- Words Ryan Cahill
Meet Lil Halima, the new Scandinavian soul twisting things up, lyrically and artistically.
There’s something special about Lil Halima. If you’re not captivated by her laid-back vocals that seek to transcend you into her very own world of heartbreak, then you’re certain to be hooked by her unique art aesthetic, which is often exhibited to anyone and everywhere when she uses her skin as a canvas for her colourful musings.
Speaking specifically on her music; it’s catchy, cool and draws inspiration from a plethora of different sources whether it’s traditional Norwegian jams (she grew up in Norway) or Salsa. When it comes to her lyrics, they touch upon anything and everything that she’s experienced; the inner-most trials and tribulations of her personal life are fair game. There’s something magical about the way she can layer her semi-raw vocals over such intense bouncy beats. It almost feels as though there’s a Jorja Smith vibe, except Lil Halima isn’t phased about being commercially friendly, she’s intent on making some cool and collected.
Still revelling in the success of her most recent EP, for the dark days, which dropped earlier this year, Lil Halima is no doubt set for a very busy Summer. Whether she hits the festivals or not, there’s one thing we can guarantee, she’ll be the name on everyone’s lips before the year is out.
"Jasmine" by Lil Halima
Do you remember your dreams? Tell us about a recent dream you’ve had….
I have so many weird dreams, but I never write them down. [I] should write them down, could be good for songwriting!
What is the closest you’ve ever come to death?
Ah, that one is rly personal. I been pretty close I would say. Bad times was part of creating this strong version of Lil!
What’s your star sign? (and are you a typical *whatever your sign is*?)
I am a libra. Moon in aries, rising Leo. Yup. I’m very up in the air. I love symmetry, as a Libra. And love organising my colours and numbers.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
That guy playing Peter pan, the one not animated. I used to dream about being picked up by him and fly away to Neverland haha.
Tell us one thing nobody / not many people know about you.
I am a reeeeeally messy person externally (I lose things, forget things, space out all the time) but internal woah, I have everything organised like a puzzle.
What would your biography be called?
Lil The Universe Experiences Planet Earth
What was the first song you ever wrote?
A dumb christmas song with my sister.
"Take Me To your Planet" by Lil Halima
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Replace «I have to» with «I get to».
What has been your biggest achievement?
Getting to know myself, trying to separate me from my ego. Grow as an artist.
Which fictional character do you most relate to and why?
The black girl from Winx, the comics. I haven’t read it since I was a child but I remember she was the only brown girl I read about as a child, and she just became my sis!
How was high school?
I don’t like school period. But I did well, and i met my best friends. I moved away from home when i was 15. Lived with my friends, it was crazy. but I’ve always been good with school. I also got a family, my friends. The ones i was living with, and we went through a lot together.
Describe your own personal idea of hell…
Having to live my life in fear. Sorry to all the people who do.
Which super power would you most like to have, and why?
I want to flyyyyyyyyyyyyy skrrrt skkrt!
What is one album that totally changed your life?
Sleeping At Last by Atlas
When was the last time you cried and why?
I cry a lot. haha! I just let it out and its gone. Also crying is proven to be a pain killer. I can’t remember TBH!
Where/what will you be doing at the end of the world?
Probably just eat a chocolate, listen to my fave album and wait to die no cap.