Who You Need: Wafia

Image via theyoungfolks.com

WHO: Wafia

WHERE: Netherlands

GENRE: Alt/pop

TOP SONGS: “Bodies”, “Better Not”

Since the August release of Wafia’s fizzy pop single “I’m Good”, fans have been blowing up the singers spotlight. “Good” serves as a fun breakup anthem (or maybe you just decided to stop eating Cheetos in bed…to each their own.) A bouncy beat makes this song cheeky like a 70’s sitcom intro, add in some layered harmonic vocals and you’ve got a hit.

Wafia proclaims her naivety and boy did she learn. She starts out the song like any good ole love story; “I was so young, I was so dumb when I gave you my heart.” The singer says, “‘I’m Good’ was an attempt at writing a self-fulfilling prophecy. At the time I could foresee heartbreak that I was going to have to work through and I wanted to write the song that I’d want to hear at the end of it all.” Genius? I think so.

If you’re interested in some of her other work that may not be pulsing through the radio waves, listen to my personal favorite, her joint EP titled (m)edian, with producer/singer-songwriter extraordinaire, Ta-Ku. “Meet In the Middle” and “Love Somebody” will write the love letter you never found the words for. Also, check out her solo work including “Bodies” and “Only Love”. Not to mention her explosive pop-dance hit, “Better Not” with rising EDM act, Louis the Child.


NMF Picks!

“Reckless Lover” – Handsome Ghost

 

“Only Love” – Wafia 

 

“Last to Leave (ft. Caroline Ailin)” – Louis the Child

 

“Grab the Wheel” – Timbaland & 6LACK

 

“Backseat (feat. Carly Rae Jepsen)” – Charli XCX

 


 

The Secret Collab You Need

taku wafia
Image: wegotthiscovered.com

Both TAKU and Wafia manage to stay under the radar when it comes to their music. You won’t hear their names on E! News and you won’t see their faces on the cover of every tabloid magazine. That’s what makes them the best kept secret in music. Both come from powerful genres of music; TAKU from the electronic world and Wafia from the alternative world. It only seems natural that the two would come together and form some musical magic one day. Well, that day is coming August 5 of this year when their duet EP titled,  (m)edian is released. A 5-song emotionally stacked project that can only serve as the melancholy soundtrack to the end of your summer.

The two recently brought their collaboration to life at the Sydney Opera House a couple weeks ago. With intensely subtle lights and visuals, TAKU started the show plucking at everyone’s emotions through his piano-driven sounds and vibes. “How’s everyone’s feelings?” he says into the mic as the crowd cheers back for him, waiting for their souls to be revived by his extremely beautiful sense of self.

Watch their concert at the Sydney Opera House here:

He told the story of how the duo met and how he instantly fell in love with Wafia’s music and immediately emailed her saying, “Lets work.” TAKU tells the crowd (m)edian is about, “experiences we’ve had throughout our lives with our families. About sacrifice, love, and compromise.” Although TAKU’s music is mostly non-vocal, Wafia and him have a wonderful vocal sound together. It’s a coffee-shop soundtrack with a little more pizazz. The two seem very humble, talented, and inspired when performing together.

“Love Somebody” is the closing track on the upcoming EP, keeping TAKU’s classic piano- driven melody alive. Wafia and TAKU compliment eachother’s sounds perfectly. They repeatedly harmonize to the words, “Oh, when you love somebody,” pushing the poetry right into your soul.

One can’t help but feel enlightened after witnessing a duo like this. Cue the incents and burgundy-hued wall tapestries.


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