Bemz - Zidane (NEW SINGLE)
credit Andy Lowe
After weeks of teasing the highly anticipated track, Bemz has released his new single ‘Zidane’. A garage-tinged heater, the new single has already proved a firm favourite with fans at festivals - from Kelburn Garden Party to Glasgow’s TRNSMT. As well as playing an unforgettable set at TRSNMT’s River Stage at the weekend, Bemz delivered an energy-fuelled mainstage performance in front of thousands as he joined The Snuts for their track Elephants.
The new single is the first release from Bemz since 2021’s acclaimed EP, ‘M4’. Since then, Bemz has gone on to be crowned as this year’s inaugural BBC Introducing Scottish Act of the Year, before being championed by BBC 1Xtra as their Pick of the Week with previous single ‘26’ making Track of the Week.
On top of this, the previous Scottish Alternative Music Awards’ Best Live Act winner has been busy embarking on a UK-wide tour supporting The Snuts, and In May, played his biggest headline show to date with an incredible sold out home show at Glasgow’s King Tuts.
Inviting elements of garage and pop to the party, the infectious track sees Bemz threads sharp lyrics through a club-ready track with enviable charisma. “I make play happen like Zidane,” he skips over the beat, delivering a sun-soaked, lively single that is as compelling as it is catchy.
There’s a laid-back, unconventional feel to Zidane that's reflected in Bemz’ own story. Born in Nigeria, he moved to south London with his parents and six siblings when he was just four. Ten years later, his father decided he should escape the chaos of London and move north to Scotland, where he lived with his aunt and uncle in Stranraer. It was here that Bemz found his voice when he began freestyle rapping with his brother at the age of 15 before moving to Glasgow, where he arrived on the scene with his 2020 SAY (Scottish Album of the Year) Award nominated debut album Saint of Lost Causes.
Since, Bemz has been making huge waves with his remarkably honest approach to rapping. Unbridled feeling is coupled with poignant truth and elevated by Bemz’ captivating flow, painting a vivid picture of his own life in a way that feels - and sounds - utterly authentic. Zidane is just a brilliant glimpse of what’s to come and irrefutable proof that Bemz is worth the hype that surrounds him.
words by Jenn Nimmo-Smith
