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…

MOBO-nominated songbird Olaedo Ibe unveils brand new album, ‘Golden Skin’

Singer/songwriter/composer OLAEDO IBE gives a glimpse of her triumphs, challenges and her relationship with God in her brand new album, ‘Golden Skin’, released 27th October across various music platforms.

Produced by G-Kid, ‘Golden Skin’ album starts off with vibrant sounds of the Motherland in ‘Royalty’, which sees Olaedo showing gratitude for God’s love and guidance – through the good and bad times. She continues to show her appreciation for the Most High in the previously released soulful ballads, ‘Manifest’ and ‘The Divine Exchange’, where she expressed the desire to build a deeper connection.

The ten-track project also touches on various topics that are close to Olaedo’s heart, such as mental health, healing, practicing forgiveness, self-love and self- worth. She’s not afraid to raise awareness on taboo topics such as colourism and the dangers of skin bleaching with optimism in most recent single, ‘Golden Skin’. Featuring gospel songbird Rae Rae, the encouraging message from ‘Golden Skin’ received a seal of approval from BBC Radio London, Premier Gospel as well as Heartsong radio, Sheffield Live! Susy Radio, Radio Africana, Naija Fm, plus many more. Since its release in August, the title track has gained over 3000 streams and the music video is now a fan favourite. ‘Golden Skin’ is also used to create awareness about the British skin foundation to raise funds for skin research.

Speaking of her latest project, Olaedo says: “Despite life’s ups and downs, I believe it’s possible to overcome them and win. I hope Golden Skin uplifts and encourages every listener. I truly believe whatever you were born in God has made a way for you to win.”

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Olaedo – meaning gold in the Nigerian Igbo language – started singing from a young age at church, weddings and school and stage plays, while simultaneously, developing her song writing ability by reading psalms, listening to Motown music and through personal life experiences. While spending a few years of her childhood in Nigeria, she was introduced to a plethora of different types of music, counting Cece Winans, Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, Blanca and Mary Mary as her biggest music influences.

Returning to the UK, she shared the stage with Peobo Bryson at the Cadogen Hall at the age of just 14 and with the encouragement from David Gest and former Manager of Roy Ayers/Deniece Williams she began to pursue a career in music.

Her distinctive soulful sound, profound lyrics and inspirational message became a force to be reckoned with after the release of debut EP ‘Shine like Gold’ which featured her debut single, ‘Dust with Life’. The single was featured on Yahoo! Screen homepage and earned her a Premier Gospel award and MOBO nomination.

Olaedo continues to gain recognition with second project ‘Grow to Glow’ released in 2018 which featured hit singles ‘Lead Me (Olaedo’s Psalm 2), ‘Good Life’ and ‘Fill Us, a song for children about the fruits of the spirit’. ‘Lead Me’ was Olaedo’s first top-ten single on the UK Christian Chart and became a favourite on Premier Gospel with the accompanied music video played on TBN UK. Featuring Leke & Becca Folkes, ‘Good Life’ and ‘Fill US’ also became a top-ten hits on The UK Christian chart, both peaking at No 2.

Alongside her impressive music career, Olaedo travels around the country, giving motivational speeches at various youth events, colleges, churches. Olaedo Ibe currently creates Christian meditation videos and hosts show, #YourHealthMatters on IG live.

Now Olaedo Ibe returns to the spotlight, offering encouragement others, coming in the shape of the ‘Golden Skin’ album, out now across various music platforms.

Must Listens: Royalty, Golden Skin, Operate Me (Olaedo’s Psalms 3), Manifest

Connect with Olaedo Ibe via:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/OlaedoIbe
X: https://twitter.com/Olaedomusic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/olaedomusic/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olaedomusic

Jovian’s throwback-futuristic debut album, ‘JOVIAN 2000 AD’ was inspired by 70s and 80s sci-fi films

Hailing from New York City, JOVIAN‘s new debut album, ‘JOVIAN 2000 AD’, was inspired by his fascination with 70s and 80s sci-fi films. “I thought about how that alternate future would have sounded and created this body of work with that in mind!” He explains.

The ten-track throwback-futuristic album was first introduced to music lovers around the world with the single, I’m Ready’. The breathtakingly beautiful song was written by Jovian and Kay’vion and produced by Jovian and Blood Cultures.

It was then followed by the infectious “LASER DISCS.” “Laser Discs,” was the perfect alignment as the song came to be exactly when I had decided I wanted my album to be half R&B/80s Synth and half Hip-Hop,” mentions Jovian. “Overall it’s about begging for someone to see your perspective despite them being unwilling to, or maybe incapable of doing so! Despite that, the memories that were shared are still something to hold dear,” he adds.

However, it was the eighth offering ‘Oceans’ that sealed the direction of the album: “Oceans, was the first song I happened to write for the album once I discovered the direction I wanted to take my first body of work! It’s about a plea to the moon. Being in love with something you cannot attain, no matter how much you may desire it,” Jovian shares. The song was written by Jovian and produced by YZ,

‘JOVIAN 2000 AD.’ is out now via the December Records/SRG-ILS Group label imprint. Why not check it out below…

Must Listens: Ready, Guava, Oceans, Where’d U Go, Sha’s Outro

Natanya shares sunsoaked single, ‘Raining Tomorrow’+ video.

Following her recent single, ‘Angel’ (supported by The Line of Best Fit, DMY, Wonderland, Clash, GUAP) and her 2022 hit, ‘Foolish’ (reaching over 1.3 mil streams), Rising star NATANYA shines on her sentimental new single, ‘Raining Tomorrow’, on AURA. Co-produced with co-collaborators Jkarri and Kwaku Konadu, ‘Raining Tomorrow’ is a lush slice of alt-R&B with elements of soul, afrobeat and jazz fusing together as Natanya’s distinctive, glorious vocals soar over rich percussives and sunkissed guitar licks. This is the second single from her forthcoming debut EP, Sorrow at Sunrise dropping 29th Sept via AURA.

An artist unafraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, Natanya describes ‘Raining Tomorrow’ as “a love letter to the innocent fear of really growing up”, musing on being 20, she continues, “the girl, the character is timid, then she finds that confidence, but it’s still a kid in adults‘ clothes”.

Reminiscing on her formative moments, Natanya wanted to really showcase her youth in the video, from the sweet and important relationship with her best friend to her obsession with music from a young age, She says of the video: “I was really intent on trying to capture youth through my own nostalgia; I was in the record shop every day after school. CC’s my best friend, we met during one of the most pivotal points of my life. I wanted to create that contrast between innocence & newfound adolescent confidence, with all the quirks included.”

Natanya recently supported R&B superstar girl group FLO in Manchester and London after hitting 1+million streams with self-released single “Foolish” (2022). Standing out from the crowd with her refreshing take on alternative R&B and her striking visual aesthetic, she has gained tastemaker support and has grown a dedicated fan base and online community via Instagram and Twitter, her recent ascent on TikTok and her newsletter. Co-signed by Stormzy and nominated for Music Artist To Watch in this year’s GUAP Gala – testament to her beautifully crafted sound and raw talent – Natanya is proving she has laid the foundations for a bright future, set to truly ascend. Catch the rising star at forthcoming gigs at We Out Here, 11th August and at Stormzy x All Points East – ‘This Is What We Mean’ Day on the No Signal Stage, 18th August.

Check out the video for ‘Raining Tomorrow’ below…

Listen To Eleanor’s New Single, ‘Waste My Time.’

Canadian newcomer ELEANOR‘s new single ‘Waste My Time’, was inspired by a friendship that was tiptoeing into a relationship. With the guitar plucks echoing into a mesmeric backdrop and Eleanor harmonic vocals, the cheeky and flirtatious single has an unexpected lyrical reference in the chorus to “Kiss The Girl” from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

‘Waste My Time’ has helped the Ontario-based singer/songwriter to recognise that not every song she writes has to be deep and pensive, “I can write things that feel light,” Eleanor says.

‘Waste My Time’ follows her 2022 debut single ‘Make Sense’ – which claimed the blog’s Song of the Week title back in December – and forms part of her upcoming EP, ‘A Late Bloom’. Check out the single below…