Rising talent and notable independent R&B musician Somalia has done it once again. She delivers quality music and top-level performance in her latest music video for her original track “Light Blue.” The music video premiered last April 30, 2021 and continues to make rounds online as hip hop and R&B fans start to catch wind of the Atlanta-based artist. 

The song “Light Blue” is part of Somalia’s mid-pandemic EP release, Never Enough Time, which, she shared, is some of her “best and most inspired work to date.” The music video features Director Van Dinh and producer Rachel Ostapower under the production company Eboshi Platinum LLC. Also part of the project is the production powerhouse duo known as Dope Norteria, an Atlanta-based music production company that has worked with some of the best artists in the area. 

Originally, Somalia is from Jersey City, New Jersey, but she moved to Georgia and landed eventually in Atlanta, where she would grow and thrive immensely as an artist. She started singing at a young age, jumping on every opportunity to perform and share her talent with the world. Somalia’s sound is a fusion of her various inspirations growing up—R&B, jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop music. She grew up listening to artists like Brandy, Anita Baker, Missy Elliott, Minnie Riperton, and Jill Scott.

Somalia studied music and Comparative Women’s Studies at Spelman College, then later traveled to London to deepen her study of music and songwriting at the Goldsmith’s University of London. Her extensive technical knowledge of the songwriting process and highly inspired approach to performing come together in a powerful show of craftsmanship that captures crowds at every turn. 

That gift is evident in her latest music video for “Light Blue,” which has reached 3,000 streams on YouTube and is still growing. The video features Somalia spinning around strobes and lights, seemingly changing appearance at every turn. “The concept points to the many looks representing the different sides of women,” shared Somalia. “Be it fun, sophisticated, sexy, or anything else.”

Over the years, Somalia has evolved as an artist and graced many stages in her music career, performing at over 180 shows, festivals, and theaters for crowds as big as 3,000 people. The artist has performed in events with The Atlanta Beltline, The Atlanta Taste of Soul Festival, The National Black Arts Festival, Six Flags Over Georgia, The New Georgia Project, UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, and NAMI. Somalia has also written extensively and released two albums in the last three years—one entitled “Journey,” which she released in 2018, and another called “Never Enough Time,” launched in the middle of the pandemic. “Light Blue” is part of her second EP, alongside songs like “No Filter,” “All I Want Is You,” “Front Door,” and many others.

“Light Blue” is Somalia’s third track to have a music video. Earlier, she released a music video for her song “Mimosa,” which has now gathered over 10,000 views. Somalia hopes to keep creating music that will capture people’s hearts and entertain thousands of people worldwide. She continues to shoot for the stars as she works hard to join R&B icons soon. 

Learn more about Somalia by visiting her website and following her on Spotify, Instagram, and YouTube.

Everyone aspires for greatness and envisions the best kind of life when they grow up. For many, the dream is to thrive in a career where they are in complete control of what they do. Kendahl Blakely is no different from the thousands of individuals who want to become their own boss, and he is currently living the dream through his music career under the stage name OWKZ.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, but raised in Las Vegas, OWKZ is one of the latest names to join the colorful roster of the music industry, and he has been making a significant impact on the west coast music scene. Since breaking out as one of the latest names in the hip-hop genre, OWKZ has consistently released quality tracks. Despite having been in the game for over a year, the rising artist has already released over thirty music videos on YouTube, with his latest song, “M.I.A.,” getting dropped over a day ago. 

OWKZ takes great pride in his work. “That’s what you call dedication,” he said proudly. While most people would quickly dismiss him as one of those cocky rising stars, OWKZ’s work rate cannot be overlooked. His debut album, The Birth of Zo, packs seventeen tracks and features big names like Skilla Baby and Skinny T FOD and is currently available on every major music streaming platform. 

When asked about his drive, the artist replied with this, “I always wanted to be my own boss and call my own shots. I always wanted to own my business and build assets to create generational wealth.” OWKZ has also cited his mother as his inspiration. Growing up as a child, he would watch as his mother struggled to make ends meet. The image of his mother breaking her back to provide for the family was reason enough to propel the rising artist to pursue a career in music. “I wanted to find a positive and creative way to escape poverty.”

As an artist, OWKZ dedicates most of his works to hard-working people. With so many people striving to change their situations despite their messed-up predicaments, the artist understands them perfectly and emulates their spirit. Even more impressive is the joy he gets when he is working hard. 

Since making his resolve, OWKZ developed a mindset to always plan his next step, giving him the work ethic that lets him stand out from other rising artists. “There aren’t too many artists working like me,” he said. “I stay consistent, and I release good music.” OWKZ takes pride in his craft and work ethics. While most artists create one good track and bask in their fleeting success, OWKZ is already in the studio, working on his following material. The artist tries to set himself as an example for other children in the situation he has been in.

OWKZ may just be the new kid on the block, but he has already exhibited professionalism. With the road wide open in front of him, he strives to find success in one of the most competitive industries today. Eventually, the artist plans on using his success and owning several businesses and assets. OWKZ has his eyes on real estate with the idea of raising a family not too far away. 

Get more updates on OWKZ’s latest tracks by following him on Instagram and Twitter.