Highlyy has released the official music video for her debut single ‘Soldier’, which has flown both here in the UK and internationally since release back in August, amassing over 1.5 million global streams. The track is the perfect introduction to the 18-year-old Essex based artist, and the video follows a day-in-the-life for Highlyy, seeing her spend time with family and friends, something which is important to her. She even drafted a bunch of her mates and her actual brothers to feature in the heartwarming visuals.

Proudly recognising her Congolese heritage from the get-go, Highlyy sings in both English, French and Yoruba on the infectious afrobeats track, which she had been teasing on TikTok since early May. Breakthrough Brit Award Nominated rapper Tion Wayne lends a few bars to one of the track’s versions too, adding another dimension with his signature melodic style of rap. She says, ‘I am made for this, and I want to do this forever - it’s crazy how far my song I posted on Tiktok has gone. I am still so shocked whenever I hear it being played, or when people message me to tell me it’s their favourite song. It’s like, me? Your favourite song is by ME? It’s crazy!”

Now sitting at number seven on the UK Afrobeats chart and on the B List at 1Xtra, the 15-second teaser clip set the app alight back in May, with hundreds of fans commenting on her posts requesting an official release date for the track. Sped up and slowed down versions of ‘Soldier’ have also circulated the platform and gone viral, so alongside the release of ‘Soldier’ featuring Tion Wayne, Highlyy also released the full-length version of the TikTok sped-up track, and a bonus ‘Build Up’ version which starts off with just vocals and slowly builds into the full version.

Already building a dedicated fanbase over in France and other Francophone territories as well as here in the UK, Highlyy’s international potential is undeniable. ‘Soldier’ is a message to continue to follow your dreams, regardless of the setbacks life inevitably throws your way. Highlyy says, ‘“This song means so much to me. I wrote it at 3AM when I was going through a hard time in my life. Music was the only thing that was keeping me going, so this felt like a prayer to make it out and have a shot at pursuing my dreams. In the hook it states, “Even if you don’t do it for me, do it for my brothers” – that line stands out to me the most. I wanted to say that even if it doesn’t work out for me, I want to make sure that everyone around me is working hard and striving.”

Highlyy sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Coming from a musical family, I've always been surrounded by music. My dad plays guitar (he was in a Congolese gospel band), my mum sings and my brother's a rapper. I grew up watching talent shows and always wanted to be a singer – I even went to college to study music at ELAM.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Yxng Bane, Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Gabzy - and I'd love to work with people like Flo and Tems, Arya Starr, Aya Nakamura, 4keus, and Tiakola.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I’ve been in the studio working hard to create my next single which I am really excited about! Don’t want to give any info away as I want it to be a surprise, but expect some French bars!

4. How would you describe your sound?

That is a hard question as I don’t like to be limited to one genre. I would describe my sound as a mixture of Pop, R&B and Afrobeats – I put my own twist on it by mixing English French and Yoruba to give my songs an international appeal. I want everyone to feel included.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

People FINALLY taking me in – I had been teasing my single Soldier since March and it only got recognition in May – now that it is finally out people can put respect on my name.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Keep grinding keep believing, stay faithful to God and use TikTok and social media to your advantage. I would also say hit up people you know that are in the music business to give you advice eg. Marketing managers, A&Rs.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

 Flo, Bellah, Kkeda, Ginoj.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

 Asake Mr Money With The Vibe and Flo – The Lead.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I never really stop making music, I’m always trying to find a way to keep going but I would say spending time with my family and friends and sleeping – I don’t get enough time to do that!

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Strawberry Volvic water, popcorn, GOD and my phone!