- Words Darcy Culverhouse
Grammy-nominated artist Chrystel fuses contemporary pop with Afropop soundscapes in her latest single, ‘Snapchat’.
For any Afropop buff or R&B lover, Chrystel is an artist that needs to be on your 2024 playlists. Breaking free from the confinement of one single musical influence, the Ivorian American artist is marching to the beat of her own drum. Melding disparate genres together, from traces of Afrobeat, and electronic nuances to smooth R&B rhythms, Chrystel is manifesting hypnotic soundscapes that are bound to get you grooving in no time.
Fresh off the heels of finishing her sophomore EP—that is due for release in February—Chrystel gives us a glimpse of what’s in store with her latest track ‘Snapchat’. A flirtatious offering imbued with a heavy dose of confidence, rightfully owned by Chrystel. With a Grammy nomination and a feature on the acclaimed Dreamville Records compilation album with J.Cole both under her belt, her star is undeniably on the rise and ‘Snapchat’ only propels her upward journey even further.
Written and recorded with Blaqbonez and Type A in Lagos, Nigeria, ‘Snapchat’ is centred on embracing the sense of self and owning your independence. Laced with witty songwriting the track is nothing short of a dance room filler. Fueled by the bounce of Type A’s bass and guitar-led production, Chrystel’s softly sunken vocals intertwine seamlessly with Blaqbonez’s vocal groove, all atop an infectious melody that is as catchy as they come.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Snapchat’, Chrystel says, “It’s about feeling sexy and having fun. I want people to feel like they know their powers when they hear it. I’ve always had an inspiring sense of self-assurance, and confidence, and I feel inspired seeing other people walk their own conviction. To me, this song is like a form of self-care – knowing what you like, and liking yourself, without needing validation from others is key. Loving yourself for who you are, and who you’re becoming is so important to me”.