The Nigerian music scene is currently enjoying some sort of a renaissance, with fresh and diverse talent bursting onto the scene. As listeners, it’s an incredibly exciting time, allowing us to delightfully experience the sonic palettes we’ve been served. From subject matter to flow, Nigerian artists are skillfully mining their own unique sound, opting to create on their own terms rather than be force-fed a predetermined route. Amongst those carving out their own lane, is non-binary up-and-coming artist LunaLovesYou.
A 20-year old model and fashion enthusiast, LunaLovesYou is a Nigerian alternative R&B artist, based in the UK. While they haven’t put out a full project yet, LunaLovesYou has already released several well-received singles. The songs, which have been released over a period of three years, include ‘Dear V, I’m Sorry’, ‘Glitters’, ‘What If’ and ‘Got Me (freestyle)’. Their latest single, ‘Meant to Say’, produced by Yellowlabz, was released across all streaming platforms on the 1st of March, along with a music video.
LunaLovesYou’s music draws heavily from their own lived experiences. Their newest track, ‘Meant to Say’, was written during a period of reflection and inspired by an encounter that hadn’t worked out. It’s a hauntingly melodic track, with the harmonies gliding through your headphones as they take you through their personal journey of healing. Described as an “angst-filled song”, it’s easy to feel the despair and sadness of the artist in the layered echoes.
Their lyrics and storytelling on the track also embody their interest in divination and their ability to turn inwards for healing. We also get a glimpse of their belief in the supernatural, in the track’s timing (2:22), a symbol of alignment in numerology.
LunaLovesYou’s performance in the music video elevates ‘Meant to Say’. The camera zooms into them laying on the floor, its video visuals drenched in a hazy purple colouring that creates a feeling of intimacy. LunaLovesYou looks up directly at the camera as they sing, delicately mesmerising the viewers with their soft vocals. The video is set entirely in one of the most personal spaces we have – our bedrooms. Here, alone, LunaLovesYou is free to go through the range of emotions of a failed romance away from prying eyes and a need to perform that all is well.
With ‘Meant to Say’, LunaLovesYou showcases their ability to transform their emotions into an enjoyable and relatable piece of art. We’re excited over here at FEMME MAG to watch the budding artist grow.
