WAFIA MAKES A TRIUMPHANT RETURN WITH BOUNCY NEW SINGLE “BACKGROUND”
April 19, 2024 BY Bailey Vigliaturo
The gold-selling Netherlands-born LA-based Iraqi-Syrian troubadour Wafia returns triumphantly with her new single “Background” and announces her signing to Nettwerk Music Group. Renowned for her acute powers of observation and poignant lyricism, Wafia’s music offers a compelling portrayal of the world unfolding in real-time. “Background” and forthcoming releases are executive produced by the esteemed Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Sabrina Claudio, promising an exciting journey ahead for fans.
What distinguishes Wafia within the realm of pop music is her profound understanding of the human experience, underscored by her unique identity as both Arab and queer. Her musical journey began to gain significant momentum in 2015 with a cover of Mario’s “Let Me Love You,” amassing an impressive five million SoundCloud streams. Subsequently, her track “Heartburn” caught the attention of Pharrell Williams, who featured it on his Beats1 radio show, catapulting her into the spotlight. The endorsement of cultural icons like Jaden Smith and Kylie Jenner further propelled her ascent, illustrating the organic growth of her fan base.
Wafia’s EP “Good Things,” released in 2020, garnered critical acclaim, with NPR hailing it as the “perfect pandemic soundtrack,” resonating deeply with listeners navigating tumultuous times.
With nearly two million monthly Spotify listeners worldwide, Wafia’s musical evolution continues with the release of “Background,” a buoyant and uplifting single that pays homage to the importance of supporting one’s partner.
“Historically, I’ve fallen in love with people who worked ‘behind the scenes’ and would eventually grow disdain for how much I loved what I did. And till my current relationship, I’d never been with anyone that felt the same way,” says Wafia.
She continues, “We’re both these big, dramatic, applause-loving artists, but with that comes a balance we both need to navigate, taking turns in the limelight so this partnership can work. It was the first time I felt what my exes had felt being backstage at my shows, only being someone’s partner to someone else. And honestly, it was humbling. I think any good relationship has to have that push and pull. This song is about wanting to follow someone through it and seeing it from the other side.”
Wafia’s music transcends mere entertainment, offering a profound exploration of love, identity, and the intricacies of human connection. With “Background,” she invites listeners to embrace vulnerability, celebrate the beauty of mutual support, and embark on self-discovery alongside her captivating melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Keep an ear out for additional music on the horizon…
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