AMA LOU

It’s difficult to ignore the hardships that minorities in the world go through. Whether it’s backlash against waves of refugees coming into Europe or acts of police brutality against Afro-Americans in the US, incidences of oppression are hard to ignore in this day and age. Despite its prevalence in modern society though, it’s not the type of subject matter you’d often find on a debut single. 18 year old Londoner Ama Lou thinks differently. She’s bolding taking on the politically charged subject on her first single, and is doing it with a sensitivity beyond her years.

On ‘TBC’, producer Exmoor Emperor gives her ample room to breathe with a fragile, R&B-inspired beat that occasionally flickers with added intricacies when Ama isn’t on the mic. He knows that the real star here is Ama. She tackles the harsh realities of racial oppression in a similar manner to Solange on ‘A Seat At The Table,’ never shouting to be heard but getting her point across nonetheless. In the context of the song, the phrase ‘TBC’ takes on a pessimistic tone, suggesting that if something isn’t done soon, subjugation will continue to thrive. When it comes to Ama Lou though, her career is definitely TBC.

Words by Eugenie Johnson

Tipped by Mattia from Going Solo