- Words Solly Warner
- Interview Tiffany Calver
- Photography Jameela Elfaki
- Styling Lee Trigg
- Photography Assistant Ganesha Lockhart
- Hair Shamara Roper
- Makeup Luz Giraldo
- Art Direction Maria Maleh
- Art Direction Justin Moore
West London-based singer-songwriter, producer, multidisciplinary artist and model, Alewya, is making her move in the music industry, providing a beautifully diverse musical palette.
Alewya, an artist of Egyptian and Ethiopia decent, has grown up surrounded by diversity and her sound holds an equally rich mixture of cultural influences.
After featuring on Little Simz’s track “where’s my lighter”, Alewya dropped her debut single, “Sweating”, earlier this year after many months of delays. Drawing upon her African roots and UK club culture, Alewya linked up with UK & Ghana-based production duo The Busy Twist for this infectious track. The tune is longing to be played on a night out with its pulsating beats and breathy vocals that will definitely have you feeling yourself.
“Sweating” is accompanied by a sultry video, directed by Jack Bowden, that sees Alewya dancing amongst an entanglement of bodies in an appropriately humid club. You may even be able to spot some of Alewya’s visual art within the video. It’s clear that Alewya wants us to start visualising some of the pleasures that we’re so desperate for, going partying and having a proper dance.
The seductive song has already received two remixes from Honey Dijon and Breakage. Alewya’s transcendent sound is met with the DJ’s iconic signature styles. Be sure to look out for all three versions of the track next summer.
Notion 88’s guest editor and Radio 1Xtra host, Tiffany Calver, picks Alewya as one to watch for next year. Get to know the artist building a buzz below.
- Dress KHAN BRICE NGUYEN
- Sunglasses ILLESTEVA
- Necklace BALANCING BEADS
- Earrings PEBBLE LONDON
- Dress KHAN BRICE NGUYEN
- Sunglasses ILLESTEVA
- Necklace BALANCING BEADS
- Earrings PEBBLE LONDON
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Say thank you to the Most High.
Tell us your first musical memory…
The Quran playing in the morning.
A song that sums up your life so far?
Maggot Brain – Funkadelic.
If you were Prime Minister for the day – what would you do?
Resign.
What’s your biggest learn from 2020?
Brutal self honesty is the only way forward.
You’re stranded on a remote island – you can only have five items. What are they?
A book, a machete, my guitar, a hammock, hashish.
Which of your lyrics would you use to describe yourself?
Come as only lover or a hunter.
How did your parents react when you started making music?
My mother supports it, she calm.
You can only eat one meal for the rest of your life. What is it?
Technically Ethiopian food has many dishes on Injera, so Ethiopian food. And it’s my favourite.
What has been the defining moment of your life so far?
Understanding what my purpose is in this life.
If you could curate the line-up for the next Tiffany Calver & Friends, who would you pick?
DJ Maphiosa, Black Coffee, Busy Twist, Shy FX & Fatima Diawara.
What’s your hidden talent?
Welding.
If you weren’t making music – what would you be doing?
A metal worker.
Cats or Dogs?
Both but dogs.
If you woke up to one million pounds in your bank account – what is the first thing you would do?
Buy land.
If you could win any award what would it be?
Honestly, I don’t even know what exists and don’t care about what I know exists.
Tell us a quote or saying that you would pass on to your fans?
Step into the flow.
Which of your songs means most to you and why?
Night Ryda, I made it 4 years ago. It’s a song from the perspective of my shadow self — the part I needed to look into and love before I became… I am lol’ing at the drama of my answers.
If you could be remembered for one thing what would it be?
Authentic and sincere.