Alewya returns with her latest single “Jagna,” out today on Because London Records. The track follows her explosive 2020 debut “Sweating,” and is coupled with a new video directed by Alewya and Tom Ringsby. Alewya’s music draws influence from UK club culture and her African roots, fusing the genres seamlessly. “Jagna” translates to “warrior” or “fighter” in Amharic and is a call for those that come before her “to release and charge.” 

“Firstly, ‘Jagna’ will never be able to be articulated in words. But I’ll try,” notes Alewya. “‘Jagna’ is polarity. ‘Jagna’ is release, ‘Jagna’ is my soul, ‘Jagna’ is my rage, ‘Jagna’ is my lesson, my desperation, frustration, my surrender, my vulnerability, my acceptance and my existence on this planet.” In addition to releasing the single, Alewya shared the stunning video that sees the artist frantically running through the desert and was filmed at the famed desert-esque beach of Dungeness in the UK. Watch the video here: 

Alewya has recently been listed as a DAZED 100, named a “one to watch” by NME. and LOVE Magazine have called her “this decade’s triple threat.” The autodidact producer and  singer-songwriter is a multifaceted creative who when not making music can be found illustrating and sculpting. Alewya has been busy collaborating with Mercury nominated Moses Boyd on a trilogy of live songs, “The Code,” her debut “Sweating” and a cover of DJ Kent’s “The Falling.” She was also featured on Little Simz’s Drop 6 album, on track “where’s my lighter,“ and will be supporting Simz on tour this  fall (see below). 

The translation of Alewya’s name from Arabic means “most high” or “the highest” so it’s fitting that her music centres around the idea of transcendence. After spending four years in New York, she returned to west London where she was raised. Alewya, of Egyptian and Ethiopia descent, grew up nestled in a community rich with diaspora from around the globe. It was here where she received a nourishing musical education that can be heard throughout her music. 

Both her music and art are deep broodings through euphoria, heartache, melancholy and back again. Alewya is challenging you to remember the last time you really felt connected. And as she finds the connections between disparate worlds, Alewya wants to make you feel, and make you dance. As this talented artist begins to share more of her talents, it’s clear Alweya is an unstoppable force with a bright year ahead. 

Photo Courtesy:  Joseph Echenique