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 Tyla’s album arrives as a testament to her rise in the music industry. Featuring 15 tracks, “TYLA” offers a diverse range of songs that encapsulates the essence of African pop culture while seamlessly blending elements of Amapiano, Hip Hop, Pop, and R&B. Tracks like ‘Safer’, ‘Truth or Dare’, and the Becky G-featured ‘On My Body’ serve as reminiscent echoes of Tyla’s chart-topping hit ‘Water’, while other gems like ‘Jump’ with Gunna and Skillibeng deliver high-octane energy that ignites the soul. 

Reflecting on her musical odyssey, Tyla shared, “When I listen to the album, I’m so proud of it. I just see our sound going so far: the culture, the words, the slang. Even just Joburg — the thought of people now singing about Joburg.” This sentiment highlights Tyla’s deep-rooted connection to her African heritage and her commitment to elevating the continent’s rich musical tapestry onto the global stage. 

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The release of “TYLA” marks a historic milestone for Tyla, whose chart-topping single ‘Water’ catapulted her to the upper echelons of the music industry, earning her a coveted spot as the highest-charting female soloist in African history on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. With an RIAA Platinum certification and a GRAMMY win under her belt for “Best African Music Performance”, Tyla’s star continues to ascend, illuminating the path for future generations of African artists. 

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In the words of Ezekiel Lewis, President of Epic Records, “Her young star is on the rise, and this project marks one more step towards the achievement of a global music fan base rooted in the touch and feel of Amapiano, R&B, and Pop.” Indeed, “TYLA” is not just an album—it’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends countries, unites nations, and celebrates the vibrant tapestry of African music and culture. 

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For fans eager to immerse themselves in the full TYLA experience, an array of exclusive merch bundles, including autographed vinyl options, streetwear, and album posters, are available for purchase. Dive into the enchanting world of “TYLA” and experience the magic of African music “The Tyla Way”. 

_{Written By Gabriella Neocleous}

The post Tyla Unveils Her Debut Album “TYLA” appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Holly Humberstone 

Kickstarting our list is the enchanting Holly Humberstone, who has just been announced as the recipient of the 2022 ‘Brits Rising Star’ award, following in the footsteps of Adele, Emeli Sande and Sam Fender. Her EP ‘The Walls Are Way Too Thin’ was released on the 12th of November, receiving high praise for her captivating lyricism and comforting production style. The EP’s title track has accumulated over 12 million streams, showing us why she truly is the Rising Star to watch.

Gayle

Tiktok has been a haven for musicians during the pandemic, offering a free space for artists to showcase their talents and grow their fanbase. For Gayle, her track ‘ABCDEFU’ has been a part of a huge viral trend on the app, with her song now having over 200 million streams. Viral trends aside, Gayle is an incredibly talented artist and we can’t wait to hear her next angsty anthem.

Olivia Dean

The infatuating voice of Olivia Dean has been responsible for taking us out of our hectic schedules this year, as her blissful tone lifts you away from any stress you may be dealing with. Recently, Olivia released ‘The Christmas Song’, and her soulful voice put us straight in the mood to get cosy and festive. 

Priya Ragu

Priya Ragu rose to fame in 2020 with her debut single ‘Good Love 2.0’, and we have been hooked on her ever since. She released her highly anticipated debut mixtape ‘damnshestamil’ on September 3rd, featuring the single ‘Lockdown’. The song went on to be ​​the Hottest Record on Radio 1’s Future Sounds and gained high praise for its vibrant fun sound, and the relatability of the lyrics surrounding craving human contact after isolation. Priya’s music is so unique to the mainstream industry, as she blends her Sri Lanken roots into a fun pop style, making her one of the most exciting artists out right now.

Lola Young

Seeing the year out with perhaps one of the biggest honours for a British musician is the insanely talented Lola Young. If you aren’t familiar with the name, you will definitely be familiar with her vocals, as she is the voice for this year’s John Lewis Christmas advert. Her original music is honest with a certain edge to her lyricism that makes you feel every emotion, this is certainly apparent in her latest single ‘FAKE’. 

Gracey

Gracey is fast becoming one of the most relatable artists of the moment, with honest lyrics that get us right in the feels. Her latest single ‘the internet’ was written around her experience with online hate, and how it broke her heart receiving such hateful comments. 

Jaz Karis

Jaz Karis has evolved into a frontrunner of the UK’s music scene, as she occupies her own unique space blending genres such as Neo Soul, R&B and jazz. Her latest single ‘Home’, is a beautiful track, telling the painful moment of discovering you have fallen out of love with someone. If you’re into deep tracks with smooth accompaniments, Jaz Karis is the artist for you.

Pink Pantheress

With Tiktok sending her track ‘Just for me’ viral, 2021 has been a crazy year for Pink Pantheress. Following her viral hits, the British singer, songwriter and producer released her album ‘To Hell With It’ on October 5th. The album is complete with her viral hits and songs that are less well known, but just as joyous to listen to.

Pip Millett

With 3 successful EPs under her belt, Pip is definitely making her mark in the industry. Her debut single ‘Make Me Cry’  has accumulated over 17 million streams, becoming her biggest single to date. Her latest EP ‘Motion Sick’ gave us the single ‘Hard Life’, a track detailing the struggles faced by many, fused with soulful and jazzy accompaniment.  

Pa Salieu

Pa Salieu has been releasing music since 2018, but this year has been his most successful yet. He finished 2020 on a high after his debut single ‘Frontline’ became BBC Radio 1XTRA’s most played track of the year. He has had multiple hits this year including the collaboration with Aitch on ‘Bad’ and ‘Glidin’’ featuring slowthai. Both tracks have gone on to receive a warm response, and we can’t wait to see what 2021 has install for the rising rap star.

Alewya

There is no disputing that Alewya is one of the freshest artists of the moment, as she moulds music to fit her unique style and influence. Her latest EP ‘Panther in Mode’ merges upbeat instrumentals with Neo-Soul and honest lyricism. She unveiled a visualiser for the featured track ‘Channel High’, further letting us into her creative mind. The song sees Alewya use her middle eastern heritage and influence in the vocal line, creating an enchanting and unique sound. 

Mysie

Striking vocals take centre stage when Mysie enters the chat. In 2020, Mysie started gaining recognition for her musical talents, leading her to receive The Ivor Novello award. This year has seen Mysie release her second EP ‘Undertones’, a record exploding with vibrant tracks and electrifying vocal lines. The song which gained the most traction from the EP is the dreamy ‘Seven Nights’, a song encapsulating the excitement of newfound love and adventure.

Hope Tala

Ending our list is the soft storytelling Hope Tala. Hailing from West London, Hope blends R&B with rich Bossa Nova styles to create her unique and bold sound. Her latest single ‘Tiptoeing’ was dubbed ‘Hottest Record In The World’ by Clara Amfo, creating further hype around Hope’s name. Fusing the Bossa Nova beat with the tongue n cheek lyrics, Hope tells the story of being cautious not to jump straight into a romance, with tiptoeing becoming a metaphor of indecisive emotions.

Words By Nadia Clasper

Photo Credit: Olivia Dean Instagram

The post Voir’s Top Artists To Watch In 2022 appeared first on Voir Fashion.

The show was presented by comedian Munya Chawawa and Little Mix’s Leigh Anne-Pinnock, the pair didn’t disappoint, with Leigh Anne wearing multiple outfits throughout the night, giving us a glimpse into her unique fashion style whilst Munya delivered the jokes.

Bringing the stage back to life was the wonderful Bree Runway, who performed her sizzling single ‘Hot Hot’. There were also performances from Pa Salieu, Enny, Stefflon Don and Ms Banks and Ghetts.

The night was dedicated to honouring Music Of Black Origin, and the awarding reflected this, with a variation of artists winning specific categories, some for the first time. Dave was awarded Album Of The Year, having previously won Album Of The Year at last year’s Brit Awards with his album ‘Psychodrama’. Little Simz was awarded Best Female Act, which was well deserved after her monumental year and successful album ‘Sometimes I Might Be Introvert’.

When accepting her award, Simz said;

“I’m in the dream I always dreamed about. [So] anyone that’s watching this and has a dream to pursue – this is yours, always. Go and get it.”

After 15 years of being a frontrunner of the now widely successful Grime genre, last night saw Ghetts finally pick up his first Mobo award, as he won ‘Best Male Artist’. He went on to close the show with a fiery performance of his hits ‘Mozambique’ and ‘Hop Out’.

Drill was a genre acknowledged throughout the night, with the genre’s first UK number 1 ‘Body (Remix)’ by Tion Wayne & Russ Millions winning ‘Song Of The Year’. Drill’s Central Cee was awarded ‘Best Newcomer’. These wins are a huge step for Drill, showing that this is now a genre accepted by the masses and no longer associated with stereotypes of gang violence.

Words By Nadia Clasper

Photo Credit: Mobo’s Twitter

The post The Return Of The Mobo Awards appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Fresh, powerful, and lyrically beautiful, Alex Porat is evolving pop music into a genre of her own. Her impeccable vocals have taken her from uploading covers on Youtube to creating original songs and accompanying music videos. Achieving over 60 million Spotify streams, 150 million Youtube views, and worldwide media recognition, Alex is a leading light in the music industry.  

Her songs are dreamy, relatable, and mesmerising – from break-ups, whirlwind crushes and daydreaming about ‘what ifs’, you can find yourself in Porat’s lyrics about love. Born in Malaysia to a Chinese mother and a Polish father, the Canadian singer-songwriter offers a beautiful blend of influences across her music and visuals. From her covers of top-charting music, a childhood of watching Studio Ghibli movies, and growing up in a musical household, Porat’s music is an amalgamation of sounds from her childhood to today. Porat’s confidence and honesty in her music produces intimate relationships with her fans, who can recognise themselves in her lyrics and heritage.  

Her dream-like, pop sound is present from her ep, Bad At Breakups, to her recent single ‘bubblegum’, and upcoming release, ‘taxi’. Coming out August 25th, taxi explores thoughts of romantic ‘what ifs’ through her lyrics, with a music video to match the hypothetical couple – Porat’s upcoming release is something you certainly do not want to miss! Voir sat down with Alex to talk about her inspiration, musical process, and of course, her upcoming single.

You have a single coming out very soon, called ‘Taxi’. Can you tell us about the track and what we can expect from it?

“Taxi” is my version of a daydream. I wanted it to feel like a story from beginning to end and reflect what it feels like to have a crush.

You began your singing career with Youtube covers, was there any fear surrounding the jump to creating your own original songs?

It was a combination of fear and excitement but the biggest barrier was really myself. I feel like many artists suffer from holding back art until it feels “ready”. I realized that art will never feel “ready” to me and that I just had to put it out there.

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How did you first discover your passion for creating music, is there a specific memory in which you realised?

I have felt passionate about creating music for as long as I can remember. I was singing constantly and always wanting to perform. When I was four years old I got up on a stage on a street in Beijing and sang two songs acapella. The feeling that I got on that stage stuck with me throughout the following years.

You are able to convey a lot with the honesty and relatability of your lyrics. Was songwriting something that has always interested you?

Thank you! Yes, I’ve always loved songwriting and sharing my feelings through music. It all feels so surreal when someone tells me they really relate to the song or feel understood.

How has your music evolved from your first EP and early singles?

The first EP feels like a bridge for my next project. Everything lives in my world but the cut gets deeper with every release. I also feel like the music is sonically evolving to a more emotional space.

You have worked with Iris Kim (@kimsauce) previously for music videos. What is the process like and how do you find visuals and aesthetics to match with your songs?

Yes, I love Iris so much. She first hears the song and then we talk about where her mind goes to first. We have worked together so much now that she really understands where I’m coming from artistically and emotionally. It always translates beautifully into the videos.

_{Photo Credit: Frank Linn}

How would you describe your current music style?

Indie Alt Pop I think!

Do you have any go to sources of inspiration and how do you deal with creative blocks?

I’m thankful to say I haven’t really felt creatively blocked with music yet because I’m constantly consuming life and media. I like experiencing new things in real life but also seeing life through different lenses like movies and art. If I ever feel uninspired, I just go outside or cuddle my dog or get my heart broken, whatever’s easiest.

You recently were selected as one of ELLE’s 10 Asian artists to add to your summer playlist, have you noticed a difference in the representation of the music industry now, compared to when you were growing up?

There is a difference. There was zero and now there are some. I feel like the music industry is super reactive so new artists fit the casting call that previous artists have set the precedent for. And since North America has struggled with Asian representation in music it’s up to Asian artists to lead the way and artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray are here doing just that. It’s such a harsh reality that I’ve had to come to terms with, but I’m hopeful for even more progress in the future.

You are going on the Gradience Tour with Ralph soon, are you excited to be performing live after such a strange year due to Covid?  

So excited and it still doesn’t feel real. It’ll be my first tour and I’m happy it’s with Ralph because she’s an amazing performer and will help ease me into my first time on the road.

What can we expect from you in the future? Are collaborations or more touring on the radar? 

I would love to go to Asia! Also…a project coming soon called “Miss Sick World.” Stay tuned!!

Listen to Alex’s songs here:

Words By Caitlin Sahin

The post An Interview With Alex Porat: Making Pop Music Her Own appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Billie Eilish takes on body image and public opinion head-on in her recent short film ‘Not My Responsibility’.

On the 27th of May, Billie Eilish released a short film that was previously exclusively shown during her tour. The short film addresses the body-shaming and criticism she has faced throughout her career as she takes off the layers of her clothes.

Billie Eilish made waves in the music industry as a non-conformist not only because of her music but her fashion choices. Her oversized and layered fashion came as a breath of fresh air into the music industry, but to some, it was a source of criticism and questioning. In a previous interview, the artist said that she doesn’t want everyone to know everything about her as the reason why she wears oversized clothing.

The short film was well received by the public and her general fanbase with over 2 million likes on the video.

It addresses judgement women face daily based on their appearance. In the video, she states that although some people praise her fashion choices, people use it to shame others. She also admits to the industry pressure to be not what she is, but what they want her to be. Even then, the artist claims they would not be satisfied. She finishes by rejecting the system of value based on public perception and the responsibility of the public opinion of her.

Watch Billie Eilish’s new short film here:

Words by Precious Njoki

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Billie Eilish Declares Is ‘Not [Her] Responsibility’ With a Recent Short Film appeared first on Voir Fashion.