Bawo - Terra Incognita (Single)
Photo Credit: Alex Galloway
After a stellar start to 2023 with his widely acclaimed EP release Legitimate Cause and debut sold-out headline tour in March, West London’s rising star Bawo signals his return for the summer with his lively new single ‘Terra Incognita’.
A term for regions that have yet to be mapped or documented, ‘Terra Incognita’ works as a double entendre; on one side, it references Bawo’s career thus far, as he carves out a unique path for his musical journey that is brimming with new discovery and opportunity for the hotly tipped talent. On the other, it’s a romance-tinged story about exploration with a new person in his life, as Bawo paints idyllic slices of summery scenes with his illustrative wordplay.
On ‘Terra Incognita’, Bawo brings his signature lightheartedness and inimitable lyrical skill that is packed with fun cultural references (i.e. Jeremy Clarkson’s bootcuts) and topped with a feel-good bounce in the production. It’s a summer banger with the winning formula of inspiring and jovial energy.
This is the first single since his defining EP Legitimate Cause, his 7-track project which was released at the end of January featuring fellow UK rap talent Reek0 and Oscar #Worldpeace as well as singer Ayeisha Raquel. Met with praise across the board, the record garnered impressive levels of support, including EP track ‘Not Just Yet’ being playlisted by BBC Radio 1Xtra, ‘Grace Is Calling’ being supported by Benji B, as well as ‘Stay Close’ receiving plays from Clara Amfo and Sian Eleri on BBC Radio 1. Further support came from DJ Target and CassKidd on 1Xtra, with Jack Saunders praising Bawo as “one of the most exciting prospects in UK Rap at the moment”.
Not stopping there, the project was hailed by The Guardian as ones of 2023’s best projects so far, who said, “best of all is this 25-minute release by west Londoner Bawo, who uses crisp trap, R&B and garage backings but whose doleful delivery casts them under grey weather”.
The new track solidifies his name as one of this year’s standout rising stars to come out of the UK. An in-demand name that is already successfully drawing in crowds of dedicated fans, Bawo’s year is far from over.
‘Terra Incognita’ is a stimulating record that symbolises Bawo’s thrilling career ahead, as he continues to navigate through exciting new waters.