act navigate the complexities of love and nostalgia. In ‘FLORIDA WATER,’ Asha builds a sonic world sewn with anecdotes from his most intimate relationships, resulting in an introspective, cathartic offering boasting the utmost whip-appeal vibes. Co-produced by Asha, Zach Ezzy (Jordan Ward, Smino, Alex Isley) and Jack Dine (Robert Glasper, Alex Isley, Masego) ‘FLORIDA WATER’ marks a departure from the conventional, paying homage to classic hip-hop but with a modern twist, incorporating warm elements from 70s and 80s R&B/soul.

On the inspiration behind the single, Asha explains, “FLORIDA WATER is a cheeky grin at an entire complicated and beautiful phase of my life. It’s a lighthearted Frankenstein of my love experiences— the ones that feel too good to be true in the best and worst of ways. By melding these different experiences into one story, I can more easily reflect on how I process love, and what nostalgia feels like for me when it comes to love.”

The official music video, directed by Angel Orozco, sees Asha masterfully explore the complexities of love and self-identity, creating a series of silhouettes that explore the universal struggles and triumphs within the context of a suburban black family. Between the oldest daughter, youngest son, mother and father, the video delves into the intricacies of romantic love and how it influences each individual’s self-love, as well as their capacity to love their families. Drawing inspiration from cinematic masterpieces like “Moonlight” and “Atlanta,” the visual is a deeply vulnerable, honest, and provocative reflection of the black experience.

Asha is an absolute self-starter, having built his music career from the ground up. His cult following was ignited with his breakout single “ZIG ZAGGING,” which has accumulated 10M+ streams on Spotify. His innovative spirit has led to recent career milestone moments, including being named one of Pigeons and Planes Best New Artists (September 2023) following the release of his spitfire single ‘DID I CALL AT A BAD TIME?,’ ft Atlanta native Rizz Capolotti. He performed at A Toast To Black Hollywood during this year’s BET Awards, and is a member of the POC-led artist community KOGO (home to CONNIE, Alé Araya, Curtis Waters, KOAD & more). The rising act has earned co-signs from the likes of Jordan Ward, Diddy, and Hit-Boy alongside collaborating with buzzing upcomers like Aaron May and AG Club.

‘FLORIDA WATER’ serves as the third single from Asha’s forthcoming debut album ‘PINS & NEEDLES’, further solidifying his storytelling prowess and his ability to capture duality through soul-stirring melodies and thought-provoking lyricism. He invites you to join him on this musical journey, one that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the intoxicating allure of love, its bitter aftertaste, and the pursuit of warmth in its various forms. Check out the video below…

Äyanna brings on the holiday season with ‘Christmas All Year’

East London singer and songwriter ÄYANNA rings in the holiday season with her incredible Christmas single ‘Christmas All Year’. Inspired by R&B legends like Mariah Carey and Destiny’s Child’s Christmas offerings, this festive bop showcases Äyanna’s inimitable vocal range and pop girlie sensibilities with a sprinkling of Christmas cheer. The single arrives last Friday (8th December) with a sparkling, festive video directed by Jodeci Zimmerman of Äyanna in a glistening winter wonderland.

Speaking on the single, she shares: “Christmas All Year is a fun and feel-good song that is perfect for anyone who wants to feel loved up, and like the main present at Christmas time. It felt like second nature to talk about being the center of attention at Christmas because this is how I’ve always felt every year, being the only daughter in my family. I especially love the idea of extending that dynamic into a romantic relationship.

What I love about the song is that it feels old school and new school at the same time. I enjoyed paying homage to Rnb legends like Destiny’s Child and Mariah Carey, who made christmas classics, whilst adding my own personal touch.”

This track follows her ground-breaking debut In ‘A Perfect World’ EP released earlier this year via LVRN. The striking body of work arrived amidst of a slew of early co-signs for the young artist from celebrated artists such Stormzy, Summer Walker, SPINALL to name a few. The towering body of work centered around her signature mosaic of pop, infused with R&B, soul and beyond quickly earned her large acclaim and established her own uncharted lane in music with support from Complex, The Independent, Crack, The Line of Best Fit, Teen Vogue, +44 Amazon, Spotify RADAR UK and more.

Äyanna first captured the attention of the internet and industry tastemakers, through her now viral home videos that showcased her vocal prowess. She now joins the ranks of celebrated LVRN artists such as 6LACK, Summer Walker, DVSN, Davido, SPINALL, Baby Tate and more. With the support of the groundbreaking label and collective, it’s undeniable that Äyanna will establish herself even further as a force in music and beyond.

Check out ‘Christmas All Year’ video…

Song of the Day: Wonder – Classified 

Canadian rapper and producer CLASSIFIED‘ single ‘Wonder,’ which features fellow Canadian native singer-songwriter Ian Janes, paints a picture of an individual grappling with personal loss, societal challenges, substance use, and questions about identity and existence. It’s a profound reflection on life, questioning the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of reality and trying to find meaning amidst struggles.

“I’ve had a lot of time to think over the years…really any time I’m not on the go my mind is usually racing. I think a lot of people are like that too…just wondering about things,” says Classified. “It’s like when you go to bed at night and all of your thoughts come at once, this is what that song reflects. Thinking about various personal what-ifs, questioning society, wondering why things are the way they are. The things we wonder can feel personal, but really, we aren’t that unique. This song connects my personal thoughts to what everyone else might wonder about too, giving a glimpse into both my life and our shared experiences.”

This track (penned, crafted, and captured by Classified) skillfully illustrates an individual wrestling with intimate sorrow and daily contemplations. It offers a deep introspection on life, inquisitive about the mysteries and mechanics of this world, while endeavoring to unearth significance amidst life’s trials.

‘Wonder’ is out now via HalfLife Records and Big Story Entertainment, why not check not the compelling video below…

MeRCY releases a new horror themed EP + music video

Spooky season might be well and truly over, but Florida’s MeRCY decides to keep the scary hours alive as he at last brings his ‘Michael Myers’ EP to life.

The artist continues to build his “Michael” catalog of releases with the second installment of the series as he previously dropped the EP ‘Iron Mike’ back in January. Now MeRCY strikes again but this time with no gloves over his hands, only with a mask over his face as he takes on the persona of Michael Myers. You’ll find yourself encaptivated for 22 minutes while MeRCY delivers deadly blows of lyricism over the dark and grimy sounds provided by Slimrock, Homage, Flowers In Narnia, JQ Mr. 54, Kubo and Livin’. Standouts from the EP include ‘Scary Hours’, ‘Death Note’ and ‘Myers Theme’. Whether he is going round for round in the ring or slicing and dicing up his foe, MeRCY is now two for two with his “Michael” themed projects.

If the EP wasn’t enough for his fans to indulge in, Merc’ also gives the greenlight on the release of the visual for track 3 ‘Scary Hours’. Directed by Ike Anyanwu, the black and white video brings those scary hours in Broward to life as MeRCY comes face to face with the Michael Myers persona in the thriller visual.

Why not check out the EP below…

Must Listens: Evil vs Good, The Boogeyman (Holy Ghost)