Browsing Tag

Afro Soul

Adline Owens is leading a revolution in autonomous self-determination in her Afro-Fusion release, T•R•T (The Right Time)

Adline Owens

With a gravitational force that could knock the solar system out of orbit, it would be insulting to mark Adline Owen as merely just an icon; she’s a fusionist phenomenon in her own right, leading a revolution in autonomous self-determination with her latest release, T•R•T (The Right Time).

The two-track release synthesises her diverse cultural and musical influences into a compelling narrative of empowerment and self-discovery, marked by Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggaeton, RnB and Afro-Soul motifs.

The opening track, ‘In Yeah’ evocatively explores relationship dynamics, considering how ‘good enough’ should never be enough if you know your worth and urging listeners to recognise their own value through its Afro-Soul vocals and the energetic pulse of dancehall. When it comes to pairing introspection with infectious beats, Owens reigns supreme.

The second single, ‘Dem Wah Know,’ turns up the heat with its Reggaeton rhythms and bold, assertive vocals that command attention. Owens’ fierce delivery and the track’s vibrant energy make it an anthem of self-assurance and resilience, encapsulating her refusal to be confined by her roots or her haters’ expectations.

With T•R•T, Adline Owens not only cements her status as a dynamic fusion artist but also as a visionary capable of weaving her diverse musical heritage into a fresh, invigorating sound that resonates well beyond its Afro-Soul roots.

Adline Owens Said

“T•R•T is a project that holds great personal significance for me, showcasing my range across Afrobeats, Dancehall, and R&B, which underlines my identity as a fusion artist.

Track 1, ‘In Yeah’, explores the love and understanding shared in a relationship that still leaves you wanting more effort. This track vocalises the need for personal growth and the tough decisions you must sometimes make for your sanity. It portrays the protagonist’s struggle with a partner who lacks ambition and motivation—essentially a dead weight needing to be let go.

Track 2, Dem Wah Know, I wrote while reflecting on obstacles and my journey as an artist. It focuses on resilience, self-belief, and the importance of stepping up despite the odds being stacked against you. It’s an empowering anthem and a reminder not to let haters dictate your success.”

Follow Adline Owens on Instagram and discover her discography on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dara Blaxx poured straight from the soul in her stripped-back Afro RnB single, In My Cup

If you take your Afro-fusion tracks stripped and laid back, you will get right into the mellifluous groove of the latest single, In My Cup, from the breakthrough soulstress, Dara Blaxx.

Setting the mood for seduction, the British Nigerian singer-songwriter pulled out a front-row seat to a hot date you will want to be a voyeur for. With the smooth cadence in her crooned vocal lines, you couldn’t ask for more sensual proof that pace is the trick.

The independent artist may be reigning supreme in the underground right now, but it is only a matter of time before she ascends the charts with her velvety rich vocal register and her playfully compelling melodies that bring a touch of exoticism to our blighted and often bleak British waters.

Listen to In My Cup on all major streaming platforms from September 15 via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

BEX made a divine debut with her soulfully meditative single, COME THRU

https://youtu.be/r-kgMelRc7U https://linktr.ee/bexfye

BEX (AKA Rebecca Lynn Giralde) started a new meditative revolution in soul with her debut single, COME THRU. Beyond the soulfully honeyed and beckoning vocal lines that tempt an amorous spark to ignite lingers her spiritual sense of self, which also manifests in her work as a yoga and reiki practitioner.

There’s a seductive sense of ease that drifts through every facet of the ambiently electrifying soundscape that reaches the pinnacle of sensuous for its warm tones and supple textures. If it has been a while since you had your soul melodically stirred, don’t hesitate to hit play on the cathartically strong debut.

When the Coral Springs-born, Brooklyn-raised American Afro-Latina singer isn’t in the studio, she’s radiating the same beauty that brings her music to visceral life as a professional model. She’s featured in worldwide beauty campaigns for major brands, including Clinique, and has been the face of a multitude of ad campaigns. Whatever she decides to turn her talents to next, it’s going to be literally or figuratively picture-perfect.

The official music video for BEX’s single, COME THRU, premiered on August 18th; stream it on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nigeria’s Bibicentric rises up to deliver a modern day gem on ‘Monophobia’

Bibicentric aka Bibi is a sweet-voiced Nigerian singer who has just released the glorious gem that is ‘Monophobia‘.

Monophobia‘ is the debut EP to come from the Afro-soul artist with a voice that is transcendent. Rich with R&B vocals and cool jazz styles, ‘Monophobia‘ is sensual and laid-back with deep emotions and true stories from her life. ‘Monophobia‘ takes on love, both good and bad and also family life.

Working with bassist Godwinscat and producer General, with features from Obasax and Happy Quartet, the debut EP from Bibicentric is a deeply personal introduction to the fine R&B singer. She takes her chance and wins on this release. Her voice is so pure and you can feel the emotion when she sings.

There is very little swag here and she focuses on the music. This is a welcome addition to 2020 and the beauty flows over each song, much to my hearts content. After starting her music career at the tender age of 15, you can just hear that this is an artist who in the zone and ready to explode all over the world.

The highlights for me on the album is ‘What Love Feels Like‘, ‘Toxic‘ and ‘Mama’s Prayers‘. These three songs strike hot and are vibrantly sung. They fully showcase Bibi’s voice and dazzle the speakers. There are no bad songs on this EP however and everything is so well done.

Bibicentric impresses highly on ‘Monophobia‘. This is a fine EP that deserve lots of love globally due to her stunning voice and excellent production. Nigeria’s finest has just arrived to take over.

Click here for the Facebook page.

Stream the new album here on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen