Morgan - Wheel Up (Official Video) + 10 Questions
Today (25th September), having ushered in the Carnival season with Dancehall single ‘Bum Bum’, Morgan returns with her new track, ‘Wheel Up’, and also reveals it will feature on her forthcoming EP, ‘Emotional Gangster’ (Pre-Save here) out 25th October via Red Bull Records.
Blending Dancehall with R&B, ‘Wheel Up’ features patois-inflected vocals and a standout collaboration with the all-conquering Jamaican singer-songwriter Byron Messia, the Kingston-born superstar whose profile has skyrocketed since the release of international anthem ‘Talibans’ in 2023.
Exclusively premiering on DJ Target’s ‘Embargo’ track on BBC 1Xtra last night, to celebrate the release, ‘Wheel Up’ lands with a scintillating music video, directed by Kassandra Powell – the acclaimed filmmaker behind ‘Bum Bum’ – who brilliantly captures the vibrant, scorching summer energy of the track. Set in a heat-soaked environment with dancers and a lively house party, the video features captivating dance sequences and embodies the expressive, liberating spirit of the song. Both Morgan and Byron Messia take centre stage as they exchange verses, exhibiting undeniable chemistry whilst bringing the hybrid R&B-Dancehall flavour to life.
“Wheel Up is a tribute to Jamaican rave culture, which in my opinion is the best type of party.” Morgan says, discussing the track’s creation. “There's nothing better than being at a rave and the DJ 'wheeling up' and starting it again when the crowd is feeling them. It happens at pretty much every rave now but I wanted to pay homage to Jamaica soundclash culture that has heavily influenced the UK music scene. I'm a huge fan of Byron Messia and couldn't have had anyone else lay a verse on this - he brings energy and vibes when you're around him. I wrote this with my best-friend Taneisha Jaxxon and my brothers Slim Typical - they're my day ones and I think we wrote this in only two hours! Hope you enjoy and remember to WHEEL IT UP.”
‘Wheel Up’ arrives hot off the heels of her latest vibrant party jam ‘Bum Bum’, a track with co-signs from Tiffany Calver and DJ Target (BBC 1Xtra), Dotty and Rebecca Judd (Apple Music 1), Manny Norté (Capital XTRA) to name a few. Ushering in a new chapter in the 23-year old’s artistic career, Morgan has also revealed both singles will feature on her sophomore EP ‘Emotional Gangster’, a project that offers a 360-degree showcase of her personality and all the sounds that have influenced Morgan to date, from pop bangers to timeless ballads. Set for release on 25th October via Red Bull Records, the pre-save is live HERE.
The news of ‘Emotional Gangster’s release follows the announcement that Morgan will embark on a tour this November, headlining five shows across the UK, including a date at London’s iconic Jazz Cafe. The dates are as follows and tickets are available HERE.
With combined streams of over 80 million, a dedicated online following and new label home in Red Bull Records, Morgan is doing things her way. Comfortably dominating genres from hype D&B to dancehall-referencing tracks, her forthcoming project is a 360- degree showcase of her personality, from her grit and toughness to vulnerability, with party tracks set alongside ballads; and features a collaboration with dancehall heavy-hitter Byron Messia.
Morgan began performing at just three years old and by 18 she’d joined Rudimental as a globally-touring vocalist. Her solo debut ‘My Year’ spotlit her brand of sparkling pop, before a collaboration with Ebenezer (‘Mulholland Drive’) earned her over 10 million streams. Her subsequent EP ‘Alien’ referenced golden-era pop, featuring co-writes and collaborations with Anne-Marie, Cadenza, Dyo, Preditah and Rudimental. That same year, her song ‘ADCT’ (written when she was 17) soared to the #1 spot on both TikTok Trending Sounds and the UK Top 50, earning over 25 million streams. Morgan also co-wrote and featured on Rudimental & Digga D’s ‘Be the One’ and Sigma’s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’-sampling hit ‘Adrenaline Rush’. More recently, she’s been writing for some of the biggest K-pop artists (including NCT’s Jaehyun), and later this year she’ll feature on Purple Disco Machine’s forthcoming album ‘PARADISE’.
Morgan has now sold out two London headline shows and is embarking on her first UK headline tour at the end of this year. Like most musical greats, Morgan is unafraid to carve her own path.
Morgan sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
Hi Morgan, hope you’re well? So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Hi! Thanks for having me. Music has always been a part of my life, from a very young age. I grew up surrounded by a variety of sounds - everything from reggae to pop to R&B. My love for music really started when I began singing in my church choir as a child though. It was there that I realised how powerful music can be in connecting people and expressing emotions. That experience sparked a fire in me that’s only grown stronger over the years.
You've had incredible collaborations with artists like Rudimental, Digga D, and Purple Disco Machine. How have these experiences shaped your sound today?
Collaborating with such talented artists has been a huge inspiration for my sound - each collaboration brings something new to the table and has allowed me to refine my style and experiment with different genres, because I enjoy exploring different types of music. I’ve always been that way. Working with such a diverse group of artists has allowed me to blend elements from various styles, which has been key in developing the sound you hear today.
Your music spans a variety of genres, from dancefloor pop to dancehall and R&B. How do you approach blending these different styles while staying true to your artistic vision?
I see music as a spectrum, and I don’t believe in limiting myself to one genre. My approach is to stay authentic to who I am and let my instincts guide me. I draw inspiration from my Jamaican roots, as well as from the different genres I’ve been exposed to over the years. Whether it’s dancehall, pop, or R&B, I always aim to bring something fresh while keeping the essence of who I am as an artist. It’s all about creating a vibe that feels genuine and resonates with my audience.
Your comeback single ‘Bum Bum’, samples Sister Nancy’s classic ‘Bam Bam’. What inspired you to reimagine this iconic track?
‘Bam Bam’ is such a timeless anthem, and Sister Nancy is a legend. I’ve always been inspired by her music and the cultural impact it’s had. My Dad always played this tune in the house when I was growing up. With ‘Bum Bum’, I wanted to pay homage to that legacy while also bringing something new to the table. The idea was to create a track that honors the original but also reflects my own style and energy. It’s a celebration of my heritage and a way to bridge the gap between the old and the new.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind your upcoming single ‘Wheel Up’? How did the idea for the song come about?
‘Wheel Up’ started with a vibe in the studio. We were playing around with different beats and melodies, and there was this one rhythm that really stood out - we literally wrote it in around 30 mins. It had that infectious energy that just made you want to move. From there, the lyrics started to flow, inspired by the idea of capturing a moment so good that you want to experience it again and again. It’s all about that feeling of pure joy and the desire to keep the party going.
How did the collaboration with Byron Messia on ‘Wheel Up’ come about, and what was it like working with him?
Byron is an incredible artist, and I’ve always admired his work - his topline and melodies are insane. We connected through mutual friends in the industry, and when I shared the idea for ‘Wheel Up’ with him, he was instantly onboard. Working with Byron was a great experience - he brought his own unique flavor to the track and our styles complemented each other perfectly. It was a really organic collaboration, and I think that comes through in the final master.
Your Jamaican heritage plays a significant role in your music, especially with tracks like ‘Bum Bum’. How important is it for you to incorporate your roots into your work?
My heritage is a huge part of who I am, and it’s something I carry with me in everything I do. Incorporating my roots into my music isn’t just important - it’s essential and also natural. It’s my way of honoring where I come from and sharing that with the world. Whether it’s through the rhythms, the language, or the themes, I always strive to infuse my work with elements of my Jamaican culture. It’s a way of staying connected to my roots and ensuring that my music is authentic. I'm a proud product of dual heritage.
What can fans expect from you in the future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
There’s so much to look forward to! I’m always working on new music and exploring different sounds, so fans can definitely expect more singles, collaborations, and an EP in the near future. I’ve got some exciting projects lined up with both established artists and up-and-comers that I can’t wait to share. Stay tuned - there’s a lot more to come!
You’re about to embark on your UK headline tour - how are you feeling? What can fans expect?
I’m beyond excited! Touring is one of my favorite parts of being an artist because it’s a chance to connect with my fans in a real, tangible way. They can expect a high-energy show, with a mix of their favorite tracks and some new ones that haven’t been released yet. I want every show to feel like a celebration, where everyone can let loose and just enjoy the music. The stage is my home and safe space and I want it to be the same for my audience too.
Lastly, name three things you can't live without when in the studio?
That’s a tough one! I’d say my notebook - I love jotting down ideas and lyrics the old-school way. Then, probably some tea to keep the vibes relaxed and my voice warm. And lastly, I’d have to say a good pair of headphones - they’re essential for really getting into the music and fine-tuning every detail. I listen to all my mixes with them.