Review: You Said x Adaora

Globalization paired with social media has been a major plus for the music industry, allowing more visibility for global artist and diversity of sound. The result has been an expansion of the mainstream music scene, which has historically been dominated by western artist and culture. Africa is finally getting some long overdue spotlight in mainstream western media, and its artist are no doubt having a moment with crossover acts such as Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Tems, Ayra Starr, and Amaarae. Although genres such as Afrobeat and Amapiano are international hits, America has taken a liking to Afropop and Alté. This is not surprising as the genres pull and merge with Black American art forms including R&B, Hip-Hop, and Soul. The combination of genres has birthed new and refreshing sounds that unites the diaspora.  

Hailing from California, You Said is the latest release from Nigerian artist Adaora. The emerging artist found previous success in more Alt. R&B/Soul based tracks such as Sticky Sweet and Space and Time, while also dabbling in Funk/House with All I Need (TLC) and Another Chance, and dipping to Afropop with Top Dolla. You Said is a departure from past releases as it is a more Hip-Hop leaning track acting as an exploration of range. With a commanding voice, Adaora skillfully blends both African American Vernacular English and Nigerian Pidgin for a catchy club ready Afropop track. Layered backing vocals add depth to the track that allow her strong and soothing tone to shine on looped production. There is also a youthfulness to the track that perfectly aligns with the R&B of gen z. Although a simplistic “vibe” track, there are peeks into Adaora’s lyricism with lines such as “Hoping I don’t bite my tongue on words I should have sung.” With a budding catalog of solid singles, Adaora has the ingredients to be a proper new school R&B/Soul artist (similar to Nigerian R&B duo VanJess) or make a name for herself as a Afrosoul artist as the genre grows in the States. The direction of her artistry is in her own hands, but recent work has showcased that she has the potential and skill to succeed in multiple lanes. Don’t be surprise if you see her name on “up next” playlists soon. 

Favorite Tracks:

• Sticky Sweet

• Space and Time

• Another Chance

• Top Dollar