Qbanaa – Truth and Desire (2022)
From Roadie Music to Hot Press and various playlists, singer-songwriter Qbanaa is making a splash on the music scene. A Cuban Irish artist, this talented individual draws together her heritage to create a unique sound. Inspired by the likes of Amy Winehouse, Erykah Badu and Greentea Peng, Qbanaa finds the line between old-school soul and contemporary jazz. Immersing herself in the South-East London neo-soul scene, Qbanaa is honing an eclectic style of music.
With warm feedback from the press and radio play for her collaboration with Absentee, Qbanna decided to “take the plunge” releasing original solo music. Her debut track ‘Truth and Desire’ is a melodic arrangement of sensual vocals laid atop toe-tapping instrumentation. One intriguing element of ‘Truth and Desire’ is the combination of Spanish and English lyricism highlighting Qbanna’s influential background. Yet, while the Irish side of this talented songstress is important to note, it is her Cuban soulfulness that shines through in this song.
Flirty, sentimental and sexy, ‘Truth and Desire’ can easily be placed alongside any Sade or Erykah Badu recording. The huskiness of Qbanaa’s vocals has an insatiable effect oozing vulnerability, passion and intimacy. Oddly enough, while the song resembles the infatuation of young lovers’ honeymoon phase, its origin is rather innocent. Qbanaa explains that ‘Truth and Desire’ “…was inspired by the 1989 and 2008 movie The Little Mermaid – I’m sure people will think that’s a bit weird, but if you look into it there’s some insane soul and beautiful ethereal sounds in there that I took inspiration from. The movie is all about the unconditional nature of pure love…which really resonated with me growing up and carries the theme of ‘Truth and Desire’…”
Sincere, sentimental and sensual, Qbanaa is a shining gem amidst a pool of sonic pebbles. Keep your eyes and ears on her because there is still some stunning stuff to come.
For more from Qbanaa check out her Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
