Iyamah, pronounced (i..yam..ah) grew up on the sounds of African drumming and reggae music in the seaside town of Brighton. Singing from an early age, she’d copy soul stars like Alicia Keys and Adele from the radio. Aged only 13 when she first picked up the piano and started to write songs, it wasn’t until her teacher convinced her to sing solo performances in plays and she started singing lessons in school that she’d pursue it with intent.
Developing a strong love for Neo-soul, hip hop and the likes of Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, Iyamah would nevertheless start writing toplines for Drum & Bass features, immersed as she was in Brighton’s club scene. It led her to a collaboration with Black Butter Records’ My Nu Leng, featuring on their festival anthem ‘Senses’ – performing it at Glastonbury last year and festivals throughout 2018.
However, Iyamah would find her sound living in London – one that links more closely to her original neo-soul and R&B roots: following on from her debut release, Cryptic Love’, Iyamah’s latest offering ‘Silver Over Gold’ cements the hype around the young star. Production also from Mullally and Courage, her stunning vocal describes a relatable struggle as she moves to a new town, living through life’s multiple disappointments.
Possessing the kind of natural musical and lyrical prowess that seems to have emerged fully-formed, Iyamah has already performed alongside Kojey Radical and Poppy Ajudha at the Wave Magazine launch and supported artist Mahalia on her UK tour – undoubtedly a name you’ll be hearing more from this year. Silver Over Gold is out on the 26th July 2018
