Music

Drela and Stonebwoy declare war on the ordinary with new soundtrack “DEM DEAD”

When Drela says “DEM DEAD,” he means it both metaphorically and musically and does not apologize. The ascendant Nigerian firebrand makes a forceful impression with his latest single, “DEM DEAD,” a spirited song that slaps with intent. And you think he’s done, and in comes the Ghanaian own Grammy nominee Juggernaut, Stonebwoy, riding the beat like the vet hitmaker he purports. This is not your typical Afrobeats record. “DEM DEAD” parades through the intersection of where Afrobeats meets Dancehall, its raw urgency throbbing street and celebration at once.

Drela’s delivery is aggressive, his bars are compact, and his rhythm is drenched in the kind of hunger that only comes from a rising star. There’s an edge to his voice, a fire that reflects the runaway energy of his country’s youth, and a sound as at home in Lagos as it might be in Kingston. And then there’s Stonebwoy coming in, increasing the track’s global weight. Commanding and charismatic, his verse, which bridges cultures with the unmistakable flair of the Caribbean. He locks in, underscoring the point with gravitas only a BET Award winner can provide. It’s a sort of collaboration that doesn’t just cross borders but blends them.

Indie

“Kiss” by Zekiizo sparks a feisty dance with the moody charm of a tumultuous love vibe

Zekiizo’s new single, “Kiss,” tells a candid story that is anything but sweet or straightforward as it dances into an intoxicating whirlwind of emotional chaos when a fresh romance collides with the ghosts of the past, leaving audiences eager to hit replay. What makes “Kiss” unique is its fearless embrace of the imperfections and complexities in relationships, all wrapped in an infectious and irresistibly pleasurable sound.

With feel-good production and an upbeat rhythm, “Kiss” might initially come across as a perfect anthem for a late-night drive. However, a closer listen reveals its moody grit and unapologetic honesty. This is not your average love song; it explores the mutual rewards that keep a connection alive, even if it’s built on a shaky foundation. Zekiizo dives into the complicated aftermath of heartbreak, capturing the dynamic thrill of transitioning from an old relationship into something new, and examining the emotionally charged space where lust and intimacy often overshadow logic.

There’s a gritty edge to the song, conveying a confident, almost self-centered frankness that feels refreshingly honest; neither party emerges entirely innocent or unscathed, but this lack of perfection adds to the charm. The lyrics hint at something more unsettling, pulsing with playful intensity, while the beat grooves with electronic-meets-indie influences, precisely the genre-blurring signature that Zekiizo is becoming known for. It’s seductive, a little off-kilter, and knowingly problematic, which is what makes it resonate so deeply.

From her Boston roots to the creative sprawl of New York City, Zekiizo has carved a unique niche for herself that defies easy categorization. “Kiss” feels like a culmination of her bold sonic vision: emotionally unfiltered, sonically vibrant, and dripping with attitude. Whether you’ve just come out of a breakup or are in the middle of a fling with someone new, this track will strike a nerve of exhilarating yet unsettling nature of new love.

Feisty, flawed, and utterly addictive, “Kiss” encapsulates the sound of reckless rebound energy wrapped in a perfect pop disguise. Zekiizo isn’t just creating music that vibes; she’s vividly narrating the complexities of love, pushing sonic boundaries while delivering stories that resonate on a human level, reaffirming her status as an artist to watch, and we’re here for it.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Zekiizo’s “Kiss“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Zekiizo | Instagram | TikTok |

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Indie

Secret Garden Gathering triumphantly dazzles with its newest release, “You Are the Darkness After My Dawn”

Welcome back! Thirteen years after disappearing into obscurity, Secret Garden Gathering reemerges like an enchanting dream with their hauntingly beautiful new single, “You Are the Darkness After My Dawn.” Drawn from a part of their upcoming live EP ‘Is-Y-Deri’, a name whispering of ancient forests and introspective revelations, marks not just a revival but signifies the reckoning sound of a band that has been both reborn and weathered by time. It serves as a cathartic tribute to life’s intricacies, celebrating something beautifully bruised and defiantly resilient amidst struggle, making every moment of silence worthwhile.

Recorded in a frostbitten cottage nestled deep in the Welsh mountains, the setting feels deeply integrated into the essence of the track. From the opening chords, “You are the Darkness after my Dawn” envelops the listener in a spectral intimacy that is delicate, cinematic, and entirely immersive. The arrangement showcases a raw vulnerability, blending jazz-soaked rhythm with folk-rock undertones, as if the band is gently revisiting and illuminating fragmented memories.

The song unfolds like a story being retold, beginning with a quiet and contemplative ambiance that gradually escalates towards a thunderous crescendo, fronted by soaring vocals that convey deep emotional resonance. This is further enhanced by gritty, grunge-inspired guitar layers that encapsulate the ache of nostalgia and the strange nature of melancholy. The piece symbolizes the transition from summer to twilight, reflecting the enduring impact of lost love.

Secret Garden Gathering has not just made a return; they have revitalized something exceptional, a rare artistic voice. “You are the Darkness after my Dawn” illustrates that time away has not weakened their creative expression; instead, it has broadened their artistic palette. The result is a dream-rock ballad characterized by a cinematic scope, deeply rooted in the complexities of human experience, poised to stir even the most subdued aspects of the soul.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM Secret Garden Gathering’s “You Are the Darkness After My Dawn“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Secret Garden Gathering | Instagram |