Nigerian-Swiss songwriter and artist UCHJA connects in an instant, with the sublime sound-design and evocative depth of her single Girls Like Me Don’t Cry.
Immediately gripping for the stripped-back intimacy of this distinct voice and these personal, revealing and confronting lyrics, Girls Like Me Don’t Cry is all at once impressively original and melodically enthralling. The soundscape gathers subtle momentum, a divine production, taking hints of influence from the likes of RnB and soul pop – creating an ambience, and guiding the mood with these boldly compelling lyrics.
What begins as a great song reaches superb new levels for its hook – a profound concept, a sense of strength and musical appeal that transcends the barriers of genre or style, and these qualities appear to ring loud throughout the swiftly expanding UCHJA repertoire.
On Your Knees is another mighty single worth knowing about. Here we enter a soul-kissed, world music groove, the voice still clear and unmistakable, the rhythm and melody inviting and fresh as ever. The accent feels stronger, the subject matter just as motivational and empowering, and then we get these stunning moments of Gospel-like choir support – elevating this afrobeat fusion of traits, thanks to both the vocal talent and songwriting power of UCHJA and the supporting artists.
It’s inspiring territory, creatively uninhibited, engaging, likable, and always of intent and worth conceptually. Consider the 2020 single Break The Ice (Remix), a whole new setting and vibe, more gripping lyrics that are unexpected, a melody that’s simple and catchy but also original enough to avoid comparisons. The hook is minimalist but bold, a striking moment of uplift, and this track essentially presents a fiercely poetic side of the UCHJA artistic realm.
The remix fills out the production for a near euphoric celebration during its crescendo. Prior to this, however, 2019 saw the original release of Break The Ice – a more familiar, intimate set-up, the UCHJA voice quickly recognisable, and the spacious design of the track letting the poignancy and character of the lyrics pierce through in a completely different way.
UCHJA fearlessly carves out her own lane of independence as a modern artist, drawing upon the building blocks known to engage with and entertain listeners, but ultimately employing a sense of clear empowerment, possibility, and drive, that’s intoxicating to listen to. I look forward to following this musical journey into the coming months and years.
Find UCHJA on Instagram, Facebook, X & the Website.
