BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE – Extremely talented songbird iYA has been the talk of the town since the release of her much anticipated extended play record (EP) ‘Straight Up’.
Since then iYA has been doing great on the number of listens on all music platforms which include Spotify, Deezer and YouTube.
This EP is iYA’s long awaited return after the release of her debut single ‘Call Me’ in December 2021 which dropped simultaneously with visuals. The video made it to VEVO’s Grown and Sexy RnB Playlist and got a nod.
An extended play record, usually referred to as an EP, is a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP record. Contemporary EPs generally contain four or five tracks, and are considered less expensive and time-consuming for an artist to produce than an album. An EP originally referred to specific types of records other than 78 rpm standard play (SP) and LP, but it is now applied to mid-length CDs and downloads.
Packed with soul searching sounds Straight Up is a culmination of uplifting, encouraging and illuminating freedom. Recorded during COVID-19 lockdown The EP is centred on ‘Straight Up’ the title track, a song about going for your dreams or calling in spite of dreary voices around.
When breaking down the EP iYA, born Nkhosiyabongwa Dlamini, said she was embracing being different with confidence, she mentioned that she excavated a deeply emotional and soulful blare as she carried the listener to a place of relaxation and profound thought on account of her clever use of lyrics and velvety vocals.
“The Excitement for the release of my first project is unmatched. Even more elated to finally share my heart and perspective with the world. The pandemic was a blessing for me because everything was shut down and I was able to tap into my most creative self, and that’s how this project was born” She said.
iYA has been nurturing her talent in the last two years evoking the lyricist inside her, by virtue of numerous writing collaborations and hours of studio time arranging vocals for other artists.
In 2021 she was appointed the vocal coach for the MTN Spotlight Season 3, Eswatini premium singing competition where she also co-wrote on the winner’s EP. In conclusion she shared that everything was working out in her favour.
“This is just the beginning for iYA and there’s more on the way soon,” she said briefly.
Straight up EP Tracklist:
1. Straight up
2. Call Me
3. Skin
4. Waiting
5. It’s You
6. Without you
