Amahla - Ooooh Honey! (EP)
Picture Credit: Justina Stasiunaite
Hackney singer-songwriter Amahla is excited to release her latest EP, ‘Ooooh Honey!’, a powerful celebration of self-discovery, growth, and the strength of women. The release comes alongside the announcement of her highly anticipated UK tour this November, which includes a headline show at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall, Elgar Room. This evocative collection of tracks marks a significant chapter in Amahla’s musical journey, showcasing a bold blend of old-school soul, jazz, and contemporary R&B, while highlighting her ability to balance timeless influences with a modern edge.
“Ooooh Honey!’ is a record of me growing up. These songs were written over three years and are just me figuring out who I am, learning how to hold myself in relationships, managing social anxiety while pursuing a career where I’m constantly perceived, and learning it’s okay to reinvent yourself when you feel a change calling. It’s confident and kind and mixes a few genres including but with a basis of soul and jazz. I’m so excited to put these songs together and present them as a whole,” Amahla shares.
Musically 'Ooooh Honey!' draws from a broad palette of Black musical influences across the decades, while in its visuals pay homage to the Black Divas of the 1960s a la Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin. The EP opens with the powerful single ‘Money’, produced by Stormzy collaborator, PRGRSHN, which seamlessly blends UK Jazz and R&B. Amahla’s raw, unfiltered vocals glide over an infectious bassline accented by orchestral flutes, brass, and glistening R&B chords. Inspired by a series of underwhelming dates, Amahla and PRGRSHN crafted a song where her voice blends with the horn section, capturing a blend of confidence and real-life humor. The track’s visualiser, directed by Justina Stasiunaite, is shot in one take with a DIY minimalist style, bringing the feeling of a Big Band into the streets of London.
'Ooooh Honey' slides from Jazz and Blues, to R&B, ending with the most contemporary Black music genre, the distinctly British - Garage on it's 30th year anniversary. ‘Commandments’ (Prod. Charlie Perry) is another track on the EP, which taps into the nostalgic warmth of early 2000s cookout anthems, blending groove and soul to poignantly explore unfulfilled love and personal growth. ‘Reason’ (Prod. Tev’n), with its lush string section, is a bold orchestral ballad tackling gaslighting, empowering women to reclaim their narratives. Following, ‘I Know What They’re Thinking’ (Prod. Mack Jamieson) offers a melodic, catchy rhythm and chorus that stays with you, addressing social anxiety in a chaotic world. Amahla’s live rendition of John Mayer’s ‘I’m Gonna Find Another You’, recorded in 2019, transforms the song into a triumphant anthem showcasing her vocal strength and beautiful harmonies. ‘Was It Something I Said’ (Prod. Mack Jamieson) delivers a cheeky reminder for self-reflection and empowerment. The EP closes with ‘Money (TRC’s UK Garage Edit)’, a dance-infused reimagining of the track.
Earlier this year, Amahla released her protest song collection ‘Enough,’ which saw three tracks go viral on Instagram and TikTok. Eight months later, it continues to spark thousands of new video creations each week, showcasing its dynamic impact and constant engagement. Accompanied by a visually compelling music video directed by Destinie Paige, ‘Enough’ draws inspiration from Caribbean culture and significant moments in Black history.
The release of ‘Ooooh Honey!’ marks just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year ahead for Amahla.
Ivor Novello-nominated Amahla, raised in a Caribbean family in Hackney, has drawn inspiration from influential artists such as Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, and Kendrick Lamar. Her career began with songwriting on guitar, and she has since seamlessly navigated genres including R&B, Jazz, Pop, Folk, Hip Hop, and Soul, echoing the legacy of brilliant solo female vocalists of the past.
Her musical journey, enriched by her Caribbean heritage, began with her debut project 'Consider This' in 2019, followed by her second EP 'Where Do We Go From Here?' in 2021. Her talent for songwriting was recognized early on when she won the PRS Lynsey De Paul Prize for Young Songwriters in 2019 and was subsequently nominated for the inaugural Ivor Novello Rising Star Award in 2020, where she first met her musical mentor, Nile Rodgers. Additionally, she reached the finals of the Glastonbury Emerging Artist Competition in 2022. Building on this acclaim, Amahla has achieved significant milestones such as selling out eight consecutive headline shows, including Omeara in March 2023, performing at major festivals like Glastonbury, and support slots to audiences of 10,000!
In the past year, Amahla’s profile has soared with viral success on TikTok and impactful singles such as ‘Enough’, ‘Have Mercy,’ along with a unique compilation ‘The Collection.’ This release explores themes of social justice and resilience in the spirit of protest, featuring soulful melodies and powerful lyrics, including Spanish and French versions of her hit single ‘Enough.’ Listen to the ‘Collection’ here.