After starting off 2023 with the release of his sophomore EP Soul Afrikanah, which saw the South Londoner exploring his African heritage a lot more through his folk/soul music, and supporting British R&B legend Lemar on his recent UK tour, independent UK singer, songwriter, and musician AZU YECHÉ is excited to announce the sequel to the ‘Soul Afrikanah’ project as we roll into the second half of the year. Aptly titled Soul Afrikanah Part II, the new project will be released on August 11 via his indie label Farmhouse Records, led by the exquisite and soulful new single ‘GONE ARE THE DAYS‘. He sat down with CelebMix for an interview about the new single.
Arriving on July 14, the new single ‘Gone Are The Days’ is written and produced by Azu Yeché in collaboration with Fred Cox, who has also worked with Rag N Bone Man, Janelle Monae, and Rosie Lowe, among others. For the accompanying music video, Azu Yeché travelled back to Nigeria, where he tried to recapture some of his childhood memories. Filmed on a hot Sunday in Lagos, and directed by burgeoning filmmaker Jesse Shot It, the visuals for ‘Gone Are The Days’ see Azu reminiscing over an innocent and carefree childhood, typically characterised by getting to play outside, getting your hair braided by the neighbourhood “auntie”, and oftentimes, getting punished for being naughty.
Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Gone Are The Days’, Azu Yeché says, “The song is about approaching adulthood and realising you have to stand on your own, and face the challenges and pressures that life brings. Realising that you now have to face all the things you pushed aside for tomorrow. It touches on that sentiment, and almost romanticises the innocence that usually comes with being a child – in particular, Fred and I spoke about how my life as a child in Lagos was so much simpler, compared to the hustle of London and adulthood. Having also lost my father earlier in the year, this song proved a huge reality check, as well as a balm in trying times”.
Highly recommended if you like the soul-fueled sounds of Michael Kiwanuka, Lianne La Havas, Jordan Mackampa, or Leon Bridges, Azu Yeché is a singer, songwriter and musician that mixes subtle folk and pan-African influences and sensibilities into his soul music palette. His distinctive voice, noteworthy lyricism, intimate storytelling, and immersive live performances have not only earned him critical acclaim from BBC Radio 1, Earmilk, BBC 6 Music, Apple Music, and Fresh On The Net, among others, but also, highly coveted co-signs from platinum-selling UK black music royalty such as Gabrielle and Lemar, who personally invited Azu to support him on his latest sold-out UK tour in April.
Out on July 14 via Farmhouse Records, ‘Gone Are The Days’ is the lead single from Azu Yeché’s upcoming EP ‘Soul Afrikanah Part 2’ that arrives on August 11
CONNECT WITH AZU YECHÉ: Instagram – Twitter – Tiktok
MEDIA & PRESS: Please direct all inquiries to Ayo Adepoju: [email protected]
