British-Zimbabwean artist KWAYE has released his latest single "Jasmine", out now via Mind of a Genius. The track follows recent track "Lost In My Boots," a hauntingly poignant acknowledgement of the pain, sense of betrayal and heartache suffered by your partner if you were to break up with them. "Jasmine" on the other hand sets a more ambiguous tone - albeit undercut with more overtly positive energy than "Lost In My Boots". Speaking to The FADER, 23 year-old Londoner KWAYE said, "This song is whatever it makes you feel. For me, romance isn't dead, and "Jasmine" embodies the highs and lows of intimacy." Stripped back in comparison with the fuller nature of his previous videos, the visual for "Jasmine" was captured entirely in one shot, mirroring the rawness and intimacy of the song.
Mind of a Genius recently signed this dynamic talent following a chance encounter. The 22-year-old had moved to the States, pursuing a dual major at UCLA in African American studies and the music industry. One night, he hopped in an Uber whose driver happened to be a former A&R executive. KWAYE played "Cool Kids" in the car, and the driver decided to share it with Mind Of A Genius label founder David Dann. A deal followed, making him the company's very first U.K. signing.
As a child, KWAYE developed an encyclopedic musical taste, devouring everything from Zimbabwean traditional songs to D'Angelo, John Legend, Thundercat, Tracy Chapman, and The Eagles. He taught himself viola, saxophone, and guitar and cut his teeth playing open mic nights in London and in the famed West End. His personal fashion mirrors the melting pot at the heart of his music, merging bright Zimbabwe-style colors and London refinement.
KWAYE arrives as a new global voice in 2017 with the power to shake things up.
Click here to listen to the track!
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