Rukmani – So Fine
Just over a month on from unveiling her first single of 2023 ‘Gateway Drug’, which has quicky amassed over half a million plays online and captured the imagination of tastemakers across the continent including Spotify, Apple Music, The Guardian and Culture Custodian, exciting Nigerian R&B singer and songwriter RUKMANI is ready to go again with her brand new single titled ‘SO FINE’ as she continues to tease towards her much anticipated debut EP Angel On The Run.
Produced by and also featuring up-and-coming musician Dudu Boy, who has previously worked with the likes of Burna Boy and H.E.R, ‘So Fine’ is a sultry R&B offering driven by lush bossa nova strings and percussion drums, and held together by Rukmani’s captivating voice and heartfelt lyrics. It comes with a sweltering music video directed by award-winning filmmaker Clarence Peters (Wizkid, Fireboy DML, Tiwa Savage) that beautifully showcases black beauty and black love in all of its glory.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘So Fine’, and how the song came about, Rukmani says, “I was going through a rough patch, struggling with the realities of life. The person who I thought cared for me had too many demons of his own, and I couldn’t confide in him about my problems. I refused to let my problems affect me, despite the depression I was feeling. One night, Duduboy played me a sick beat, and I felt the urge to let it all go, it felt like the only way to let my emotions out. So, I popped open a bottle of wine, and before I knew it, ‘So Fine’ was born”.
Nikhita – Golden Child
Nikhita is a singer/ songwriter based in Edinburgh, Scotland- with a fondness for stacking harmonies and telling stories through song. Born to South Indian parents, she grew up surrounded by Indian music filled with delicate vocals and colourful scales and tales of every type of love, and heartbreak. Her culture paired with her soft spot for contemporary R&B/Soul encompasses her sound as an artist. Nikhita’s love for performing solidified when she had her first gig supporting Connie Constance in 2021. Less than a year later- she released her debut single “Aphrodite” which was discovered by Jasmine Takhar on the BBC Asian network, where she was interviewed as Introducing Artist of the Week. Inspired by an array of artists, such as Joy Crookes, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Raveena, and Jhené Aiko- Nikhita brings her own sound to the table and hopes you find solace in her art.
Written about her personal and familial struggles with the clash between her queer and cultural identity, the track combines South Asian inspired melodies and instrumentation with R&B soundscapes.
Ceeopatra x Jan Faati – Moment
With a background as varied as her sound, Ceeopatra’s style is truly her own. Born in Barcelona, raised in Germany, and influenced by Guatemalan culture, her music combines a range of influences, including, alternative r&b, hip hop, electronica, and latin beats.
‘Moment’ comes with smooth synth swells, dreamy pads, and electronic beats, the track provides a silky instrumental backing that showcases Cleopatra’s soulful jazz inflections.”