Halima breaks ground for New EP EXU with new single "Ways"

Halima shares her latest single "Ways," the follow-up to her previous hit "Awaken," which received recognition from BBC Radio's Benji B and Clash Magazine. Both tracks will feature on her upcoming EP EXU (pronounced Eshu), set for release on May 24th via drink sum wtr.

Halima's Nigerian heritage. Exu (Eshu) is the Yoruba deity of “crossroads,” the great mediator between the forces of life and the messenger between humans and gods.

"They are known for being the God of change, chaos, and unpredictability, so they are often misunderstood," Halima explains.

"But they are present in our lives to bring us to better versions of ourselves. This project is about facing Exu and resisting it. Then succumbing and realizing Exu is within you."

In "Ways," Halima delves into the emotions of a new romantic interest, showcasing her musical prowess.

The track opens with hollow drums, crafted to mirror the exhilarating rush of intense attraction. Halima's dynamic vocals effortlessly navigate the R&B hooks, narrating the experience of being kept awake by love. The song progresses with propulsive beats and ethereal harmonies, creating a mesmerizing blend.

Halima is set to perform alongside Elliot Moss in Washington D.C., New York, and Boston this April, with a headline show in LA on June 12th at The Moroccan Lounge. Her background, spanning Lagos, London, and now Brooklyn, influences her music, rooted in folk, jazz, and theatrical elements.

The EXU EP, her label debut with drink sum wtr, reflects her Nigerian heritage, drawing inspiration from the Yoruba deity Exu (Eshu), symbolizing change and transformation.

Halima's project embraces Exu's essence, exploring themes of resistance, acceptance, and personal growth.

Listen/Pre-Save Halima - EXU

I Have a Song with Jann Arden?

Vivek Shraya proudly announced the release of a music video for the captivating new version of "I Miss My Friends" originally from her latest visual album, Baby, You’re Projecting. This rendition features the legendary Jann Arden, marking another milestone in Shraya's series of major collaborations, including with Jully Black and Donovan Woods, as well as the release of How To Fail As A Popstar, her new CBC Gem original series that premiered in October.

Speaking of the experience, Arden says, “It was an absolute adventure recording with Vivek!! It’s such a great song with such a universal message of friendship and connection. I think we sound great together!”

"I HAVE A SONG WITH JANN ARDEN!?! Life is strange and awesome!" Vivek Shraya

 Acknowledging Arden's influence on her artistic journey, Shraya says, “I feel like on some level, this song was inspired by Jann Arden’s “Ode to a Friend.” As a fellow Albertan, I owe so much to Jann and the path she has paved for artists like me, and I was obsessed with her album “Happy” (which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary!) which features this song. I remember thinking at the time that it was so special because there were so few pop songs that centre on friendship. Friendship is where I am most vulnerable and needy, so I have listened the shit out of that song and it feels extra special to have this full circle moment with Jann singing on this track.”

ALBUM REVIEW - Duncan Daniels - The Time Traveler

On "The Time Traveler," Duncan Daniels pays tribute to his origins, to the person he has become and to Port Harcourt Nigeria, the city that is credited as the origin of his musical talents.

On PurpleVille.
Duncan Daniels something I like to call the introductory track. While it pays homage to Port Harcourt, that’s not the only thing the track does. This is the one where you’re introduced to who the Artiste is. The storytelling gives credence to his ‘PH’ origins, from using popularized Port Harcourt slang like ‘Abobi’; the artiste takes us to the stories of his early days as an artiste in Port Harcourt. Duncan’s vocals are laid side by side, those of the choir I mentioned initially. The choir referred to here is Ara Muzicc Choir. And at no point in this song did they disappoint with the ‘ooohs’ in the lows or their harmony in the highs. Production credits go to Kulkeh Beats, a frequent collaborator of Duncan’s with production credits on at least 60% of  Duncan's most recent "S.O.L.O" Album. The song has strong potential to be Port Harcourt’s theme music, depending on the reception. 

On “Carolyn”
Duncan sends a message to a past love interest. Apparently, Duncan had been interested in Carolyn who didn’t pay him attention at the time. Carolyn does show up when she hears about his successes, however, Duncan is no longer interested. The song has a hook that doesn’t sit well with me as regards delivery however, Timi Dre assists in such a way, that the hook works after a few spins. Timi Dre proves himself beyond any pre-existing doubts that his vocal prowess should not be toyed with. His vocal texture is maybe only similar to Oxlade, or maybe I’m hearing other things. But the melodies are popping off and unpredictably too! No choir but Timi Dre is one person singing like 5 people. He handles the task. I feel Carolyn’s pain, she dropped the ball, big time!

On “Blood Pressure”

We quickly understand why Carolyn is yesterday’s news. There’s a rising blood pressure someone’s eyes is giving Duncan. Much like all of the songs on the project, the song doesn’t follow the fast paced tempo that the recent songs in the Afrobeats genre have made us accustomed to. Rather, this track takes a different direction that gives room for Duncan to flex his versatility. The production for me is reminiscent of production by Jesse Jagz. Except, the production credits for this groovy sounding slow jam goes to Peter Abdallah. Assisting on the track are London-based Chai T and another of London's finest; Mukhy. The intentionality of this song goes further as it features live saxophone by Norwegian-based saxophonist and wind instrumentalist Lady Albatross and UK bass player Jay Brown.

Whoever, Duncan’s love interest is, they shouldn’t end up like Carolyn. Make this song for no waste! Too lit!! - Peter Jev - AITC Africa 

To end the project, Duncan Daniel enlists New York City-based Nigerian rapper, Iceberg Slim who is considered a Nigerian rap veteran for “Show Me Love”. The track carries a simple message that tells people to give flowers to music creators when they’re still here. This one reaches deep into the soul, as it talks about life and all of the struggles that life comes with. It’s emotional enough to close the project. It carries with it a weighty truth that music veterans are not as celebrated until they’re not with us anymore. And this true for a number of artistes, not just Duncan Daniels or Iceberg Slim; a number of veterans have been seemingly forgotten. 

The Time Traveller either closes off for some or if you’re me, it’s on repeat! The project is solid and doesn’t struggle to conform to new sounds to fit into a specific box. Rather, experience plays a solid part; with an undoubted musicality to each track. While the EP positions itself as a travel through time, which the music rightly does as Duncan reminisces on his origins in the early days in Port Harcourt through to the end where he talks about getting his flowers for his 2 decade long career. 

The project should also get some credit for its exploration of the theme of love, from Duncan’s love for PH, to falling out of love with Carolyn, to the love that gives him a rising temperature and Blood Pressure. Duncan Daniels allows us to see him, in his element; he gives us a peek into his love life as well while reflecting on the time spent making music.

The production is stellar from Kulkeh Beats on Tracks 1,2,3,& 5. London based-Ghanaian producer Peter Abdallah takes on Track 4 and delivers his polling unit.

On the mixing and mastering end of things, Alex 'Crez' Creswell, adds this project to another successful outing with Duncan Daniels having previously worked on songs such as "Back Outside" and "Yard Party." with both songs getting considered for Grammy nominations this year.

"The Time Traveler" EP is available on all digital streaming platforms for your listening pleasure Friday, November 17, 2023. Stream until the tracks start to skip! Visit www.duncandanielsmusic.com