Beatrice Kateme-Byakika shares alluring soulful ballad, ‘Sweetness’

Based in London, with roots in Kenya and Uganda, BEATRICE KATEME-BYAKIKA writes heartfelt songs about life, love and all the bittersweet spaces in between. Simple yet deep, the soul songstress’ past compositions creates a open space for true introspection, imagination and wonder.

Her latest single, ‘Sweetness’ adds to the her extensive discography of pure escapism. The alluring piano keys, immediately joined by the soulful backdrop and Beatrice’s titillating vocals, serves as smooth invitation for two lovers to ignite a life of pure and endless passion.

A seasoned artist with a career spanning over more than a decade, Beatrice had a first break with the song ‘Nilizaliwa’, which was featured on BBC by the late Charlie Gillett which solidified her place as a songwriter. Her debut album, ‘Coming Home’ – a 2008 tribute to her multicultural heritage – became the spark that ignited several other projects, including the 2014 album, ‘Naked’ under the moniker Carmine Rose. In these releases you can hear echoes of East African and world music blending with classic pop and R&B, occasionally taking centre-stage when the artist sings in different dialects.

In spite of the recent global adversities and much to the pleasure of her growing fanbase, Beatrice released several singles in 2020. Amongst them was ‘Slow Down’, a duet with fellow diaspora artist Gizzy Manora, which received radio play both in Europe and North America. With a newfound creative drive and backed by a prolific relationship with producer Ivan Anchant, she is continuing on a path of artistic development and sharing new music in 2023.

‘Sweetness’ was released from 4th November via various music platforms . Will you allow yourself to indulge in this treat?

Song of the Day: The Top – Nealie

NEALIE is swiftly emerging as a notable figure in the vibrant Chicago music scene, thanks to his debut release, ‘The Top.’ His music brings a breath of fresh air with a unique and distinctive melodic hip hop style, capturing the attention of both fans and industry professionals alike. As an artist, he demonstrates immense potential, and his songwriting skills showcase a depth and versatility that hint at a bright future in the music world.

This young artist is not just talented; he’s driven and ambitious, which is a winning combination in the competitive music industry. Nealie’s commitment to his craft, coupled with his creative approach to his work, is setting the stage for a promising career. As he continues to refine his artistry and evolve as a musician, it’s clear that he’s on a trajectory to become one of the next biggest things in Chicago’s music scene.

For those who appreciate the magic of music and its ability to shape emotions and narratives, it’s advisable to keep a keen eye out for Nealie. With each release, he is likely to push boundaries and offer fresh perspectives, solidifying his presence as an artist with an enduring impact in the industry. Nealie’s journey is one that music enthusiasts and industry insiders should be excited to follow and support. Check out ‘The Top’ below…

OUT TODAY: Listen to RubyGold x Ctt Beats’ single, ‘Spark It Up’

‘Spark It Up’ is the dreamy new single from RUBYGOLD and CTT BEATS. The single incorporates some smooth neo-soul vibes to their Afro Pop trademark. The accompanied music video portrays a dreamy relaxed day that signifies Ruby’s beautiful relaxed and charming manner.

Commenting on the release, Mark Insley of CTT Beats says “RubyGold has just got it! There is something very special about her and her work that she is putting out with us. She is also one of the most professional artists we have worked with making the experience of collaboration even more enjoyable. She is back and here to stay in South African music lovers’ ears”.

‘Spark It Up’ was released today across various music platforms…why not check out the video to the memersing single…

OUT TODAY: Matthew Progress wages war against sexual puritanism on single ‘Digital Underground’

Toronto-based artist MATTHEW PROGRESS has released ‘Digital Underground’, the latest single from his forthcoming debut album God Made Dirt. A stark departure from the album’s previous singles (‘Gen Pop’, ‘Doc Neville’) which were more concerned with politically and socially-focused matters, ‘Digital Underground’ instead sees Matthew exploring the freeing power of sexual liberation. Evoking the feel and sensation of an acid trip, ‘Digital Underground’ is a psychedelic slice of new age funk, harkening back to the work of OutKast, Parliament-Funkadelic, Rick James and The Free Nationals, but re-imagined in a way that falls in line with Matthew’s trademark sense of menace and darkness. Its classic-sounding bass lines are paired with sensibilities skewing more electronic, that are further elevated by Matthew’s pitched up vocals.

Says Matthew of this new track’s origins: “While making ‘God Made Dirt’, Dan Only and I were inspired by various forms of psychedelic music like OutKast’s Stankonia, which we consider a psychedelic Hip-Hop classic. I felt moved to write about sexual liberation as a source of personal power and alignment with the divine. To me, that was best illustrated in story form.”

Narrating the scene of an orgy, the Dan Only (River Tiber, a l l i e) produced track, Matthew offers a detailed, first-person description of the encounter. The track’s chorus is a philosophical call to action, urging listeners to, when possible, choose love (or sex) over violence. Over the course of three minutes, Matthew urges listeners to unlearn and rid themselves of unhealthy doctrine they’ve been taught about owning one’s sexuality and body.

‘Digital Underground’ marks the third single release from Matthew’s full length debut album God Made Dirt (Pirates Blend) that will hit streaming services and digital retailers on 24th November. Composed of nine tracks, the project is a lyric-forward multi-genre mosaic that toggles between abstract hip-hop, punk, electronica, trap and psychedelic influences. The entire album has been produced in collaboration with Dan Only. Through an apocalyptic end-of-days lens, God Made Dirt explores the internal human dialogue between the divine and the primal self. On this intuitive journey through an ominous and gritty dimension – Earth 2023 – Progress rejects doctrine and fully embraces human complexity. He invites listeners to align with ancestors in the cosmos, resist authoritarianism, prepare for inevitable violence, claim sexual liberation while celebrating death and decay.

Listen to ‘Digital Underground’ below, out today (8th November) across various music platforms…

Song of the Day: She Knows – Miranda Joan

‘She Knows’ from Canadian singer/songwriter MIRANDA JOAN, is a celebration of female friendship.

Miranda confides, “Being a woman comes with a complex set of stories that push and pull us in so many directions. The undercurrent is one of immense power, but often its surface is restless with questions of worth in a world that often challenges our value and undermines our personhood. I am increasingly in awe of and grateful for those who live in strength and self-knowing and remind me of our power. This song is in honor of the friends who can see through choppy waters and into the crystal clear hues of your humanity; those who truly see you, who love you, who know you.”

Miranda Joan has found success sharing the stage with high profile artists including Andy Grammar, Lorde, Shawn Mendes, The Killers and more. She has received acclaim from the likes of Consequence, NPR, BBC and LADYGUNN to name a few. Have a listen to the stunning ballad below…