Starting with an intimate voice message over the phone, Sylvia Mwenze's new single "So Good" is a real slow-burner.

I absolutely love the rise of UK r&b music in recent months and the Brighton-based alt-r&b / neo-soul singer is definitely up on the list of the artists to be excited about. Beginning her career at a young age, she developed a strong passion for the heartfelt and expressive nature of her singing and songwriting, influenced by artists like Jojo, Brandy, and Daniel Caesar during her upbringing.

Fast-forward to today, Sylvia has shared the stage with prolific artists like Ashanti and Bobby Valentino and has done backing vocals for Celeste, Peter Andre, and currently - Rag'n'Bone Man.

When it comes to the creation of "So Good" Sylvia shares, "...it came about then I was going through my old school slow jam playlist from back in the day - I had named it Baby Making Music and it was filled with some old Marques Houston, Aaliyah, and Janet Jackson. I realised the essence of those tracks had not been captured for a while, particularly in the UK. So, I made it my mission to bring back that feel-good sound and that's when my project took form - a collection of r&b love songs, with a modern take, that you could send your lover, or imagine it's about the person you're crushing on. I feel like society needs that permission to love right now."

I love how effortlessly the song ebbs and flows. Her voice is otherworldly and I must highlight the beautiful and playful synth towards the end of the track. A real cherry on top.

posted by Ivo
May 2023