Poppy Ajudha is unafraid to stand up for what she believes in. Her music often addresses feminism, colonialism, gender politics, and other social issues. This week, she heads to SXSW for performances at the twitch x Rolling Stone showcase, the British Music Embassy showcase, and more and today, the gifted London-based singer also shares “PLAYGOD.” Her latest single and video from The Power of Us (out April 22 via Virgin Music) is a powerful, passionate call to arms, inspired by the Alabama’s Human Life Protection Act abortion bill and showcases her incredible talent both sonically and lyrically. 

“Abortion is still illegal in many countries around the world and is shamed in even more,” notes Poppy. “I wrote this song when a group of men tried to pass an anti-abortion bill in the state of Alabama, America. I was angry at how in every corner of culture and society across every inch of the earth, men try to play God, again and again. But I am amazed at how humans are built with so much resistance and resilience for good when we know something is wrong and will always fight against it. This song is an act of resistance to those who try to control that which is not theirs to be in control of.”

Poppy Ajudha epitomizes the uniquely diverse musical culture that exists in London. Her sound is transcendent, influenced by the soulful rare grooves and reggae of her childhood. Her lyrics speak of the feminism, colonialism, gender politics, current social issues and more that she studied and grew up with. Pivotal to the forward thinking, socio-politically aware unique blend of soul, r&b, pop and jazz that she is creating is also her South London born, St. Lucian-British background. The musicians and creatives she regularly works with have also influenced her music, including collaborations with Tom Misch, Moses Boyd, Mahalia and more. 

Previous album singles include “London’s Burning,” a testament to Poppy’s impactful voice in social movements, and is a commentary on the importance of immigration on British Culture; and “Holiday from Reality” is a raw and poignant tribute to the current state of the world right now – exhaustion, uncertainty and the pure wish for a pandemic-free life again. “This album is made up of all the things swimming in my mind, from women’s rights, to the right to cross borders, to the power of young people to inspire and be unafraid to rock the boat in the name of progress,” notes Poppe. “Every song on this album touches on these issues because they are all I think about everyday, all I see around me in my friends and my family. I hope it flips a switch in your mind, like it did for mine.”

All three singles appear on The Power In Us, and her musical collaborators on the album include a feature from British Jazz icon Nubya Garcia and Karma Kid (Dua Lipa, Arlo Parks, Shygirl), Wesley Singerman (Anderson Paak., Kendrick lamar, Pink Sweat$), Grammy-nominated Itai Shapira, and Taylor Dexter (Joji, Ray Blk). The album features artwork and imagery created in collaboration with acclaimed photographer and director Olivia Rose and Stone and Spear, and is available to pre-order now in multiple formats. 
With her signature soulful vocals and relatable storytelling, Poppy Ajudha is ready for an international welcome. Look for more from Poppy in the coming weeks and beyond, and pre-save The Power In Us HERE.