In The Spotlight

Sonal Jogia – “Alive”

Born and raised in Calgary, Canada, this Spain-based singer and songwriter’s career had a late start. Due to insecurity, she was in her early thirties when she wrote and released her debut EP “Lovely Day”, which got nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award. That her initial insecurity was unnecessary becomes apparent as she wows audiences with her vigorous and soulful voice.

The first taster of her upcoming EP, which is scheduled for release at the end of the year, sees her taking a more acoustic approach to her 90s R&B-infused style and adding a drop of gentle jazz to create a heart-wrenching love song. Setting the scene with a serene guitar and mild keys, her lavishly silky, dynamic vocals stroke all the senses and make this organic smooth groove come alive.

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In The Spotlight

Ana Popovic – “Lasting Kind Of Love”

Born in Belgrade, Serbia, this globetrotting baroness of Blues lived in Amsterdam, The Netherlands to study at the Conservatory of Jazz and World-Music, but her love for American Blues took her to Memphis and ultimately to Los Angeles. She debuted with “Hush” in 2001, has toured tirelessly around the globe and performed with many Soul/Blues legends, like Solomon Burke and BB King.

Taken from her latest album “Like It On Top” and featuring the vocals of GRAMMY award winning producer Keb’ Mo’, this song serenades the no strings attached kind of love in a jovial, laid-back way. Smooth drums, sleek keys and a shiny hint of horns give it a suave, carefree vibe, while their soul-dipped, blues-weathered voices meld together into a polished and playful jam with a spirited warmth.

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In The Spotlight

Wafia – “I’m Good”

Although born in The Netherlands, this singer and songwriter is based in Brisbane, Australia. She’s studied biomedicine at University but, finding it somewhat monotonous, she started writing songs. In 2014 she uploaded a cover of Mario’s “Let Me Love You”, which went viral. In 2015 her single “Heartburn”, from her debut EP “XXIX”, received praise from producer Pharrell Williams.

With a buoyant beat and a brazen bass line, her latest single radiates spicy confidence and tenacity, while still maintaining a cheery, upbeat side in its dynamic chorus. Blending touches of contemporary EDM with a generous layer of 80s-style retro vibes, this breakup song covers all ends of the emotional spectrum, with her sugared, euphonic vocals completing the catchy, poptastic sound.

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In The Spotlight

Acantha Lang – “SugarWoman”

Born and raised in the musical hotspot of New Orleans, this songstress grew up surrounded by Blues and Soul. Carrying her melodic heritage, she moved to New York and performed at iconic venues like The Harlem Grill. Next she moved to London, UK, to hone her charismatic tonality. Inspired by legends like Aretha Franklin and Nina Simone, she developed a distinctive Blues and Soul sound.

The silky-smooth groove which is her latest single gently strokes your eardrums straight from the first note. The laid-back beat and mellow guitar plucks give an easygoing vibe, while some vintage-touched, breezy brass adds an uplifting aesthetic to this gorgeous sip of saturated Soul. With her intimate and lavishly sparkling vocals fondling the senses, this honeyed jam feels like a warm embrace.

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In The Spotlight

Bianca Blanc – “Step Right Up”

Hailing from Pretoria in South-Africa, this talented and passionate singer/songwriter and vocal coach has already made an impression on the local live music scene, playing festivals such as KKNK and Aardklop and opening for South-African acts Jesse Clegg and Wonderboom. Building her vibrant and catchy tunes on a guitar or an ukulele, she released her refreshing debut single “Butterflies” in 2017.

Her latest single is like a vitalizing musical puppy; adorable, happiness-inducing and cute, but with an occasional friendly bite. It starts with her chirpy ukulele and an airy beat, but soon the song comes alive with an incredibly addictive hook, rolling drums and blazing brass. Fusing  her sugary-sweet, yet powerful vocals with the invigorating melody, this is a jubilantly joyous earworm.

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In The Spotlight

Donnell Isaac – “Table”

This award-winning Neo-soul singer, songwriter and actor got his initial musical experience aged 9, while singing in a church choir and developed a passion for it. He took those gospel sounds and the experience of a rough childhood dipped in poverty and chiseled it into a silky, melodic soul/R&B blend of his own, leading to his solo debut in 2008 and performances at music festivals.

Taken from his EP “Love Changes”, his latest single seems to reach deep down into your soul and touch your heart. The velvety violins, mild percussion and laid-back piano give the song a classic, analog soul sound, while the vintage hues in the harmonies and his sultry, soothing vocals flirt amorously with the sensual melody and serves up this spread of steamy and seductive smooth grooves.

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