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The Montreal-born, Harlem-based soul singer, OTH€LLO, has made an ethereally dreamy debut with his first official single, SZA 4 NGAZ, which seamlessly blends elements of sensuously ambient RnB with hip-hop verses and Afrobeat rhythmics to indulge the listener in a progressively arrestive aural experience.
Veering from the mellow and saturated in warm delay indie guitar chords in the intro, the single, which celebrates staying true to your roots while practising radical acceptance, evolves right through to the outro, exhibiting OTH€LLO as a dynamically versatile singer-songwriter, who has exactly what it takes to reign supreme with his Afro-Fusionist authenticity.
By borrowing the instrumental from BeatsbyJonas, and recording his vocals at Lounge Studios in NYC, OTH€LLO was primed to make a humbly strong debut when SZA 4 NGAZ hit the airwaves on July 1st.
SZA 4 NGAZ will be followed by the release of the EP, Miss Mayotte, in early September.
What’s the inspiration behind your debut single?
Every set of locs I’ve worn symbolizes a period of personal renaissance, especially in the realms of relationships and love. This track encapsulates that essence – the therapeutic rituals that rejuvenate us after tumultuous phases.
Did writing this song provide emotional relief?
Absolutely. The song is a reflection of many facets of my life and the path I’ve treaded.
How do you aspire for your audience to feel when they immerse themselves in the song?
I hope they tap into a profound Afro-futuristic consciousness, linking the dreams of our ancestors to our present reality.
Your debut single echoes religious undertones; does faith shape your musical journey?
To an extent. Personally, I resonate more with spirituality than structured religion. I view religion as a lens that offers a collective interpretation of the universe. Othello, my musical identity, leans towards agnosticism.
Which musical maestros ignite your creativity?
Undoubtedly, SZA, Childish Gambino, and Sir are the torchbearers for me.
Could you describe your artistic aura in three words?
Afrocentric, sensuous, and conscious.
What’s on the horizon for OTH€LLO?
I’m gearing up for the launch of my neo-soul EP, provisionally named “Miss Mayotte”. Simultaneously, I plan to keep globe-trotting and continuing my ascent in both the tech and music worlds.
