Ashby’s rising star, Sekou, has [today] released his long-awaited debut single ‘Better Man’. Out now via NWS/Island Records.

Dubbed the new ‘voice of his generation’ by top industry tastemakers, ‘Better Man’ is a bold blend of contemporary RnB, and a gallant introduction to Sekou’s sound. Performed for the first time at BBC Music Introducing’s tent at Glastonbury Festival in 2022, the emotionally charged ballad sits upon a backdrop of rich instrumentation that flawlessly showcasesSekou’s powerful vocals and poignant lyricism. Produced by Sounwave (6LACK, Kendrick Lamar) & Yakob (J Cole, Future, SZA, Giveon), the track features minimalist production underpinned by a heady piano melody, subtle percussion, and lyrics that focus on growth, self-reflection, and redemption. ‘Better Man’ at its core is a raw and universally relatable track that holds a mirror up to listeners – encouraging them to recognise their flaws and strive to be a better version of themselves in a world that often fails to understand them.

Speaking on the single, Sekou said: “Growing up I had a bad relationship with my dad, but I never knew I could write a song out of it. I wanted to write half of it to myself, telling myself what not to do, but then also telling my dad a message as well. When I started the writing process that was the only thing I could really relate to and be honest about.”

18-year-old Sekou’s trajectory to stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. Born in Ashby, just outside of Leicester, he began singing at a young age, and by the time he was a teenager he was writing and performing his own songs anywhere he could. In 2021 after releasing a series of covers on Instagram, Sekou was ‘discovered’ performing in a carpark, and the rest as they say is history. Already establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with within the industry, Sekou has found himself in the studio with revered names such as acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer Labrinth, whilst gaining fans in the likes of Sam Smith, Anderson .Paak, Bruno Mars, Dua Lipa, and Leon Bridges.

Amid cross-Atlantic demand, Sekou can already boast two sold-out shows in Ashby alongside a wall-to-wall attended London listening party, and his star is only set to rise as he works to release a string of singles that’ll precede his forthcoming EP later this year. An analogue teen living in a digital world, Sekou’s powerful vocals, soulful melodies, and honest lyricism have resonated with fans ahead of any musical release as the artist, who grew up inspired by the likes of Prince, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, and Beyoncé, firmly begins to leave his mark on the world of music.

With much more to come, Sekou teeters ever closer to stardom with every release, and a testament to his musical prowess, ‘Better Man’ sets off an exciting string of music, and live performances, that are sure to propel Sekou even further into public consciousness.

Stream: ‘Better Man’

https://sekou.lnk.to/BetterMan

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