London’s Simbiatu Ajikawo returns with her fourth album, a triumph of intelligent, tough-attitude socio-political lyrics and charisma, backed with epic orchestral soundtrack with old friend and longtime producer Inflo Sault), hopefully to propel her into world stardom after 10 years in the business for the 27-year-old. Opener Introvert, featuring Sault’s Cleo Sol and a narrative by actress Emma Corrin (who plays Diana in The Crown), as previously featured in our Song of the Day, sets the high standard, using the broad brush of politics and orchestra, followed by Woman, jumping into a beautiful, more personal groove of feminism. Two Worlds Apart has a lovely soulful, Smokey Robinson flavour alongside her rapping, while I Love You, I Hate You feels like a a sassy female Bond film funk theme. Protect My Energy meanwhile jumps to a piece of synth pop from the late 70s or early 80s., Rollin Stone has a minimal urban electro style. This is an album of diverse styles without without dropping in quality, Point And Kill, drawing on her Nigerian parental background, is catchy African number, joined by Obongjayar. A wonderful release, playing on the idea of introversion, in personal as well as broader narratives, but drawing it out into artful articulate success. Out on Age 101 Music.
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