THISDAY

Falana Delivers Smashing Audio, Visuals for New Single

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Victoria Falana has earned some recognitio­n for her self-produced EP ‘Chapter One’. The singer-songwriter subsequent­ly travelled round the world to work on new material. It was a process of self-discovery, which revealed new layers to her songwritin­g. She now shares the Àrst taste of those sessions with the release of the single ‘Joy’.

A spirited fusion of vibrant Afrobeats, elegant R&B and island Áavour, ‘Joy’ is a song that speaks to this moment in time. Falana’s impassione­d delivery leaves you in no doubt that she means every word she sings. And by the time she’s put her heart and soul into its hypnotic hook (“No stress, I’ve got pure intentions… I count my blessings one day at a time”), it’s impossible not to feel its spell sparking a new wave of positivity in your mind.

‘Joy’ marks the Àrst release in a series of singles from various global artistes on Red Bull Records. Dedicated to discoverin­g and showcasing talent on an internatio­nal scale, Falana is the latest ground-breaking artiste to partner with the label. The track was written with fellow singer-songwriter, Omolara Ayodele and producer KINGBNJMN (Future, DJ Snake) at the legendary Geejam Studios in Port Antonio, Jamaica.

“It’s crazy that the song was written two weeks before the world went into lockdown,” says Falana. “Over the last ten months, the song’s sentiment surfaces all the time, whether it’s in everyday conversati­on, on the news or at social media. It feels like the song was birthed right at the time that the world needed it.”

Falana returned to Jamaica to Àlm the song’s video with director Mykal

Cushnie, whose culture-centric narrative storytelli­ng has resulted in collaborat­ions with Popcaan, Sean Paul and Damian Marley. As well as capturing some of Port Antonio’s striking natural beauty, the video also shows how her style and signature braid pom-poms are an extension of her artistry.

She adds, “I think the video is such a beautiful visual representa­tion of ‘Joy’, the song and the feeling. The energy on set matched the song, and I was so grateful for that.”

Falling between so many of the genres that have inÁuenced her own journey, Falana often felt like an outsider, working on the periphery of multiple music scenes but struggles to Àt in. With her new work, she’s Ànally been able to hit the balance she’s been searching for her whole life. It’s the start of a bright future.

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Falana

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