Chiedu Oraka will release new EP ‘Kwechiri’ on November 18th.
A firm CLASH favourite, the Hull artist – a self-proclaimed Black Yorkshireman – has notched up some amazing carer highs, including being hand-picked to support Coldplay (!) in a massive show in his home city.
A fascinating artist and a larger-than-life in-concert presence, Chiedu returns with new EP ‘Kewchiri’ this Autumn.
Out on November 18th, the title is an Igbo word that translates as “resilience”.
Built in a short, compact period of studio sessions, Chiedu says the project is “probably the most enjoyable one I’ve done, which is pretty mad because it has also been the most challenging. What you are hearing is the result of a sensational week where I was tested but didn’t fail; I just embraced it and made the most impactful music of my career so far.”
New single ‘Cocoa Butter’ is out now – built alongside producer Oliver Reese, it’s a lithe, energetic performance, one that pushes Chiedu’s vocal performance into different spaces.
The Hull artist explains:
“I’m very proud of my performance on ‘Cocoa Butter’. I feel like me and the producer Oliver Reese created a sound which has taken my artistry to a different level. The switching of my flows and vocal tones really complement this insane production. The guitar solo at the end is definitely a chef kiss moment. This song proves once again that I have gone up another level when it comes to songwriting. This is what happens when you have no ego in the room. Just two working class kids wanting to create something that will leave the listener wanting to salsa – and just remember this was made in the north. Who would have thought…”
The quick on the draw video flips the script on Spaghetti Western tropes – check it out now.
