UWA is back. Fresh off a major run of shows across the UK, the Toronto-based Afro-fusion artist returns with “Composure”, a silky, summer-ready Afroswing and Afro-R&B record that arrives right on time.

“Composure” is the first release since UWA expanded internationally, and it lands like a statement. Over the past few months, he’s been locked in, performing across the UK, connecting with new audiences, and refining a sound that already had people paying attention. This record is the proof of work.

The song is exactly what the name says. Confident. Flirtatious. Effortless. It captures that specific summer feeling; the kind of track that comes on and immediately sets the mood. There’s an ease to it that sounds intentional, not accidental.

“This record is just meant to feel like summer,” UWA says. “I wanted it to feel smooth in a way that you can tell it’s from me but still catchy, like one of those songs, you hear once during summer, and it just sticks with you.”

UWA sits right at the intersection of the UK Afroswing sound and modern Afro-R&B, a lane he’s carved out for himself. The diaspora is watching, the numbers are moving, and “Composure” is a reminder that the best is still ahead.

“Composure” is out now on all streaming platforms. 

Meet Valentyno: An Artist Redefining Individuality Through Music

In a musical landscape often driven by trends, Valentyno stands out by embracing authenticity. The emerging artist is steadily building a name for himself through music that reflects his personal experiences, creative instincts, and unwavering commitment to self-expression.

With a sound that balances emotion, vulnerability, and contemporary alternative influences, Valentyno creates records that feel both personal and relatable. His artistry is rooted in honesty, allowing listeners to connect with the stories, moods, and emotions woven throughout his music. 

Fresh off the release of his two-track project, RIDE OR DIE & SML, Valentyno continues to showcase his versatility and creative vision. The release offers a glimpse into an artist who is unafraid to experiment, explore new sonic territories, and challenge conventional expectations while remaining true to himself.

More than just making music, Valentyno is focused on building a lasting connection with his audience. Through thoughtful storytelling, distinctive aesthetics, and a growing catalogue of work, he is cultivating a community that values originality and genuine artistic expression.

As he continues to evolve and expand his reach, one thing is becoming increasingly clear:

Valentyno isn't following a blueprint, he's creating his own lane, one record at a time, and inviting listeners into a world that is uniquely his.

 In an era where Afrobeats is expanding across continents and charts, few emerging artists are building worlds as deeply personal and culturally intentional as ORCH.

Born Peter Uchechukwu Imo, the Nigerian artist is more than a musician; he is a storyteller, cultural observer, and emotional archivist. Standing at 6'3" with a commanding presence and unmistakable baritone vocals, ORCH has begun carving out a lane that blends introspection, spirituality, African folklore, and contemporary Afrobeats into something entirely his own.

At the core of ORCH's artistry is duality. The loss of his father at the age of eight remains one of the defining moments of his life and creative identity. That experience continues to echo through his music, creating a delicate balance between grief and gratitude, absence and belief. His songs often feel like conversations between memory and hope, exploring the emotional landscapes that many listeners struggle to put into words.

Drawing inspiration from legendary figures such as Fela Kuti and Bob Marley, artists who transformed music into cultural movements, ORCH approaches his craft with a purpose that extends beyond entertainment. Literary influences, particularly the works of Chinua Achebe, further shape his perspective, giving his music a thoughtful depth that encourages reflection while remaining accessible.

His latest single, Oyibo Instructions, perfectly captures this artistic mission. Rather than offering a conventional Afrobeats record, ORCH delivers a bold commentary on psychological and cultural oppression. Inspired by the historic 1803 Igbo Landing, where enslaved Igbo people chose death over bondage, the song challenges listeners to question blind loyalty to oppressive systems and inherited ways of thinking. Built around traditional African folk influences and the haunting sound of the Oja flute, Oyibo Instructions demonstrates ORCH's commitment to preserving cultural memory while engaging contemporary realities.

Yet ORCH is not solely concerned with resistance. Previous releases such as Wonder and No Matter The Mood showcase a more introspective side, exploring resilience, self-belief, and emotional healing. Together, these records reveal an artist comfortable navigating vulnerability without sacrificing strength.

This thematic depth extends into his forthcoming project, I Wish You Came Earlier (IWYCE). Described as an "Early Prophetic" body of work, the EP chronicles personal struggles, family bonds, loss, ambition, and eventual triumph. Each song contributes to a larger narrative, inviting listeners into a journey that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Although still in the early stages of his career, ORCH's growing momentum is impossible to ignore. From generating viral moments during performances at Republic Bar to appearing at Spotify-powered Vibrate Workspace, he is steadily building a community that connects with both his message and his presence.

What makes ORCH particularly compelling is his refusal to separate culture from creativity. Whether drawing on ancestral stories, African spirituality, personal experiences, or social commentary, he creates music that feels purposeful. His work asks questions, challenges assumptions, and ultimately encourages listeners to engage more deeply with themselves and the world around them.

As he prepares for the release of I Wish You Came Earlier, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: ORCH is not simply introducing songs into the world. He is building a legacy rooted in meaning, memory, and African creativity.

And for those only discovering him now, his upcoming project's title may soon feel less like a name and more like a realization: I Wish You Came Earlier.